Sending kids off to college can be tough...I know as I will be doing that next year and am already completely dreading it!  It's even tougher on the child and moving into ugly, boring and sterile dorm rooms does not make it any easier.   That's why I love this story about DORM ROOM STAGING  that I wrote for the National Association of Realtors staging blog which featured yet another way for stagers to do amazing things in unique locations!


Penn State wisely contacted HSR Certified Carolyn Plummer of Carolyn Plummer Designs and home staging based in Harrisburg, PA for a solution to boring dorm spaces and you won't believe the transformation...

Before Photo

After Photo -  Carolyn Plummer Designs

I absolutely love how Carolyn softens up the space with an on-trend color palette that pleases both boys and girls along with a TON of textures and cozy rug, pillows and throws.  Imagine previewing colleges with your child to find this staged dorm space as an option vs. the typical un-staged space above it?

The builder was ecstatic with her work and these staged spaces put Penn State on top of their college recruiting game!

Here's some more photos but to read the WHOLE story, CLICK HERE.

Before Photo

After Photo - Carolyn Plummer Designs

The builder also used these photos in their marketing materials...in fact, the developers of this housing unit were so impressed with the job Carolyn did, they kept the furnishings for the model unit.

They’ve since rented out all of the units through the next three years—wow!

As a contributor to the National Association of Realtors staging blog, my favorite thing to do is to brag about the incredible talent of my HSR certified home staging members.  I also find it so interesting to watch the MANY different directions home stagers take their business because there are so many niches available to them.  

I will share Carolyn's behind the scenes Member Success story soon but here's what she had to finish with when she shared her dorm room project with me...

Fortunately, I was very blessed to have had your amazing training and gain credibility through projects, presentations, etc.  Audra, you gave me the confidence and the knowledge to be successful…….I just can’t thank you enough!!!! 

- Carolyn Plummer Designs

Thank you Carolyn for sharing your story and talent to encourage others!   This is an amazing industry because of people like you.

If you're reading this and thinking about becoming a home stager and creating your own story...then watch my free video about how to become a home stager below...

Could  " be a Career for You?


Don’t miss this..!!

  • 7 Key Questions to Ask Yourself
  • What the Cost is to Starting this Business
  • Do You Have the Personality for This Industry?
  • How You Know If You Have the Design Talent?

More Stories from HSR Certified Home Stagers...

Winning Staging Photos You Will Love

Winning Staging Photos You Will LoveWho doesn’t love looking at award winning staging photos? As the body of work for stager’s and designer’s gets better and better, we love to showcase some of our favorites posted in our Stagers Connect community.  There’s a story behind every staging and design job, so that gets to be

Read More

7-Figure Stager

7-Figure Stager Success Story You all know that I never get tired of sharing my student’s success stories which are always so inspiring! In this quick, video success story I share a story of how Kristen who having turned 50 felt like life was mostly behind her, was very nervous about reinventing into doing what

Read More

Holiday Design Success Stories

Holiday Design Success StoriesDo you struggle with a slower staging business during the holidays? In the video below I share a popular post in our Stagers Connect private Facebook group discussing the benefits of adding “holiday design” to your services this time of year.  It features multiple holiday design success stories and the statistics don’t

Read More

Fabulous Staging and Design Award Winning Photos

Fabulous Staging and Design Award Winning Photos and Stories to Inspire You In my last workshop on “How to Quit Your Day Job” I showcase a bunch of inspiring stories of people who took their love for design and created AMAZING businesses doing what they love.   Interestingly, the third quarter “Best of the Best” winners

Read More

Amazing Staging Home Transformation

Anatomy of an “Almost There” Staging Home TransformationNothing gives me more pleasure than sharing the gorgeous work and art of my staging members!  In this staging home transformation we are showcasing a home that was “almost there” in the staging world.  It had great bones and beautiful furnishings to work with… but just needed the

Read More

Airbnb Interior Design Winners and More

Incredible Airbnb Interior Design, Staging and Design “Best of the Best” As you’ll see from our next round of “Best of the Best” winners, Airbnb interior design is super HOT right now and working with a Vacation Rental Design Expert is a great way to make more money on your investment. This quarter’s “Best of

Read More

40 Award Winning Design Photos You Will Love

40 Award Winning Design Photos You Will Love We are rolling out more “Best of the Best” award winning design photos and this batch is particularly interesting because it features so many various design services like remote design, vacation rental design, occupied staging, vacant staging, new construction design, bathroom remodeling and more!   I love to

Read More

Summer Staging Tribute

“Best of the Best” Summer Staging Edition The Home Staging Resource Best of the Best winners for September’s Best of Summer Edition were chosen based on how their staging skills pulled the feel of Summer into their client’s home.  Staging for a season is an art, as demonstrated by the photos and stories below. Check out

Read More

Is Staging Worth It for a Low Priced Home?

Is staging is worth it in a low-priced home that is occupied and very cluttered? Or maybe you’re an agent and you have that kind of listing and you’re just thinking… maybe I’ll just throw it on the market and hopefully people can see past their items? Here is another incredible member success video story by

Read More

5 Ways to Simplify Your Design Services

5 Ways to Simplify Design ServicesAre you struggling with how to add a simplified design service to your home staging business?Or maybe you are a designer and you’re struggling with how to control your service offerings because those projects are taking forever?Here is another Expert E-Designer success story about HGTV super star and designer Cathy

Read More

Gorgeous Staging Photos to Love

Best Staging Photo Winners The Home Staging Resource Best of the Best winners for May are pulling out all the stops this month in their staging and redesign projects! They’re using lots of blues and greens in their furniture and accessory choices, adding plants and greenery to their vignettes, and using natural light to give

Read More

Best Staging Photos to Love

Best Staging Photo Winners April’s Home Staging Resource Best of the Best staging winners are welcoming brighter days ahead by incorporating their HSR skills into this month’s homes by bringing in natural light, using lighter paint colors, and assimilating a beautiful spring palette into their staging and redesign. As you lay eyes on their best staging

Read More