When it comes to home staging, the right decision can make or break a sale, but it’s more than just filling a property with furniture. According to seasoned designer and founder of Dallas-based home staging service The Staged Collective, Elizabeth Schramme, “Staging is not just about making a home look beautiful—it’s about telling a story that allows potential buyers to envision their lives in the space.”
Under Schramme’s keen eye, The Staged Collective offers an intuitive, client-focused approach that combines design expertise with a deep understanding of the real estate market. “The inspiration came from my belief in the transformative power of design and my desire to elevate the home-selling experience,” she says. “After spending over a decade in the high-end furniture and design industry, I saw firsthand how beautifully curated spaces could evoke emotion, create connection and ultimately influence decision-making. I realized that the same principles could be applied to home staging—where the goal is not just to furnish a space, but to tell a story that resonates with buyers.”
The Park Cities real estate market, known for its competitive nature, requires homes to stand out—and staging can be the difference between a quick sale and one that lingers on the market. “I’ve seen firsthand how staging can impact a sale,” Schramme shares. “I’ve worked with homes that sat empty for months and then sold for 20% over asking price after being staged. When a home is staged well, it helps buyers emotionally connect with the space, which is often the key to driving interest and competitive offers.”
With architectural styles ranging from grand, traditional estates to sleek, modern homes, working in the Park Cities has inspired Schramme to stretch her creativity and adaptability. “My approach starts with understanding both the home’s style and the lifestyle of its potential buyer,” she says. “We don’t rely on a cookie-cutter formula or one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, we take the time to understand each property’s architecture, location and target market.” For example, staging a bachelor’s pad might call for a sleek, modern aesthetic, while a family home might require a design that’s both functional and chic.
According to Schramme, creating a universally appealing space is at the heart of what makes staging effective. While every project by The Staged Collective is highly customized, there are a few key ways Schramme ensures a space is warm, inviting and engaging for everyone. She starts with a foundation of larger, neutral furniture, then builds a different story around each home by layering textures and materials, and adding pillows, art and accessories.
“These smaller elements allow me to infuse personality and warmth into the space, whether that’s through pops of color, organic materials or thoughtful decorative touches,” she says. “This layering process ensures the home feels welcoming and livable, while still maintaining a broad appeal that lets buyers envision their own style in the space.” Her curated inventory of furnishings and accessories, combined with a collaborative approach with realtors and homeowners, ensures each project is tailored to highlight the property’s best features.
In addition to the physical transformation of a home, Schramme’s design philosophy is deeply rooted in the emotional aspect of selling a property. “Staging is about crafting an atmosphere that’s inviting and emotionally engaging,” she says. “That moment when you step into a staged home and instantly feel its potential is what drives my creativity and passion for this work.”
As a mother of young children, Schramme’s ability to juggle a successful business with the demands of motherhood has not only shaped her perspective on life but has also influenced her design philosophy. “Being a mom in the Park Cities has given me a unique perspective on balancing beauty with practicality,” she reflects. “It’s about selecting pieces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also fit seamlessly into an active, family-oriented lifestyle. My goal is to create homes that inspire families to see the potential of their living spaces—not just as places to live, but as places to thrive.”
For Schramme, the work she does with The Staged Collective is more than just business—it’s a passion for design, a love of storytelling and a belief in the transformative power of creating spaces that feel like home.
“The goal is not just to furnish a space, but to tell a story that resonates with buyers.”