Home Staging Vancouver Causes Reenactment of the 7 Years War
Like a scene out of the movie, Night at the Museum, I may have unintentionally caused a second chapter to the 7 Years War, the infamous war between the English and the French during the mid-18th century. Let me back up and explain...
I was called in to add a bit of "wow" to an already gorgeous home for sale. This home was built in 1998, but you'd swear it was built 100 years ago. The builder really focused on recreating a period home, with beautiful wood moldings and paneling. The hardwood floor is gorgeous, and looks like it should creak, just as in an old home. There are nooks and crannies everywhere, and the home is oozing with charm and character.
However, there was still room for improvement.
- The formal living/dining room lacked a dining room table. In this $1.5 million home, buyers want to see a dining room area where they are able to entertain. Solution: We added a beautiful dining room table and chairs, appropriate to the style of the home.
- The rooms appeared very dark. Due to dark paint colour choices, the home felt very dark and dreary. Solution: We advised the homeowner to paint the living room a lighter, neutral colour, but in the meantime, we lightened and brightened the room using light coloured cushions, furniture and rug.
- The great room area felt very stark and empty. The sofa and t.v. off the kitchen seemed like an afterthought, and wasn't very inviting. Solution: We relocated a side table from upstairs to the family room, and added a coffee table, artwork, rug and accessories.
We addressed the above points, but what on earth does this have to do with the battle between the French & English, you ask? Well, above the fireplace sat a beautiful portrait of a distant relative of the home owner. This ancestor stared at you, sporting full British regalia. Clearly, the British were holding fort in this beautiful home. As the homeowner said herself, it felt as if the portrait was following you around the room with his eyes! We relocated the portrait to the study, where he would feel more comfortable. Now everyone knows I'm a francophile, so of course I had to bring in dining room chairs with French script and added an Eiffel tower.
What do you think will happen when the owners retire for bed and the lights are turned out? Will it be just like a scene out of Night at the Museum? Will the British ancestor leap from the confines of the picture frame and declare war against the French chairs?!! I guess we'll never know...
Here are some "Before & After" Photos:
LIVING ROOM - BEFORE
LIVING ROOM - AFTER
LIVING ROOM - AFTER
DINING AREA - BEFORE
DINING AREA - AFTER
DEN - BEFORE
DEN - AFTER
FAMILY ROOM - BEFORE
FAMILY ROOM - AFTER
Comments(21)