It's hard to believe from this "after" picture, that this home had any problems.  The truth is that the seller was advised by many real estate agents to sell this home "as is".  On top of that, the real estate crisis was in full swing, and the average time on the market in her area was eight months. This woman was newly divorced and wanted to downsize. The home was in need of many repairs and updating.  The problem was how to do this on a budget. 

I came in and talked to her about what I thought we could do. I created a staging plan for each room of the house, using most of what she had.  In addition, I made a list of repairs for her to have done and then I did all of the shopping for the accessories.  

When this home was completed, the real esate person was blown away!  The client was able to ask more for her home and the home sold in only 28 days!  The average for her area was eight months!  A young couple purchased this home after looking at more than 50 homes. Her home was one of the top three they visited. 

You can read the full story here on my blog "Dream Mom".  Interestingly enough, I had never intended to stage homes.  This client had asked that I do this after hiring me for an organizing job.  Now, it's part of my services. 

Check out the "before" and "after" photos below!  

Here are the "before" and "after" home staging photos. I hope you enjoy them. 

Kitchen "Before" Photos: 

Kitchen "Before" Photo #1 (above)

In this photo and the ones following, you'll notice a few issues. There are different trim molding-some oak, some brown as well as different heights for the patio door and window near the table. The floor needs replacing.

Kitchen "Before" Photo #2

Kitchen "Before" Photo #3

Kitchen "Before" Photo #4

This photo is actually a bit misleading. The caption should read "during" instead of "before". When I first visited the home, there were two different styles of cabinets here. The sink wasn't hooked up and the dishwasher didn't work.  The under sink cabinets were actually on the other side of the kitchen, sitting in the corner.

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 Kitchen "After" Photo of Sink/Stove (above)

In the "after" photo, you'll notice a few changes. The walls have been painted a soft green to highlight the cabinets.  The wall color acts as a neutral. The drapes and towel on the stove, were made from a heavy cotton tablecloth, sold at Target. I simply measured the windows and created valences and side panels along with a faux towel for the stove, to give it some color. The previous hardware on the cabinets was mismatched. I unified the hardware selecting a brushed silver for a more updated look.

Kitchen "After" Photo #2 (above)

In this photo, countertops were added to match the ones along the sink wall. All of the trim molding around the windows and basebaoards has been painted white and replaced when necessary. A new floor has been installed.

Kitchen "After" Photo #3 (above)

 In this photo, I added placemats and made napkins to match the drapes and valences I made in the kitchen. A scented candle adds a touch of romance. I used the client's dishes and silverware for staging.

Kitchen "After" Photo #4 (above).

I added an herb garden to the window. I purchased some herbs, added some white ceramic pots with labels for a home grown look. Can you imagine how nice it would be to cook with herbs from your own kitchen?  The herb window utilizes the western sun, a selling feature of this kitchen.

Kitchen "After" Photo of the table setting I created. I made the napkins to coordinate with the kitchen drapes and valences.

 The Living Room

Living Room "Before" Photos

The "before" photo of the living room. It's hard to see the potential. 

Living Room "After" Photo #1 (above)

In this photo, the wall color was kept the same. The baseboard molding was painted white (formerly bright blue). I added the sheer drapes from Pottery Barn and hung them close to the ceiling as side panels for the wrap around living room windows. This is the first room you see when you walk in the home. I selected the coffee table from IKEA to coordinate with the client's armoire and desk. The baskets give the room an organic feel.

Living Room "After" Photo #2 (above)

The armoire was in the basement and filled with clothes.  The client wanted to get rid of it however I thought it would be better utilized in the living room.  I added the wooden branches as an organic touch along with the baskets in the coffee table.

Living Room "After" Photo #3 (above)

The client wanted to get rid of the desk. The desk was painted a dark green on the bottom. I painted it a bright white and used it in the foyer.  This gives people a place to set their keys down, when they come home.

The "New" Foyer (above)

Previously, the foyer doors were mirrored. They were replaced and painted white, to match the trim. The front door was previously bright blue and I painted it white to match the moldings.  A new ceramic tile foyer was added and the carpet was replaced.

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Lower Bath "Before" Photo #1 (above)

In the before photo, the bathroom looks cluttered and dated. 

hoto Lower Bath "After" Photo

The bathroom has been organized.  The cabinets have been painted white and new hardware has been installed on the cabinet doors.

Lower Bath "Before" Photo #2

In this picture, the magazine rack and the toiletries are making the room look smaller.

Lower Bath "After" Photo #2 (above)

In this photo, the toiletries have been organized and put away. The magazine rack has been removed.

Master Bedroom Upper Bath "After" Photo

Although small, this bath is elegant and beautiful. This was many people's favorite room in the house.

You can read more about this project on my blog "Dream Mom".  Click here for the link.

From time to time, I showcase projects on my blog and every Friday is "Organization Friday" where I write stories related to organizing.