Square glass vases from Pottery Barn  Pottery Barn Glass Vases

Whether you are redesigning a room or staging it for the summertime market, create the feel of summer indoors with these quick tips for a seasonal room makeover:

Clear out heavy, dark or other season specific accessories. Pack up woolen throws, accent pillows in dark colors, heavy candlesticks, containers of pinecones and wood stacked in the fireplace or firebox

Clear clutter. Fewer things and less "STUFF" will make the room feel more open and fresh-and will require less maintenance.

Let there be light!. Remove heavy curtains and replace with lightweight panels or sheers. For light or privacy control, consider installing inexpensive "quick shades" which will filter light.

Remove area rugs where possible. Polished wood floors reflect light and seem cooler, as do tile floors. If a rug is needed, try a lightweight woven rug or one of the indoor/outdoor designs that look like wool or sisal.

Brighten up your color scheme. Whites and pastel versions of your color palette can be introduced through strategic placement of accessories.

Go natural. Shells and elements from the sea are classic summertime accessories. Ferns, tropical leaves and flowers in simple arrangements or in a cluster of glass bottles bring the casual feel of outdoors inside. A few glass containers in odd numbers with pale stones and wisps of sea oats or ornamental green grass, for example, are architecturally interesting accents.

Add color. If a sofa or chair needs a lift, add color without weight by using a woven sarong, shawl, or tablecloth as you would a throw.

Mix it up. Replace a wooden table with a glass or tile and metal outdoor piece. Birdbaths and planters can make interesting table bases.

 
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17 Comments on Summer Redesign and Real Estate Staging Tips

JUN
26
2008
Localism Sponsor Hit Router

Thanks for the great suggestions on bringing b the light, airy feel of summer to drab interiors.  I especially liked the idea of using ornamental gress, pale stones, and tropical flora to create a summery look. 

8:26pm • #1
2 Featured Posts

Thanks Roseann, some of the most simple things can make such a difference in the feel of the room, don't you think?

8:30pm • #2

These look so fresh!  Thanks for the ideas.

11:14pm • #3
JUN
27
2008

Hi Pam

Great ideas, love the first one, putting away winter related things, is a big improvement in itself, I think every season has it's own charm, and you have to keep up with it.  Just like I hate to see Christmas decorations in stores around June and July, and never understand why people do not take down their outdoor Christmas lights, and not only that they actually will light them up too !!!!!  somebody go tell them It is SUMMER now !!

Shobha

6:48am • #4
2 Featured Posts

Shanna, thanks, I love the simplicity of summer decorating and it is perfect for staging.  It's minimal decorating without looking sparse.

Shobha, oh yes, Christmas lights!  I love Christmas decorations but after January it is pushing it.  People don't realize that the lights aren't meant to be outdoor indefinitely even though the packages warn against leaving them out for extended periods.  They can crack andexpose wiring leading to fires or shock hazzards.  Or the plants grow into them so they are difficult to remove.  Thanks for bringing that up.

7:22am • #5
2 Featured Posts

I love your accompanying photograph!

Kim Dillon, Creative Eye Home Staging

3:35pm • #6
2 Featured Posts

Kim, thanks. Pottery Barn has great basic accessories that lend themselves to so many different designs and uses.  Their corporate design department comes up with ideas that are transitional and timeless.

8:39pm • #7
1 Featured Post

I like your idea of accessorizing along with the seasons; I especially like clearing wood and pinecones away from fireplaces.

10:12pm • #8
Localism Sponsor

Good points, I love summer because it is more simplistic and your tips really address bringing that feeling into our staging, thanks

10:17pm • #9
2 Featured Posts

Pam,

Great ideas as usual.  Love your picture you added to really visually show us all how simple and classic this can be.  It really comes down to a "Less is More" particularly is refreshing in the summer time!  Love it, my favorite season.  I feel refreshed already!  Thanks again. 

Congratulations on being the top Blogger in your City on Active Rain!  I just noticed that.  Good for you!!

Have a Colorful Day!

10:48pm • #10
JUN
28
2008
2 Featured Posts

Tori Lynn, thanks!  Often people get so used to having fall and winter things out that they stop seeing them.  When I mentioned to one homeowner that we would start with removing the bin of pinecones and the container of kindling she was surprised.  She said that they never used the fireplace and that the things had been there for two years.  They had bought the things to accessorize the space and never touched (or dusted ) them.  It was definitely time for them to be removed.

3:54pm • #11
2 Featured Posts

Ronelle, I love summer staging because it can be so much easier on the homeowners to maintain.  "Spare" doesn't have to mean or look sparse.  Thanks for your comment.

6:14pm • #12
JUN
29
2008
2 Featured Posts

Irene, you're right.  Less is definitely more in the summer when having too many "heavy" or dark furnishings close in a room and make it feel stuffy.  Glad you feel refreshed. ;)  Oh, and thanks for your comment on being featured.  It was a nice surprise.

12:15pm • #13
4 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Hi Pam,

Loved your suggestions for allowing light to showcase the properties. Photo is beautiful.

1:34pm • #14
2 Featured Posts

Michelle, thanks!  Light, bright and airy-and cool attracts buyers this time of year.  It's something that is often overlooked.

3:24pm • #15
126,993 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog

One of the first things I do in the Spring and Summer is to put away the fireplace accessories/tools. NO MORE FIRES until winter, let in the summer breeze. Love the vases by the way

Phyllis Pafumi

5:04pm • #16
2 Featured Posts

Phyllis, I don't usually put away the fireplace tools but you have a point.  I might try that.  This is what I like about AR-the exchange of information.  Thanks for commenting.

9:49pm • #17

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Pam Faulkner-Faulkner House Redesign Stager-Northern VA-Fairfax & Loudoun Co

Herndon, VA

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Faulkner House Interior Redesign

Address: Oak Hill, VA , 20171

Office Phone: (703) 689-9886

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Real estate staging tales, opinions, candid comments and "What I Learned While Staging Today", by Pam Faulkner of Faulkner House Interior Redesign


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