I recently met with Julie Cook, of Upstage. She and her co-owner, Juanita, work with seniors who are in transition to make sure their moving experience is stress-free and enjoyabl
e. From staging & styling to selling, to downsizing, to moving, to setting-up the new home, these ladies do it all!
I love sitting down with people and hearing about their work and what drives them.
What got you started in this profession?
Seniors. I was working as an interior designer and stager when one man wanted more that what we had to offer him. I felt like I hadn’t given him good service and I saw the opportunity to do more!
What sets you apart from others doing the same thing?
We are really the only ones in Chilliwack who go from staging to selling, downsizing, moving and setup. The staging element we bring is very unique across the board; we are professional stagers as well as we both have elder planning council accreditation.
What makes for a great day?
I love moving day! We move everything in, put sheets on the beds, pictures on the walls, everything put up and set up, all in 6 hours! Our clients walk in and are AMAZED! It is so rewarding, so worth it.
What was one of your favourite projects of this last year? Why?
I would have to say the time when I felt like we changed someone’s life. He was at risk living on his own, health wise, nutrition wise and safety wise. He would not have survived if he had stayed on his own. Moving him allowed him to get the help he needed and live longer!
What is the process you use for choosing where art should go in a space?
Depends on the space. In a small space, I want to maximize wall space and create balance. I also make sure there is not conflicting colors.
How would you choose between putting up a large canvas or a collage wall?
I would find out what is meaningful to my client and go from there.
What are some mistakes that people make when hanging pictures in a home?
- They put pictures too high; you want to hang them at eye level.
- People miss taking advantage of a high ceiling. Try putting something above pictures on a high wall.
- They put pictures that are too wide or too small in a space; you want to create an equal portion around a picture.
Are there any other unique ways of displaying art work & photos that you’ve seen or used?
Printing on metal
What is the importance of quality artwork & photography when decorating a space?
Put things on the wall that you are passionate about and are meaningful to you. Your home is a reflection of you; its not meant to be on the front of a magazine. Go through old photographs and see what captures you. Put those on the wall!