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Staging Tips: Accentuating the architecture by changing the focus.

By
Home Stager with Chicagoland Home Staging LLC

As a professioanal Chicagoland Home Stager that works in a lot of vacant homes for both individual seller and investors, I get to experience some amazing transformations. While we may do this on a daily basis, it doesn't take away from the excitement of the before and after shot. Take a look at a recent River Forest makeover. 

A vacant home makeover in River Forest shows the dramatic change

long awkward living rooms benefit from home staging

This long skinny living room could have had buyers trying to determine how they would divide up two smaller spaces, pushing those who were interested in having a large room checking this home off their list. 

chicagoland vacant home staging

The after photo shows a large room that functions well for family or entertaining. 

crown and detail molding in chicago homes

This dining room leaves buyers worried about flow and table size where they should be focused on the stunning detail molding. 

chicagoland homes for sale

Buyers now focus on the room itself, not awkward traffic patterns. Artwork brings the eye upward so we can focus on all of the details in this craftsman home. 

detail molding overpowers room

What do you do when the detail work overpowers the room? Tall windows and dark trimwork leave tihs room feeling small and dated. 

naperville home staging

Staging makes the room feel warm and inviting. Showing the dimensions of the room is much easier when buyers can see exactly how it will work with furniture in it. 

master bedrooms in home staging

This master bedroom is anything but inspiring. The small window off to the side may leave buyers wondering where they will put their bed or how the room will function. By no means does this space feel luxurious. 

chicagoland home staging

After Chicagoland Home Staging completed this project the room feels large and the awkward side window has all but disappeared, except for adding lighting and interest. The room now feels large and luxurious in istead of lopsided.

Focus on the positive through home staging

One of the best benefits of home staging is that buyers are able to envision what their life (including their stuff) might look like in the home. They are able to focus on the positive elements of the home rather than being distracted by less favorable ones. 

Posted by

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Margaret Gehr is the principle owner of Chicagoland Home Staging, servicing the greater Chicago area for home staging, redesign, and design projects. We work in both occupied and vacant homes. 

 

Show All Comments Sort:
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Margaret - Thank you for sharing an excellent blog about staging tips, accounting the architecture by changing the focus.

Nov 08, 2013 05:20 AM
Margaret Gehr
Chicagoland Home Staging LLC - Naperville, IL

Thanks John I appreciate your comment

Nov 08, 2013 11:43 PM
Sarah Rummage
Benchmark Realty LLC, Nashville TN 615.516.5233 - Nashville, TN
Love Being Realtor® in the Nashville TN Area!

The 'after' photos are lovely. Thanks for the tips.

Nov 09, 2013 12:41 AM
Jeff Fisher
PureWest Real Estate - Whitefish, MT
PUREWEST REAL ESTATE/Christies

Great before and after photos. Truly shows the importance of staging for some homes and even some spaces.

Nov 09, 2013 06:16 AM
Julia Maher
Nestings: Connecticut Home Staging and Model Homes - Fairfield, CT
Connecticut Home Stager

You work with some really lovely things, Margaret!  Excellent examples that prove your point!

Nov 10, 2013 01:03 AM
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Great job showing how a narrow room can accomodate lots of seating. Staging is invaluable because people just can't seem to place their stuff without an anchor they can see.

Nov 13, 2013 03:35 AM
Margaret Gehr
Chicagoland Home Staging LLC - Naperville, IL

Thanks Sarah

Thanks Jeff...I never get tired of seeing in work over and over again

Julia our inventory is constantly evolving and growing as I'm sure yours is as well. We can now stage up to 27-30 homes at any given time

It's so true Lyn. Since staging is visual it instantly removes doubt and in seconds and provides options and solutions to any questionable space.

Nov 13, 2013 09:50 AM
Michelle Finnamore
Toronto GTA, Alliston, Newmarket - Vaughan, ON
Preparing your property for sale

Hi Margaret, quite simply  very dramatic results with the help of a pro staging the rooms with correct scale of furniture.

Nov 13, 2013 10:03 PM
Sally Weatherley
EXIT STAGE RIGHT - Vancouver, BC
Vancouver Home Staging, Home Stager Vancouver, B.C

Margaret - I love all the rooms, but especially the office "after".  That wood work was bringing the room down.  By turning the room into a functional office, the woodwork suddenly seemed warm and appropriate.  Lovely!

Nov 15, 2013 04:54 AM
Margaret Gehr
Chicagoland Home Staging LLC - Naperville, IL

Thanks Michelle and Sally =). You gals going to Conference this year?

Nov 19, 2013 10:43 AM
Sharon Parisi
United Real Estate Dallas - Dallas, TX
Dallas Homes

Margaret, the staging of this home is amazing.  Your choices for each space were perfect!

Mar 22, 2014 05:53 PM