Stage To Sell

Staging for Low Income Housing – The Ardmore

Posted on 01 October 2009

In the last couple of years, I’ve done some “staging” work for American Communities, a developer of low income housing in Los Angeles. If you read my posts about Staging 1,  Staging 2 and Staging 3, you will remember that our goal was to make the common spaces in these buildings warm and inviting, as well as functional for the residents to relax, watch TV, attend meetings & classes and use a computer.

We recently completed Staging #4 for American Communities. Like the previous building, this one was designed in a contemporary Art Deco style, so we chose furnishings and art that fit with this theme. But at Stage to Sell, we always have to try something new! So this time we added a graphic element to the walls with vinyl decals. Though these gave us the fun design element we were looking for, their large size made them quite difficult to install (more on that in a separate post).

Below are the “after” photos of this beautiful property. Enjoy

Notice the creative use of a vinyl wall decal as an accessory. The “candelabra” sits atop the console table as a welcoming accent as residents enter the space.

These low income buildings are required to offer certain types of free classes to their residents, so the conference area provides a space for these courses.

While their parents attend classes, the younger children have a place to read or play.

Older kids and adults can make use of one of three computer terminals to access the internet, do email or look for work. (Due to theft in past projects, three laptops will be available for check out in the manager’s office).

The conversation area allows residents to mingle, read or watch television in a group setting.

Notice the two vinyl wall decals in the photo above. The first is the custom lettering with the name of the building. The second is the clock. The best part about this clock is that it actually works! The company sends you both the decal and a working clock mechanism that you apply after installing the decal. Very cool.

And last but not least, the bathroom! I like how the plane decal adds a touch of color and whimsy to this often overlooked space. But tell me the truth, does it look like the plane is about to crash into the person who is sitting on the john?