stage in style: waterfront living
A couple of weeks ago, I shared with you some of my staging (and decorating) dos and don’ts based on my own home. As some of you may know, I work with my mom–Phyllis Patterson, the Patterson behind the Patterson Real Estate Group. To finish out my list of dos and don’ts, I thought I’d share with you a few from my mom’s home, which sits just outside of Alexandria on a gorgeous lakefront.
– Don’t have personal and family photos framing all of yours walls.
If you’re selling your home, you want it to feel like the potential buyer’s new home. If it is overly personalized, it will actually turn prospective buyers away. So, limit family photos and other personal touches. If you’re not selling your home though, you still might want to take a good look at how your photos are displayed. When arranged appropriately–in different sizes and in beautiful frames–family photos and other framed images can warm up a room and finish the look.
Unfortunately, I have not yet mastered “the art” of picture hanging. My photos look like an escalator running up and down my staircases–I definitely have left room for improvement! In the image of this sitting room at my mom’s house, ignore the yellow walls (that’s next) but, see how the framed mirror and artwork perfectly complement the space? There are a myriad of ways to do it, but that’s what you should aim for.
– Do stick to just a few colors throughout your home.
From anywhere you stand in your home, you should never see more than two (maximum three) colors. You don’t want each room to have a completely different identity, although it was trendy a little over a decade ago. Instead you want the flow from room to room to be smooth and seamless. I’m sure your home is lovely, but it isn’t the White House; you don’t need a Blue Room, Green Room, Red Room, etc. This is something we are working on in my mom’s house. As you can see, she is still rocking the red dining room and yellow hallway, which are both big no-nos.
The only exception to this rule is a child’s room. Done tastefully, a colored wall can be a happy selling feature in a home.
– Do consider painting furniture that might look or feel outdated.
My mom loves this armoire, but it was such an eyesore in its original color. A darker wood grain, it overwhelmed any space she put it in. All it took was a coat of paint to make it instantly fresher and more modern. When selling (and living in) a home, consider how you can inexpensively transform the pieces you already have to create a more serene environment.
– Do paint wood cabinets.
Similarly, my parents took on the task of painting their wood cabinets. You would be amazed at the transformation from the original cabinet color. It brightens up their entire living space.
– Don’t shy away from the use of natural materials.
My parents had the foresight to include natural materials such as wood and stone throughout their home. If you are decorating, renovating or preparing to buy, think about where you can limit color and trends and instead incorporate natural materials. They are timeless, look luxurious, and are appealing to most everyone.
Here is a video of one of our newest listings in Alexandria, a listing that happens to be the home of one of the Coco Blanca ladies!
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- About the team
The Patterson Group is one of the most experienced and trusted real estate teams in the area, serving Alexandria, VA for over thirty years. We offer professional, hardworking, detailed and friendly service and a large network of contacts and resources accrued over our many years in Alexandria real estate. Comprised of seven Alexandria locals, six of whom are licensed realtors and three of whom are accredited staging professionals, The Patterson Group is passionate and knowledgeable about Alexandria, VA and here for all of your Northern VA real estate needs. Allow us to help you find your home here and discover all that the Alexandria lifestyle has to offer.
400 South Washington Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.310.6201
1 Comment
these are two stunning, stunning homes! when i finish renting…which seems like a long road ahead…i’ll be sure to use this tips, and maybe live in something listed! thanks ladies.