It seems like I've been seeing a lot of wallpaper borders lately. Sometimes they are part of a wallpaper decorating scheme and other times they are flying solo near the ceiling or at chair rail height. I have yet to see one that I think enhances a space. It's a trend from a past decade and it dates the home like brass fixtures or avocado appliances. Therefore, this home stager is on border patrol!
Like any design choices you make when you live in a home, if you love them, you should keep them and enjoy. But if you are putting your house on the market, a space that is perceived as dated will never be the first choice among buyers unless they're looking for a fixer upper.
Removal can be very simple, especially when not contending with wallpaper. Ultimately, if it remains, it can be very distracting and a reminder of the seller's personal style.
The homeowner reinforced the nautical border in this photo with themed accessories and color choices. This did nothing (especially with the window treatments) to enhance the vaulted ceiling and it really made the home look older than it was. This seller was worn down by the time I entered the picture and had no energy left to remedy some of the issues I pointed out. Yes, his house did sell, after a while on the market and after a few price reductions. I wonder how much it would have cost to pay a handyman to remove that border?
Cathy Brosius is the owner of Arranged Smartly, a home staging and organizing company. Cathy and her team are working smartly for homeowners and real estate agents throughout the St. Louis region. She has also been interviewed on KMOV's Great Day St. Louis, providing tips on staging a home for sale.
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