Meet Ragan Schlappi | Home Staging Expert + Interior Decorator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ragan Schlappi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ragan, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
One thing outsiders often don’t realize about home staging is that it’s as much about psychology as it is about design. Stagers strategically arrange furniture, lighting, and decor to create an emotional connection for buyers, making a house feel like a “home” rather than just another listing. Small details–like the scent of fresh linen, the placement of a cozy throw, or the warmth of soft lighting–can subconsciously influence a buyer’s perception and even their willingness to pay more. Many assume staging is just about making a space look pretty, but it’s actually about guiding the buyer’s experience and highlighting a home’s best features while downplaying any flaws. Successful staging isn’t just about filling a room with furniture; it’s about telling a story that resonates with the right audience. When done correctly, it can lead to faster sales and higher offers, making it a powerful tool in real estate.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
How did I get to where I am today and was it easy?

I got to where I am today by releasing control (well.. at least a little control) and killing the ego. I want to be the owner of a business that allows creatives the freedom to create but in the beginning I started to expect robotic structure. Its rather contradictory to expect this in the design industry given that this is the industry where the bold ones stand out. The ones who break the rules and create their own are some of the ones we all look up to today. Its the most beautiful thing about being a creative – its free flowing when you allow your natural instincts to kick in. During my first year I learned this the hard way and my very first employee didn’t feel valued or appreciated. I wasn’t her biggest cheerleader and I didn’t mentor her well. During our time apart I reflected on this and it hit me. Was it easy? No. Swallowing pride never is but I knew I needed her to come back. I humbled myself and acknowledged my failures as a new and naive business owner and she was worth the large pill of pride regardless if she came back to work for me or not. I learned in that moment that despite the outcome, you should always respect and lift up the people who are steering your boat. You may think it is you that keeps the ship afloat but I assure you that the people who helped build it deserve a ton of credit.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love this question because I am a Georgia Native and although I have seen a lot in my 37 years, I know there is a ton more! In my opinion Georgia is simply one of the best states to live in. We have the city, we have the beach, and we have the mountains all within a few hours from one another and you just can’t beat it. If I had a friend visit, she would have to stay for several weeks in order for us to even make a dent in what Georgia has to offer. But I would first start our adventure in the city. We would have a few days of exploring Piedmont Park, eating and drinking along the beltline, finished off with a show at the Fox or a Braves game at The Battery in nearby Smyrna. The last few days will be spent up north in the Blue Ridge Mountains where my family is from. She’ll have the pleasure of driving the backroads to some of my favorite hidden spots while taking in the views topped off with some good wine by the camp fire. The eating, drinking, and shopping is also endless in Blue Ridge but, most importantly, its my definition of “home.” Its where I feel the most grounded and I thoroughly enjoy sharing it with the ones closest to me.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the incredible people who have shaped my journey. First and foremost, God has been my rock, reminding me that growth requires stretching and that I am exactly where I’m meant to be. My dad may have left the world too soon, but his entrepreneurial spirit and those countless jobsite visits gave me a vision beyond walls–both literal and figurative. My daughter, with her natural creativity, fuels me in ways she doesn’t even realize, especially when I see her light up while helping at the warehouse. My team is the backbone of this business, and I could never have reached this point without their dedication and talent. And finally, to my clients–you invite me into your homes, trust me with not only your spaces but also your stories, and for that, I am forever grateful. Each appointment brings a new connection, and I’m honored to gain a new family member with every project.

Website: https://www.crabapplecreatives.com

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