Entryway/living room – Before

Staging Tip #1 – Create Groupings

Strategically using area rugs, I separated the large space into groupings.  A central living and seating area between the columns draws the eye to the seating area and away from the columns.

Entryway/Living Room After

Staging Tip #2 –Use Reflective Surfaces

The large and well placed mirror brings the eye further into the room immediately while extending the more narrow space. Using a light palette, reflective surfaces and mirrors, the space appears more open, light and inviting.

Here is a view from another angle where you can see how open the space was and how difficult it would be to fit all the represented living spaces in this one great room.

Not only did I fit a living grouping but a dining area off the kitchen as well.

Staging Tip #3 –Use Furniture to Separate the Space

What do you do with a small, seemingly useless space off the living area when you’ve already established plenty of seating arrangements?

Separating the space with a bookcase, it becomes an office with a view!

Staging Tip #4 –Proper Scale Needs to Always be Considered

Filled with large, empty space this loft needs properly scaled furnishings to first “fit” between the beams in the living/entry area and now larger pieces to match this large space below.

The cabinets are artfully arranged to add color and symmetry.

Staging Tip #5 –Know Your Buyer Demographic

Staging for Families

Since the buyer demographic for this space was a family, I incorporated that lifestyle in the staging by turning this cold Den space into a bright, kids play area.

Notice how the brick wall in the vacant space appears to be a detraction while once it’s staged becomes an asset.

Staging Tip #6 –Use Great Art to Elevate the Space

At this point you’ve probably noticed the amazing artwork that serves to elevate the space and give personality right?  Well a few weeks ago I partnered with an art gallery to rent art for staging purposes.

This bedroom is tricky because all you notice is the long, unsightly heater under the windows.

Second bedroom – Before

Using a highly textured area rug, soft textiles and amazing artwork the space becomes a girls dream bedroom!

Third bedroom – After

Staging Tip #7 –Never Leave Anything Up to the Buyer’s Imagination

Frankly, any kitchen  that is “unstaged” with cleared counter tops will look cold, sterile and bring the eye to the worst architectural feature (in this case the overhanging light on the island).  The “cleared counter top” look is NOT a staged kitchen

Color was essential to move away from the hospital feel and the contemporary barstools draw the eye away from our light fixture while providing the sleek, cool feel associated with this space.

Empty bedrooms add nothing to a buyers decision.  They become quick “walk-on-bys”

Add the color, textiles and life…now the buyer lingers.

Another view of the master bedroom and incredible artwork!

Result: The loft sold at FULL asking price last week! About 2 weeks after I  staged it!

Now lets be real! In this example the homeowners were motivated to sell, and they had money to invest into home staging. They spent the full 1% value of their home staging budget on rental furniture, accessories and staging fees. The price was $778,000. So that’s about 7000$! I am aware not everyone has this kind of money laying around. Further more depending on the area the property is located in, you may not see your return on investment. Next week I’ll be writing a post about how to stage when one is on a budget.

Because Staging is essential for buyers to really “see” the value in a home…otherwise the seller is leaving cash on the table.