Staging Works: West Los Angeles Condo in Escrow 1st Week on Market!

Posted on 27 May 2009

Since we have been so busy Staging lately, I was remiss in posting about our latest project – a lovely condo in West LA that we Staged on May 15th. Blogging about it was on my “to-do” list for today, but when I checked my email this morning I got the following email from the Realtor:

“I am happy to tell you that I got an accepted offer on the Pelham condo in the first week. It’s in escrow & inspection and I’m looking for a backup offer.”

It must have been fate that I hadn’t yet blogged about this project, because what better news to share than this Staging Success Story! It’s one for the record books. Though this was considered a vacant Staging (everything had been moved out before we came to Stage), my before pictures only show how this condo looked when I first previewed it.

BEFORE

As you can see the living room was dark and overcrowded. The fireplace was being blocked by a chair so that the family could watch the TV (which was positioned on the opposite wall). There were kids’ toys everywhere, and there was a home office setup right next to the TV. The overall impression you got when you walked in was that there was not enough space in this condo, so the living room had to double as both a play room and an office. The fireplace, which should’ve been a focal point, was an afterthought at best.

Now take a look at the Staged living room.

STAGED

Living Room After - View 1 Living Room After - View 2

First we chose new paint to lighten the walls, sheer curtains to let in exterior light and lamps to brighten the room. Next we completely reversed the furniture arrangement so that the fireplace was the focal point, while at the same time solving the problem of where to put the TV (which is of utmost importance to home buyers). Then we added art and simple accessories to appeal to all types of buyers. Lastly and most importantly, we showed this room as a living room – and ONLY a living room – with plenty of room for conversation and entertaining.

BEFORE

drbefore Dining Room Before - View 2

The dining room had both an adult table AND a kids’ table, both of which were covered with stuff. The chandelier was too small for the room, and the china hutch overpowered the space.

STAGED

Dining Room After Dining Room After - View 2

By adding a console table in place of a kids’ table, we show that the space (although open to the living room) can be a large and functional dining room with extra room for a buffet or china hutch. Replacing the chandelier with an inexpensive larger one, and placing a mirror on the wall behind the table, makes the space feel bigger.

BEFORE

Master Bedroom Before

The master bedroom was pink and crowded and felt anything but restful.

STAGED

Master Bedroom After

Painting the walls a neutral color allows buyers to bring in whatever bedding or art they already own, knowing it will work in the space. Replacing the tall and bulky armoire with a regular dresser and mirror brings the room down to scale and makes the bed the focal point. And lastly, replacing the huge chair that used to sit to the right of the bed with a smaller scale chair in the far corner of the room makes this room feel much more open and spacious.

BEFORE

Powder Room Before

The seller’s friends had told her to leave the expensive wallpaper in this tiny powder room rather than paint.

STAGED

Powder Room After

I disagreed. Enough said.

BEFORE

Office Before

This tiny room in the entry to the condo was confusing – was it a library, a home gym or a storage space?

STAGED

Office After

Now the agent can list this as a 2 Bedroom PLUS an office! Voilà – added value!

For more information and photos of this gorgeous condo, check out the property website.

Category: Staging Success Stories, Vacant Home Staging
Tags: condo, home staging los angeles, los angeles, real estate, realtor, staging, vacant, West LA

4 responses to Staging Works: West Los Angeles Condo in Escrow 1st Week on Market!

Michelle Minch, Moving Mountains Design says:

May 27, 2009 at 10:46 pm

Great job Annie. You really showcased this condo to perfection. That bathroom wall paper was scary. Glad you were able to convince them to get rid of it. Congratulations on the fast sale.

admin says:

May 28, 2009 at 11:39 am

Thanks Michelle! Truth be told, the wallpaper didn’t look quite as bad in person (it was actually high quality nice stuff). But you know how photos always make wallpaper look worse. And it was much too busy for such a small space.