Kaboom on this Dining Room "Staging"

A question I get asked a lot is, "what has changed the most since you started staging (in 2003)?"

One thing that has changed is the Dining Room.  Dining rooms used to be used strictly for a grand table and chairs, china cabinet, buffet, etc.  Now, dining rooms are used for offices, music rooms, and small family rooms.  Today's buyer 'gets it' that the space can be converted back to a dining room if they chose to use it for its designed purpose.

Our dining room is my husband's man cave.  We have a small home.  A dining room would not be used enough to warrant its own dedicated space.  But, oh Lordy, how I covet dining rooms.  I consult on houses and drool over people's good fortune to have a DR.

Isn't this a beauty?

A Perfect Union

This one is beach-y cute.

Southern Living

Now, I digress.....

I consulted on a house and the dining room looks like this.

StagerLinda

I mentioned that the chandelier, while beautiful, was a bit formal for the furniture in the room.  I suggested that it be replaced with the chandelier that was originally installed and coordinates with light fixtures in the rest of the house.  The seller was receptive to this idea.  I then broached the subject of the table and chairs being on a diagonal and the china cabinet being crowded into the corner.  "The other stager did that."  (The house has been on the market for a year and not sold.) 

"Really?" says me.

OK, lovelies in what universe does this furniture configuration look right?  I'm mortified that a stager (or anybody with an ounce of sense) would tell the seller this looks good! And, don't get me started on that red vinyl tablecloth....

I'm thinking about starting a series on Frequently Asked Questions about staging.

What do ya think?