But I Love My Themed Home!

By
Home Stager with Rooms With Style

What is a 'themed' house and is it okay?

 

A themed house is one that fits a very specific decorating motif. Such as a beach theme, or a desert theme. Is it okay to have one? Absolutely! Unless you are selling your home. Then I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news but if you are selling, the theme has got to go.

A themed house, or even a themed room can turn off any buyer that does not like that theme. They may not like the feel of the house, or they can't see past the theme to see the architectural detail of the house, or they may get distracted.

Now there are exceptions, if you have a beach theme and you live on the Gulf of Mexico perfect! 

 

Or a Southwest desert theme when you live in Phoenix....also acceptable. If you live in Minnesota or any such similar area then it is not acceptable for selling.

 

Another exception is a child's room. Everyone expects a child to have a theme of Dinosaurs or something and it's perfectly acceptable.

 

Neutralizing a themed home or room is an easy fix if the theme was created using artwork and nick-knacks. Just take them down and replace with decorative pieces that are more neutral.

 

If you have made some large remodeling choices based on a theme it may be tougher to do.

 

Wallpaper, although a pain to remove, is still a doable task and you need to remove it. Paint is also a simple fix.

 

If you have made more permanent fixture choices based on a theme such as cabinets, tile or floor coverings, I am not telling you that you need to rip everything out and start over but just know you have narrowed your potential buyers. 

 

 

 

So my word of caution in advance is to not do large ticket items in your home in a theme! Rather get that themed look that you want with decor that is easily replaced and you can take your theme with you to your new house!

 

If you have any questions never hesitate to reach out to a professional Home Stager to answer all you questions.

 

 

 

Comments (8)

Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good afternoon Shar. I think this makes all the sense in the world and is very nicely written too.

Feb 03, 2020 10:48 AM
Shar Sitter

Thank you Sheila Anderson , hope you are doing well!

Feb 05, 2020 07:41 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Los Angeles Pasadena 818.516.4393

Hello Shar - a home is a personal statement you make.  A home for sale is a product that is on the market.  There is a difference.  

Feb 03, 2020 11:32 AM
Shar Sitter

Perfectly said Michael Jacobs 

Feb 05, 2020 07:41 AM
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

This always reminds me of that classic saying, less is more.

Feb 03, 2020 11:51 AM
Shar Sitter

Exactly Joe Pryor 

Feb 05, 2020 07:41 AM
Anna Banana Kruchten CRS, CRB, Phoenix Broker
HomeSmart Real Estate BR030809000 - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Hi Shar actually I do live in Phoenix and having a southwest decor isn't a good idea. Modern and sleek is what sells here.  I do totally agree that 'themes' when selling isn't a good idea.

Feb 03, 2020 02:21 PM
Shar Sitter

That's interesting that southwest isn't even a good idea in Phoenix Anna Banana Kruchten Broker/Owner, CRB, CRS . There are a few in MN which really aren't a good idea! :)

Feb 05, 2020 07:42 AM
Anna Banana Kruchten CRS, CRB, Phoenix Broker

Hi Shar it was all the rage back the 90's but anytime I see that stuff now.....time to stage properly to fit what buyers want now.

Feb 05, 2020 10:07 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
www.iCharlotteHomes.com | The Maxwell House Group | RE/MAX Executive | (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The right Charlotte REALTOR!

Makes perfect sense Shari. Your audience changes when you list a home so you have to make changes that are going to entice them to buy your house.

Feb 03, 2020 02:49 PM
Shar Sitter

Yes....but some people take it so personally Debe Maxwell, CRS . That's my job to make them see it's for their best interest!

Feb 05, 2020 07:43 AM
Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD
ViewHomes of Clark County - Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
REALTORS® in Clark County, WA

You are so correct, Shar. It's so important to keep things as neutral as possible with the contemporary elements today's buyers prefer. Or at least, have the decor honor the period/style of the house. Can't help but wonder how those homes with barn doors, and barn wood walls are going to go over with buyers in the upcoming years.  You can sure add a theme with artwork, throw pillows. We had a very difficult time selling a house with a turquoise island ( it was large and a scene stealer ), turquoise tile, and large dining painting in, turquoise. The Master also had turquoise cabinetry. The strong color definitely narrowed the pool of buyers. ( He refused to repaint as the house was less than a year old...wonder why the design team didn't warn him about choosing such a bold color statement for resale issues. They knew there was a possibility he might be moving within the year.) 

Feb 03, 2020 03:22 PM
Shar Sitter

Wow that is bizarre when they knew they may be moving Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD . When I do my design work I always ask how long before they may move. That has to be a key factor in decisions

Feb 05, 2020 07:45 AM
Anna Banana Kruchten CRS, CRB, Phoenix Broker

Debb I see the barn doors now in homes....and it's like, they're so yesterday now to most folks here. 

Feb 05, 2020 10:09 AM
Jim Patton
Aspire Home Real Estate 209-404-0816 - Modesto, CA
Realtor - Stanislaus ,Merced, San Joaquin Counties

Great points Shar Sitter .  Home owners should alwasy keep in the back of their mind a possible sale in the  future when decorating.  Unfortunately most dont.

Feb 06, 2020 05:01 PM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Shar - I agree wholeheartedly! The paragraph you mentioned on making "more permanent fixture choices based on a theme," and telling sellers to "rip everything out," in order to sell is something I agree with. I have a neighbor who is planning to sell her home in the future. But the problem is she gets these "theme" ideas and asks for my opinion, then does it anyway. Her home (which was really beautiful) is now a HodePodge of crazy ideas! In its condition right now, if she doesn't rip that giant cruise ship mural looking out at the ocean in her dining room, or take off that crazy optical illusion mosaic tile that she put after having an amateur handiman rip out her brick fireplace, I won't list it. 

Feb 12, 2020 10:24 PM

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