Pat Moore, IRIS, CISS, IDS  |  Lakewood Ranch, FL   |  941-751-2483 

ReDesign & Go was contacted by a realtor to stage a condo located in Greer, South Carolina. The realtor wanted the staging completed before any pictures were taken and before the “For Sale” sign was placed in the window. The realtor realized that the homeowner had a very personal decorating style that could distract from the appearance of the home. ReDesign & Go used more “generic” wall art, accessories and linens so that the home would appeal to a wider range of potential buyers. The condo was under contract in only 7 days!

When reviewing these photos and the accompanying text keep in mind that, “The way you live in a home and the way you sell a house are two different things!”

Click on pictures to see larger view.

The great room has a fireplace directly opposite the front door and the front wall has a large window that looks out to the street. The room’s wall art, window treatments and some of the accessories were in a very personal style. The leather side chair was placed in the corner of the room and it “felt” like it was in the entry.

Now the room’s decor has been “neutralized.” The wall art is a modern floral in neutral colors, the swag window treatment has been removed and the accessories are not drawing attention to themselves. Potential buyers will notice the room and not the furnishings in the room. The leather side chair was pulled into the space so that it feels like part of the room. The entry way feels larger now that the chair is not encroaching on its’ space.

More very personal style art work was hanging in the great room. There was also a stain glass look pull on the ceiling fan chain. A side window looks out into a small yard; this also had a swag treatment. The space behind the sofa is large enough for a dining area but was not used as such by the homeowner. The pass through window has stools placed in front of it but there is no counter only the window ledge.

The personal style art work has been replaced with “generic” architectural elements. A forth element was to be hung but the condo was under contract before this was completed! The window swag was removed, leaving only the blinds. The stools were taken out of the room so that potential buyers could see that there was adequate space for a dining table and chairs.

This photo shows the personal style art work as well as the personal “trophies” that were used as accessories on the fireplace mantle. These types of items take the focus off the home and place the focus on the homeowners. Buyers need to be kept on track, don’t distract them with personal items!

This photo shows the neutralized décor of the great room’s focal point, the fireplace. Potential buyers are not distracted by the more generic items that are used to accessorize and enhance the appearance of the fireplace. (The barometer could not be removed as the liquid it contained could not be properly disposed of.)

The guest room was also decorated in a very personal style. The futon/bed was pushed against the wall. The wall opposite the bed had only a small table in the corner. No other furnishings were in the room.

A small armoire was moved into the guest room from the master bedroom. Minimal accessories were placed on top. The futon/bed was moved to opposite wall and positioned into the room instead of against the wall. The bed is now covered in neutral bedding and pillows. The small table was covered with a neutral cloth and a small lamp was placed on it. One piece of the homeowner’s art work is used above the bed.

In the master bedroom the bedding is a distraction; the pattern is large and looks dated. Two small armoires were placed on the wall opposite the bed. Note how the armoire on the right is encroaching into the doorway to the bathroom. Many elements in this room are creating negative distractions that take attention away from its’ positive attractions such as the patio off the bedroom with hot tub, the master bath with double sinks and the his and hers closets.

Now the master bedroom looks relaxing and inviting. The change in the bedding was accomplished by flipping the homeowner’s comforter over to the side with a small print and completing the bed with neutral sheets and pillowcases. The blue lamps were replaced with neutral lamps and the blue chair was removed. Minimal accessories were added to enhance the room’s look. Two small prints with neutral colors were hung above the bed. One armoire was left in the room. It was centered on the wall and accessorized to compliment the nightstands.

The master bath was not showing its potential. The vanity was covered with personal items and toiletries. The artwork was small and didn’t work in the room.
 

Now the bathroom appeals to everyone. A single vase on the vanity coordinates with the colors of the wall art reflected in the mirror and the size of the vanity is apparent. White towels with neutral trim give the bath a clean fresh appearance. A neutral piece of wall art above the toilet completes the look.

The breakfast area in the kitchen wasn’t going to invite potential buyers to stay for a meal. Again, very personal style art work and a wind chime floating over the table would distract buyers from the space.

With a change in the art work the breakfast area will invite potential buyers to stay for a meal. The wind chime was removed and the chairs re-positioned to give the area a more spacious look.