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BREAKING THE STAGING RULES: White walls CAN work! (With Before and After photos.)

White walls are usually avoided in staging a property for sale. White can feel cold, and doesn't help differentiate one room from another in listing photos. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, even in staging.

IF a property has great NATURAL LIGHT, nice ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES and perhaps some imperfections that need to be downplayed (such as uneven walls, ceilings, trim), the color white can actually be the best way to stage.

BUT if you are going to break one rule, best to know the NEW RULES of the game.

THE RULES OF WHITE

Use a light color palette in furnishings and accessories.
Include a variety of textures to add interest and depth.
Furnishings should have a sculptural quality in relief with gallery-white walls.
Make sure the purpose of each room is clearly and uniquely identified.
Window treatments are critical, as they soften walls and filter light.

AFTER Airy and inviting living room retreat

For more Before and After photos on this job, please visit www.BostonHomeStaging.com, and click on Photos + Tips, then New/Vacant/Resale. White walls story is on third page.

Lisa

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Posted by Lisa Kauffman Tharp - BostonHomeStaging.com on 05/29/2007 06:13 AM

Comments (20)

white walls, staging rules

20 Comments on BREAKING THE STAGING RULES: White walls CAN work! (With Before and After photos.)

MAY

2007

Very Nice. This is a very nice transformation. It looks like that lighting is very critical in this instance.

I am a huge fan of white on white on white mixed with linens and coffee color accessories, especially in cottages. It is tricky to make it work but the reward is great. Nicely done.

I love white. I have had white walls in my home for 15 years and finally decided to do something different. After a year of the tans, etc., I am ready to call the painter.

Lisa,

So true...I agree wholeheartedly.

Architectural features, lighting and a fine layering of textures is critical in a successful tone-on-tone color palette. Where people often fail at pulling it off is in not following the rules or are too reserved in their choices...hence the cold, sterile look. You've done a fine job...

I'm curious about the furnishings and accessories. Did you use the homeowner's items or your own?

Thanks so much for sharing!

Lisa Rapose

I love the cottage look which to me is representative of what you acheived here. I have also had to combat the white issue and much as you chose to use fabrics (walls of curtains) to soften the cold sterile look. For mine instead of cottage, I also used bright punches of color (relying on some of Kirklands Poppy prints & bold pillows). Click here for photos...

This is so beautiful.The photos prove your point, and I am very happy about that as I LOVE the simplicity and sense of possibility that white on walls conveys.

Absolutely Lisa. White is the new color now in fashion, so you know that it will creep into the home color pallette. You did a great job and you really didn't break a Staging rule. You went with what you had and presented a beautiful room... THAT is Staging :)

Hi Lisa, I'm doing a consultation Thursday at a house that is all white. The seller is concerned about the color. I personally can do more with a white room than with colors so I assured them white would not be an issue when I'm finished. Great pictures and great job.

Terry Haugen - STAGE it RIGHT!

You did a perfect job w/white and subtle colors creating a warm cottage feel. I also love all white in very modern homes. The architecture plays in a big part in white rooms.

Hi, Lisa! Great job! I am with James on this...I love white on white as well.....crisp, clean and refreshing.

You've managed to make white look elegant and warm. Congrats!

Julia

The room looks gorgeous! Makes me feel good about all my white walls on my first floor.

Personally - I love the look you have achieved but it wouldn't work in every scenario. Also depends on the style of home. I could live there.

Thanks to all for your comments.

Lisa - To answer your question, I used a mix of furnishings from the homeowners (antique marble-topped console, etc.) with rental pieces (upholstery in linens & cottons, along with painted casegoods) and accessories.

Lisa

I love white rooms. When done as you've indicated they are the most calming of all rooms for myself.

When I was in University my place was done in whites...then I got two dogs...then a husband...then two small kids...no more white in my near future!

Thanks for posting the picture. It put a smile on my face just looking at it!

Hi Lisa,

I am a huge fan of white, it's so crisp and clean. I love it with the black accessories, it gives it a dash of elegance. The green is a great choice for the secondary color. You did a great job, congratulations!

Lisa - as others have said, the white on white is so crisp and clean, and I really love that look. I also love punches of color, but have white on white here in my own home. I've got a cottage look going in my home, which makes me feel happy and peaceful when I'm home. Love your collection of pictures on your site.

Ann

MAY

2007

I love the look you have achieved. Next time I come upon a white room, I know what direction to take!

I'm on the hunt for a white sofa!

Nicely done - the white, with the dark with the green is one of my favorites. Happy you put the sheers up to soften - wise.

MAY

2007

This is really beautiful. The dark furniture does a great job of grounding the space.

SEP

2007

It looks awesome and the white with the color of the floors look so rich. Clean, simple and gorgeous, who could ask for anything more

Phyllis Pafumi

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