If you follow me on social media (click the Instagram and Facebook icons below to check them out!), then you have probably seen that I have been taking interior design courses during my downtime. I have a natural knack for pulling a space together, however, I thought it would be fun to take a few courses and earn an interior design certificate. I love learning and I love meeting new people. Taking the courses combine the two. In addition to the coursework to obtain an interior design certificate, I elected to register for a quick 3-day Home Staging course. The first class, our instructor, a local interior designer, taught us how to stage a home with the goal of selling the property. By the end of the class, we were asked if any of us wanted to volunteer to have their home staged by the class. I wanted to volunteer as tribute (LOL) but I was afraid my home was already “staged” for it is my calling card for my interior design business. Looking back, I am glad that I did not volunteer for I would have missed out on the awesomeness that is my classmate’s home. She is a fantastic artist and I would have never known that if I had volunteered.

So on the second day of class, we all met at her home and were divided into groups of 2 or 3. My teammate and I were responsible for staging the Master Suite which included the bedroom, bathroom, and sitting area. We signed up for those rooms quickly for they are both our fave rooms in any home :-).

Master Suite

Master Bedroom (Before)

Master Bedroom (After)

Relocated the chaise

Decluttered the nightstands

Removed the cot

Removed the family photos

Refreshed the bed with colorful pillow

Note: Fabric on canopy would be removed if staged for selling

Masted Bedroom (Before)

Master Bedroom (After)

Removed workout equipment

Removed family photos and replaced with artwork

Removed rug

Removed extra tables

Relocated chaise from end of bed

Added fresh greenery and flowers

Added colorful pillows from other parts of the home

Master Bedroom (Before)

Master Bedroom (After)

Decluttered dresser of personal items

Added greenery brighten the dark colored dresser

Master Bathroom (Before)

Master Bathroom (After)

Removed shelving blocking the soaking tub

Removed toiletry items

Removed bath rugs

Added white towel to rack

Added greenery

Master Bathroom (Before)

Master Bathroom (After)

Removed toiletries

Removed bath rugs

Added greenery

Master Bathroom (Before)

Master Bathroom (After)

Removed toiletries from shower

My classmate’s home was huge for we staged 14 rooms. So I decided to share my favorite transformations in the galleries below. You will notice that some of the items were used in several of the rooms. For example, the yellow pillows from our Master Suite furniture made their debut in just about every room in the house LOL. My teammate and I should have charged a fee for using out pretty pillows LOL.

Study

Study (Before)

Study (After)

Changed out pillows for colors that coordinated with the homeowner’s artwork

Moved the shelving unit to the dark wall

Decluttered the shelving unit

Removed the red rug to highlight the gorgeous flooring

Study (Before)

Study (After)

Changed out pillows for colors that coordinated with the homeowner’s artwork

Moved the shelving unit to the dark wall

Decluttered the shelving unit

Removed the red rug to highlight the gorgeous flooring

Pull back drapes to show off window and brighten the room

Note: The drapes would be replaced with a more neutral fabric to enhance the window for buyers.

Living Room

Living Room (Before)

Living Room (After)

Added throw pillows for color

Changed out art over fireplace

Replaced white swivel chair with red chair (from another room)

Moved figurines from half wall to fireplace mantel

Removed art next to patio door

Added greenery to coffee table

Living Room (After)

Added throw pillows for color

Changed out art over fireplace

Replaced white swivel chair with red chair (from another room)

Moved figurines from half wall to fireplace mantel

Removed art next to patio door

Added greenery to coffee table

Guest Bedroom

Guest Bedroom (Before)

Guest Bedroom (After)

Replaced animal print bedding with neutral bedding

Replaced art above bed with blank canvas (break up brightness and texture of wall)

Removed red chairs (recall them in the Living Room)

Moved artwork to new locations within the room

Note: If home were to placed on the market, the bright colored walls would need to be neutralized to appease to a wide range of buyers.

This course was a lot of fun and I learned quite a few things when staging a home.

It is easier to stage a home for buyers than it is to decorate a home for its owners.
One must remove the personality of the owner(s) to successfully stage a home. It gives the imagination of potential buyers a chance to envision their lives in your home.
Greenery is better than flowers….less expensive and live longer.
White towels and linens make bathrooms and bedrooms look clean and fresh. It gives the illusion that everything is brand new and never been used. Think like your favorite hotel chains.
Pops of color on neutral furniture does wonders for listing photos.

Which of the shared transformation are your favorite?