Joyful Composition
WORDS Liam Stretch
For Lynette McFadden, Kate Burmester, and Petra Jack, the home is truly where the heart is. They’ve taken this concept and run with it, forming a business supporting and boosting the sales of homes.
“Au Staging was developed as an adjunct to the business [Harcourts Gold] because we thought it could support our consultants and clients,” says Lynette, owner and creative director.
The home staging on offer fits most clients’ needs, and Lynette adds, “We do very high-value homes through to little villas and first homes. We’re thrilled to do the whole gambit.”
For vacant properties, there’s the Full Property Stage, providing all necessary items to style the property appropriately, suiting new builds, investment properties, or situations where occupants can move out during the sale process. The Partial Property Stage service combines selected existing items with the team’s staging items, creating a cohesive and stylish look. They may incorporate existing personal items like beds, couches, and artwork, enhancing them with fresh linen, beautiful décor, and their signature style.
The Property Style service guides homeowners in decluttering, furniture arrangement, and adding luxurious touches such as fresh linen and towels for viewings. This service is perfect for homeowners who wish to remain in the property during the sale process, as it transforms the space while allowing comfortable living. They also offer short-term rental options tailored to staging for purposes other than selling, such as photoshoots, marketing materials, or show homes.
Lynette says the key is capturing emotion and the human aspect of homes; only a bespoke approach works for this.
“Often you’ll go to other staged homes and think of them as exactly that, staged. But people will invariably say to us, “Gosh, is there someone living here?” – which is a compliment. You have to feel the emotion. Like someone is living there and popped out to the shops.”
This bespoke appearance is achieved through their commitment to quality and composition, guided by their “look book”. This consists of several distinctive styles, each charming and appealing. Inspired by Lynette herself, the “eclectic look” is characterised by expert layering techniques, bursts of colour, and surprise elements that bring joy and interest to any space. The “contemporary look” offers a minimalist approach to modern or architecturally designed homes, allowing statement pieces, exceptional artwork, and clean layouts to shine. The “transitional style” combines old and new furnishings, creating a stage with character and flair. The “rustic” design uses raw and exposed elements, unique furnishings, and textured accents to create an inviting and casual feel. Finally, the “traditional with an edge” style caters to properties with a unique style of their own, blending seamlessly with the existing interiors to create a timeless look.
Lynette emphasises the bespoke nature of their service. She checks every detail, ensuring the highest quality and composition. Unlike other staged homes that can feel impersonal, the trio aims to evoke emotion and make potential buyers feel as though they’re home. Lynette sources items from all over the world, including beautiful artworks and unique pieces, often collaborating with photographers and artists. She even admits to occasionally borrowing items from her own home, much to her husband’s chagrin!