From House To Home

Some houses present themselves as 'houses' and not as homes. Such was the case with the house that I staged last week because it was used as a student rental property rather than as a home for the owner who lives out of country.

Houses are purchased when they invoke feelings of warmth and belonging. This vintage house, located at 2114 Windsor Street in Halifax Nova Scotia, with good sized rooms and architectural features that faded into the clutter and coldness of the space would not have enticed buyers looking for a nest of their own. The owners who had already begun the process of cleaning and repairing and painting their student rental property before contacting me, still had the foresight to call a professionally trained home stager to help them give their property an edge over the competition and to turn their 'house into a home'.

Unable to enter through the front vestibule which was blocked by a huge blue sofa and a giant sized TV, prospective buyers' first impression would have been the back mud/laundry room. Not a way to wow viewers! The extra large entry foyer with its cozy bay window alcove was masked by the over sized living room furniture that read crowded college dorm rather than I want to curl up with a good book and sip my morning tea.

Staging can turn a 'house into a home'.

The hallway made narrower by coats hanging on the wall will enable buyers to 'sale' right down now.

Staging can turn ' house into a home'.

Cluttered and lacking character

Now warm and welcoming

Staging can turn a ' house into a home'.

Open shelving full of food makes buyers feel a kitchen lacks storage space.

Staging can turn a 'house into a home'.

A fireplace in the kitchen-lost amidst the chaos

now beckons buyers.
Staging can turn a ' house into a home'.

Overcrowded with furniture

and a queen sized bed

and darkened by heavy drapery, prospective buyers would not have been able to envision this room's potential. BRIGHT, AIRY, SPACIOUS ROOMS WITH ARCHITECTURAL DETAILING-features that buyers seek out -went unnoticed before the house was staged.

Removing the drapes not only allowed the sunlight to pour in but exposed the once hidden bay windows.

The main floor living space was expanded when the bed was replaced with a sleek futon couch and a family room was created .

A fresh coat of white paint brightened the room and made it feel more spacious.

Staging can turn a 'house into a home'.

With a little editing

And with the addition of some BLING- the upstairs bathroom was transformed.

This house boasts a main floor bathroom- in vintage homes a rare find.

Now sparkling white and newly dressed - it was reborn.

Rave Re:view Home Staging & Redesign can turn any 'house into a home' .

Two days after this property was staged the owners received a conditional offer! Prospective buyers are still welcome to view it by contacting the owner.

You can count on Rave Re:view in Halifax Nova Scotia when you hire us to prepare your property for the real estate market or to help you create a living space that meets your design tastes and lifestyle needs.

Unoccupied Properties- To Stage or Not To Stage

Which will make a lasting impression on home buyers?

THIS.....

OR THIS
THIS.....
OR THIS
THIS.....
OR THIS

Because 90% of buyers cannot visualize the potential of an empty space, and because home buyers purchase properties based on emotions, unoccupied properties that are staged are more likely to sell faster and for more money than those left empty.

My latest staging project, located in Bishop's Landing which is an award winning condo development on Halifax Nova Scotia's waterfront, is listed with Bryant Realty. Thanks to Heather Munroe for referring me to her selling clients. They understand that staging an unoccupied property is both an investment and a marketing tool that draws in buyers, the majority of whom search the internet for the home of their dreams.

The right furniture correctly placed will show buyers that even condos that are less than 800 square feet can be both functional and current. See for yourself.

Design Tip: Mirrors are multi functional. In addition to serving our personal cosmetic needs, they also can be a stager and a redesigner's best friend. They brighten dark spaces. They expand small spaces and they are an inexpensive form of wall art. Just remember to take into account the reflection produced by the mirror you are hanging. The reflection can be either an embellishment or an eyesore.

The photos of the empty condo prestaging and the bedroom and full bathroom views are courtesy of Anita Macpherson, a professional photographer based here in Halifax.

You can count on Rave Re:view in Halifax Nova Scotia when you hire us to stage your property for the real estate market or redesign the home you are living in.

Staged and Sold

Just wanted to share a recent staging project, some design tips and to thank Heather Munroe of Bryant Realty for referring me to her selling clients.

The large formal living room, with windows on three walls, has a back area bounded by pillars and two half walls. With its view of the beautifully manicured back gardens, it is a great spot to curl up with a good book.

Design tip : A stand up easel is a wonderful way to display large pieces of artwork-an alternative to hanging pictures on the wall.

The family/great room has quality built-in shelves and cabinetry that flank the substantial fireplace. A corner built- in unit houses the TV.

Design Tip: An example of less is more. The uncluttered arrangement of good- sized accessories on the glass shelves is simple and clean looking.

The sunny bright solarium style large eating area in the great room , with its skylights and high ceiling, overlooks the back gardens.

Design Tip: Think multiple large scale accessories on a large scale table.

The dining room of this house is made more elegant by the substantial fireplace that graces its focal wall. I love the drama of dark walls.

Design Tip:When hanging pictures on dark walls, think light coloured matting. Light matting allows the artwork to pop and also brightens up the space. Grace a dining room table with a tall centre piece to add impact .

The well proportioned master bedroom even has a boudoir area off of the main room.

The master bath is spacious, with two sinks, a separate shower and a spa tub.

Design Tip: Place a tall vase in the centre of a long dual sink vanity to add interest to the countertop . By filling the vase with flowers or greenery or as in the case of this bathroom- feathers- the reflection that is produced adds an artistic touch.

Below, the vignette of multi height vases and an orchid is simple yet elegant and adds a punch of colour in the guest bedroom. Oops- I just noticed that the angle and proportions of the vases looks off - In reality the vases are all more substantial than the orchid whose container is actually quite small. The vases are also arranged in a way that their three varying sizes are evident- not so in this photo. I still have to develop my photography skills!!

Design Tip: A simple modern geometric piece of artwork meshes well with a more traditional curvacious Tuscany styled vase. The curves of the vase and the straight lines in the piece of artwork compliment one another.
Design tip: A framed mirror is always a great way to dress up a bathroom. And.. a pop of red -what can I say-my favourite colour-one little pop of red goes a long way!

You'll be sure to garner many a Rave Re:view when you hire us to prepare your property for the real estate market or redesign the home you are living in.