The multimillion-dollar condo fitted the bill – but it was the faux plants that sold it

Beth Ann Shepherd stages homes down to the smallest details, including top designer accessories that subconsciously draw in discerning potential buyers. (Image: Wall Street Journal)

The Wall Street Journal

Sat, 30 Sep 2023

By Alina DizikAfter moving to New York City from suburban California, Diana Obrand couldn’t quite envision what her next home might look like. Luckily, she didn’t have to.The detailed staging of the loft in Tribeca she saw during her house-hunting effort left nothing to the imagination. An inviting Hans Wegner Flag Halyard chair was in the corner, a tall driftwood sculpture accentuated the ceiling height in the open-plan space and the print in the guest bedroom impressed the friend who went with her on a subsequent trip to see the u...

Subscribe to BusinessDesk

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.

Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

You can cancel anytime with two clicks, an email or a phone call.
Find out more.

We are serious about journalism.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].name) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}