Jan. 6, 2006 - staged to sell townhome

Keep your staging simple.  I have a glass table and these chairs in burgundy, blue and yellow.  Glass tables work well because you see through them, and they can expand the space when square footage is at a minimum. The table is light and easy to transport.  I love this table and own two of them, as it has a round plant holder in the center underneath.  Cheap and easy from Levitz in Bellevue.

Table settings:  placemats, napkins, napkin rings and glassware are quick and easy.  I buy mine from Sur la Table in Kirkland. I hit the clearance rack first.  I use lots of wine bottles (see fireplace).  We were taught at staging class not to put utensils out in the place settings, so I do not, but I'm not sure I agree.  Apparently it's a safety issue.

This home was occupied.  We moved a lot of things out into storage and brought in some simple pieces and coordinated all of the bedspreads and shower curtains and towels, all of which I purchased for this property at Linens and Things.  I went to the property with the cleaning people and staged while they cleaned.  It only took about 3 hours, once I was finished with conceptualizing the finished look that I wanted.

Often I can use much of the owner's things.  Just move things around to emphasize or deemphasize certain features of the home.  Do NOT conceal defects...THAT is not staging.  Also, do not stage a dirty or smelly property.  Clean it first.  I know these last two comments seem obvious, but I have seen it all.  Clean it and get rid of the pet or cigarette odors before you stage.