August 2021 Staging Tip of the Month

We always recommend neutralizing bold paint colors.  The exterior paint color, especially, can have a huge effect on whether buyers click on the first photo of your online listing.  This home also got some updates with the lighting, house numbers and shutters.

July 2021 Featured Before & After

Here, the clutter in front of and around the fireplace was taking attention away from it.  We removed quite a few things, did a simple furniture arrangement with 4 matching chairs and 2 end tables that the homeowner had, and adjusted the items on the bookshelves. Now buyers are drawn immediately to the fireplace.

July 2021 Staging Tip of the Month

Fireplaces are a huge focal point of any room and attention should be given to them to make them look updated and attractive.  This fireplace had the random bricks sticking out the front, which is any interior designer’s nightmare!  To fix it, we decided to add a substantial mantle that would cover up these bricks by building up the left bricks with wood that would provide an even platform for a new mantle. 

Before adding the mantle, we decided to “German Schmear” the fireplace to give it a softer look.  There are lots of blogs and YouTube videos on how to do this, so I won’t go into detail here, but we basically filled the grout lines with white mortar and then randomly spread it onto the bricks.  We used a wet sponge to soften the edges and take off mortar where we wanted more of the brick to show through.

Lastly, this fireplace was non-functioning because of an abandoned chimney liner, so we added a gas insert.  A gorgeous mirror and some beautiful accessories finished off the look.



May 2021 Staging Tip of the Month

If you have an empty bedroom, adding a fake bed is easy to do and gives the room life.  It can also show buyers that a full sized bed can fit in smaller bedrooms where they might think only a twin will fit.  And this tip allows you to hide boxes and tubs that you’ll need to pack for your move!

First, arrange boxes or tubs into the shape of your airmattress.  Put a bedskirt or flat sheets over the tubs.  Top with an airmattress that will bring the total height of the bed to about 24″ high.  They can be a little shorter for smaller bedrooms and a little taller for big bedrooms.  Then top with standard bedding.  Stack pillows against the wall if you don’t have a headboard and add nightstands, lamps and art if you have them.