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Leslie Olson Interiors, Marin Staging

Staging vintage kitchens for a quick real estate sale can be tricky, as there's a fine line between dingy and neglected, and over-staging to obscure the less marketable aspects of the space. Have you ever seen a photograph of an older place, and unconsciously imagine that it smells musty? Older kitchens can often be charming...though sometimes that charm has to be coaxed out!

If this older home had been posted online photographed as-is (much less shown in person), viewers would quickly scan through the room, and move on. The space was cold, and footsteps echoed.

Vintage Kitchen 1 - Before

 

After staging by Leslie Olson Interiors with vintage dining furniture (rented from a consignment shop), a rug and colorful accessories, a warm and inviting kitchen/dining room emerged. Potential home-buyers now lingered in the space -- and with no more echoes!

Vintage Kitchen 1 - After

 

Another vintage kitchen had been modified by the existing homeowners, but the muted colors didn't translate well to online photos. Just adding a few simple accesories in a vibrant color gave this kitchen the visual pop it needed to draw the viewer in.

Vintage Kitchen 2 - After - Leslie Olson Interiors

 

Thank you for your interest!

 

      Leslie Olson Interiors   Marin County, CA   www.leslieolsoninteriors.com      leslie@leslieolsoninteriors.com   415.233.2633

Leslie Olson, ASID

Leslie Olson - ASID, RESA

 

 
This post has been included in California Real Estate News Marin County, CA Real Estate News San Anselmo, CA Real Estate News
Post is included in group: Home Staging
Post is included in group: Northern California Real Estate Professionals
Post is included in group: Stage It Forward...
Post is included in group: Staging "Before" & "After" Pictures
Post is included in group: VACANT HOUSE STAGING & NEW HOMES

18 Comments on Staging Vintage Kitchens - Marin Home Staging - Before and After Photos

OCT
28
2008
282,504 Points 21 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router Called Shot Master

I love what you did with the vintage kitchen...it's nothing short of amazing what adding a few things can do! 
5:20pm • #1
Hit Router Attended Rain Camp

Your staging made the difference between homely and homey. It looks welcoming now.
5:42pm • #2

Thanks, Susan!  I lived in Alexandria growing up...I have lots of fond memories of touring the Smithsonian and Mount Vernon (many times -- it was close to our house -- with Brownie troops, visiting family, etc.). My guess is that it's a beautiful fall there right now...savor it!    Leslie
5:43pm • #3

I love that distinction, Rich! "From Homely to Homey" -- sounds like the start of a new blog... Thank you for your kind words.     Leslie
5:46pm • #4
535,471 Points 25 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Called Shot Master

I'm amused by what you refer to as "vintage" !!   I was expecting Victorian.  Still, you did a lovely job!
5:54pm • #5
143,363 Points Hit Router

Leslie,

Great work as always! The carpet was a beautiful addition to the dining area to break up the over abundance of tile and anchor the table. 
6:42pm • #6

Hi Leslie, great transformation!  Homely to homey is right on.  It made a big difference.
6:46pm • #7
182,352 Points 1 Featured Post

Leslie, How cute! What a difference your made. What a great idea of using a consignment shop. I hadn't thought about that as a resource.
8:26pm • #8
289,703 Points 3 Featured Posts

Leslie-- What great photos! I like the idea of adding a few "pops" of color to draw the viewer into an otherwise pretty beige room. Thanks for the post!
9:56pm • #9
OCT
29
2008
198,240 Points 9 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp

I especially love the area rug - adds class to the dining area!  Great photos!
7:12am • #10
121,848 Points Outside Blog

Great job Leslie!  Feels/looks more current.  You did an awesome job with your photos too!
7:15am • #11
391,811 Points 14 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Leslie  - these rooms came out wonderful.  You can mail me the rug under the eat-in kitchen table and I'd gladly accept (smile).

Congratulations.  Your post is being featured in the group; Staging Before & After Pictures.

Kathy

8:26am • #12

I love that vintage dining set...what a creative idea to rent from a consignment shop. It's right for the space, but looks trendy too! Thanks for your post.

Wendy Casey- Surrey, BC
12:24pm • #13
OCT
31
2008

Susan -- you make me laugh! I suppose every region has their own version of "vintage" -- and of course the term could also be used as a tactful euphemism for a dated kitchen!

Thank you Michelle, Robyn, Donna, and Michele for your nice comments!

Donna and Wendy -- When I have the time and good fortune, I've been lucky to find furniture to lease from a wonderful high-end consignment shop. I look for furniture and accessories that are appropriate to the architecture and style of the home and neighborhood. It helps me keep my creative juices flowing -- and I'd like to think that it keeps my staging a bit more distinctive than many stagers whose rental furniture looks the same in every single home. It's worth it to develop a relationship with a great consignment shop in your area to supplement your own staging inventory, as well as other rental pieces. Of course it has so much to do with the quality of their selections at any given time -- inventory changes constantly!

Ilyce -- I love the neutral palette of that kitchen, but in small online MLS photos it could look muddy. The extra contrast of red guides the eye to rest on each of these color pops in the photo, drawing the viewer into the picture.

Margaret and Kathy -- about the rug...it helps to have a Pottery Barn outlet not too far away! This one has a vintage-y feel, while the larger print makes it look more contemporary.

Kathy -- thank you so much for your continued support! After my move to California, it's great to hear from you again!

Leslie

 
6:10pm • #14
NOV
01
2008
122,970 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog

HI Leslie, very nice transformation. I have used vintage shops as well. It really keeps the budget in line. I find chandeliers for $20 that suit the property very well and they become a selling feature in the home.

You really made a difference to look and appeal of this home. Congratulations on thinking outside the box.
9:44am • #15
2 Featured Posts

Leslie, Both kitchens look great. You just have to use the right balance of colors with these old girls.
8:10pm • #16
Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Thank you Leslie.  You inspired me.  I'm staging a midcentury eat-in kitchen with enough white 4x4 tile to make me ill.  Of course, breaking it up with the right rug will make all the diff!  I was only thinking above the counter top level up til now.
8:34pm • #17
NOV
07
2008

Michelle F and Barbara -- thanks for the nice feedback!

Patricia -- My sympathies on the sea of 4x4 tile - ugh. The one above has my personal pet peeve -- black grout with light color tiles! Ready for a giant game of tic-tac-toe? 

Leslie
1:18pm • #18

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Leslie Olson - Interior Design and Home Staging - Marin County CA

Greenbrae, CA

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Leslie Olson Interiors

Office Phone: (415) 233-2633

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Marin Interior Design and Home Staging Services firm serving Marin County, north of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge. For further information, please visit www.leslieolsoninteriors.com


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