How a Professional Home Stager Spends $40 at Dollar General
Whether it’s a flea market find or high-end décor, stylists and designers always keep their minds open to the possibilities. Home staging pro Claudia Andrade Desbiens, owner of Modern Mecca in Los Angeles, took $40 to Dollar General to see how many staging essentials she could buy in-budget. Here’s what she came out with—and why.
Brown woven basket, $12
“A basket fills empty spaces and adds warmth to a room. Besides getting our clutter under control, they’re so versatile. A basket next to a sofa or chair helps ground it to the room. It can also become a planter and soften the angles in your room.”
Canvas storage bin, $10
“Storage is tight in some of the homes we stage, so we’re always looking for pieces that are well-designed but also functional. This storage bin is made of canvas but has hard-surfaced sides to secure items inside. Plus they work in every room in the house.”
Dish drying mat, $4.50
“The colors on this reversible drying mat are so pretty and fun. It could also be used as an oversized placemat or under the dog’s water bowl.”
White pillar candle, $1
“Minimalist white candles are a classic element. Use them with moss for a simple summer tabletop, stack several on a tray over the fireplace mantel, or arrange on a bed of smooth, polished black stones over your side table. They can provide the warmth and glow of a fireplace.”
Extra-large storage bag, $1
“These are perfect for storing and moving throw blankets and bedding. They are a stager’s best friend, and for only a dollar, you can’t beat the price.”
White window panels, $12
“Floor-to-ceiling drapes are an inexpensive way to make the ceiling of any room look taller. Although in our own homes we gravitate toward color, we like to stick with whites and neutral tones for staging. It helps give the room a crisp, clean, light and airy feel.”
