This is part two in an eight (give or take a few...) part series on staging your home. Click here to read part one.
Kym Tarr from Shoestring Home Staging is showing us how to stage a home for maximum appeal and today the focus is on Living Rooms.
Here is what our living room usually looks like:
And here is the freshly staged space:
What we did:
- Simplified the mantel display
- Removed some decorative items
- Pared down distractions on the bookshelf and china hutch.
- Switched dark dramatic curtains for lighter, brighter ones.
What I wish I'd done before we decided to sell:
- The bookshelf! Doesn't it look fabulous?! When Kym suggested that I move the stereo to the second shelf from the bottom I thought it would look weird and get destroyed by my children in a heartbeat. But the bookshelf looks so happy and tidy now, and the kids haven't even tried once to stick a cracker in the cd tray.
Kym's Tips for staging Living rooms:
- Arrange items in odd groupings such as 3, 5 or 7.
- Use bright colors for accents such as flowers, pillows, throws.
- Arrange furniture in vignettes to create conversation areas.
- Artful placement of mirrors can add depth or dimension. Just make sure you are not showcasing the ceiling!
- Don't block windows, let in the light.
- Use lamps to illuminate dark corners.
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But I loved your chalk board above the mantel! Maybe you just moved it to another location...
ReplyDeleteReally enjoy your blog!
Don't worry, the chalkboard is stored away and will definitely have a spot in our next house :)
DeleteIt looks great, love the door table. Seen that some where with pictures in the recessed panels with glass on top. Love the white boxes on the bookshelf. Will have to get some of those
ReplyDeleteLooks so open and fresh! Love that mirror :)
ReplyDeleteI liked your "dark" curtains very much!
ReplyDeleteWHERE did you get your hanging file backet on the bottom shelf of the bookshelf? I have a basket that looks like that for my files, but it is not made for files and I can't retrofit it. The room looks great!
ReplyDeleteOops, I meant "hanging file BASKET".
DeleteHi Holly! I made the File Basket: http://www.imperfecthomemaking.com/2011/10/organizedhome-day-19-diy-file-basket.html
DeleteThe after looks great, so much brighter and less cluttered even though it doesn't seem like too much was taken away. I didn't even realize the stereo was a stereo, I thought it was some sort of storage container from the first picture of it on the bottom.
ReplyDeleteNice job! If only I could do that and keep that staged feeling in my home. It gets cluttered too quick with the kids toys.
I want more photos! Or at least a side-by-side from the same angle.
ReplyDeleteI do think the curtains lightened up the area (although the dark ones were also very pretty!) But I agree...I love your chalkboard.
ReplyDeleteI was inspired by your entry way/laundry room post to paint all the cabinets white in my kitchen, btw. I also want to figure out how to make a shelf for the back of my washer/dryer. I can't attach to the wall, as it is cement.
I like the chalkboard too...Don't worry, I am sure it will make an appearance in our next house :)
DeleteI'm so glad that the laundry room post inspired you :)
LOVE your blog. You'll hate this comment but I really think the bookshelf is distracting. Is there any way you could just remove it completely? I think your room would look much bigger. LOVE you blog though!!!
ReplyDeleteThe whole point of this series is practical, livable home staging. If you read my blog often you know that I am passionate about creating a home full of life, joy, and beauty... not a show house. If you want to see pictures of impractical show homes, I suggest searching google.
Deleteyikes... kinda snippy.
DeleteAnoymous - I don't think Kelly was trying to be snippy, she's too happy, chipper and pleasent to be snippy! Sadly you may not know her personally and know her manner personally - she's very delightful in person! I believe that she is just trying her best to helpful to you by suggesting you search google...Not trying to tell you off. I hope that helps. :D
DeleteLooks really nice. I will miss seeing your house when you move! I love your blog.
ReplyDeleteIt looks open and fresh - not quite the personality of before, but that's the whole point of staging for sale I suppose. Where exactly have you hidden your children? :)
ReplyDeleteHope to see your dramatic curtains return.
Yes Sarah, the dramatic curtains are safely packed away...hopefully there will be a perfect spot for them at our next house!
DeleteThe children were eating breakfast while these pictures were taken. Trust me...the living room doesn't look like that in the middle of the day!
Ha ha - we're all obsessed with your curtains and chalkboard. :)
DeleteKelly, you made really good use of my recommendations. Living in a home while it is up for sale can be a challenge. We encourage all home sellers to think that they ARE going to be moving, so why not start early on the pre packing.
ReplyDeleteIn some instances we do remove some of your personal touches from the home, only because we are trying to make the home appeal to a larger amount of potential buyers. You have done a great job! No doubt your next home will look as great as this one..
For the past ten years we moved about every 2-3 years to a bigger house, out growing the old one. The first thing I did when we put a house up for sale was to pack our books and pack the family pictures. I would spread out my collection of vases throughout the house with a simple fake flower branch something like Kelly has on her mantle in them. With 4 kids you will never be clutter free while selling a house, I had a laundry basket I kept in a corner and went around picking up the clutter and then taking the basket with us so it wouldn't be seen.
ReplyDeleteI really LOVE your new blue curtains!! I must know where you found them!! Lol!!
ReplyDeleteYour new blue curtains are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI just moved our stereo to a bookshelf in our living room. Did you cut a hole in the back of your bookshelf for the cord? I like the idea of putting the stereo on a shelf. Mine is on the top of the bookshelf right now so it's the first thing you see when you look at it. Not very pretty!
ReplyDeleteThis tutorial on home staging was created to give sellers a competitive advantage in their respective real estate markets. By using the home staging tips and advice offered below, you will have a much greater chance of selling your home quickly and for maximum price. home staging
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