2. Before: Foyer Buyers don’t want to walk in and see other people’s shoes and family photos.
3. After: Foyer Now the foyer is ready for anyone to picture themselves living in this house: the shoes and photos are gone; a large clock functions as a piece of art.
4. Before: Living Room Black is not a welcoming color in big doses. The curtains block too much light, the hardwood floors are TOO bare.
5. After: Living room After staging, this living room is light, bright, and welcoming! The white shag rug and colorful pillows really add warmth.
6. Before: Family Room Who can see past the mess?! This room needs major de-cluttering, the pine paneling and small pictures need to go.
7. After: Family Room Is this the same room? De-cluttering, re-painting, removing the large curtains turn this room from a playroom into a relaxing family retreat.
8. Before: Outdated corner This corner screams “granny” and “exercise” – neither convey sales appeal!
9. After: Updated! Now this space is airy, light, and bright, thanks to the addition of a new neutral slipcover, an inexpensive contemporary end table and lamp, and trendy accessories.
10. Before, “Office”? Before staging, is this room an office, an eating area, homework area, or crafts room? There’s so much going on in here, it’s hard to tell. Each room needs one defined purpose.
11. Staging reveals an office! Now this room is shown to full advantage. Buyers will see a spacious, bright office without the messy distractions of so much furniture and clutter.
12. Before: Master Bedroom Before staging, this bedroom is all country with outdated sponge painting and a wallpaper border.
13. After: Master Bedroom Now, the bedroom is updated and much more luxurious. Candles and flowers give that “retreat” feel.
14. Before: A “busy” bedroom This child’s bedroom has way too many patterns and distractions. With all the truck and bulldozer décor, it says “little boy” a little too loudly!
15. After, A Subdued Room! After staging, this bedroom looks more generic, relaxing, and appealing.
16. Before, An Overflowing Closet This closet shows buyers there isn’t enough storage room . . . Not a comforting message.
17. After: A Spacious Closet Now this large closet shows off how much storage space this home office actually has.
18. Before: Patio This patio is used as a toy/catch-all area that looks unfinished and unattractive.
19. After: Staged For Relaxing The owners finished the “paver” wall, added plants and a $100 bistro set, and voila: a sheltered place to envision having a cup of coffee.
