Name: Maddie Clarke
Location: Ottawa, ON
QC courses you’ve taken:
Website: www.maddieclarkeinteriors.com
Facebook.com/MaddieClarkeInteriors
Instagram: @maddieclarkeinteriors
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I’m originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia. I’ve lived in Ottawa for 7 years. I am an Honors Graduate of Algonquin College’s Interior Decorating program. I’ve been working in the industry since 2014.
You offer home staging services for real estate agents. How often do you partner with a real estate agent to sell a home?
The home staging services I offer for real estate agents is quite popular! I would say a few times a month. My fiancé is a Realtor and we work closely together.
What is the most common issue that you’ve encountered when working in client’s homes?
Furniture placement is often a struggle for clients, but it’s a very important part of the home sale process.
Do you have any advice for home stagers who are working with contractors for the first time?
Be flexible and have a Plan B. Not every vision you have can come to life. Sometimes, you have to make adjustments.
Why did you decide to earn your home staging certification online instead of off?
I had already been working in the home staging industry. An online home staging course gave me the flexibility I needed to work full-time and study.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned from QC’s Home Staging Course?
The most important lesson I learned in the home staging course is about furniture/layout planning. It is the lesson I put to use most while working to help clients sell their homes.
Describe your favorite project so far.
It is hard to choose just one. What I love most about my home staging business is the variety of tasks and clients. No two days are the same, no two clients have the same style, and no two projects are the same. The job options for interior decorators and home stagers are limitless.
What’s on the horizon for your home staging business for the rest of the year and beyond?
I hope to continue what I’m doing! Home staging is just a portion of my business. I also work with a lot of interior decorating clients. I am involved in renovations and working with contractors to flip rental units. I love the path I’m on!