So many clients wait to tackle home improvement and decorating projects until it’s time to sell their home.  And, more often than not, we hear regrets about wishing they’d done it sooner so they could enjoy the changes.  It seems a shame to go to all the hassle and expense just to turn it to over to someone else.  Of course, not all sales are planned far in advance.  And, believe it or not, some owners move just to avoid the hassle of updating their old home.  But it still seems like there’s a better way.  If there’s even a remote possibility of moving, why not try staging early so you too can enjoy?

We’ve been working recently with a couple in Algonquin, IL who are doing just that!  Already enjoying retirement, they know that their 4 bedroom, split-level home won’t be as practical in a few years and they’ll be moving to a home that better suits their needs.

Before

After

The couple started consulting and working with us over two years ago as they prepared both mentally and financially for the updates they needed and wanted to make.  We started with a few smaller updates in the guest bedrooms and gave the kitchen cabinets a fresh coat of paint and new hardware.  A new deck and other exterior work was also completed.  Finally, this year, they were ready to turn their attention to the main living areas.  We helped unify all three floors with a new color palette for the first floor living room, dining room and kitchen as well as the lower level family room and finished basement.   The homeowners installed new carpet and flooring as needed.  And new light fixtures replaced dated ones in the dining room, foyer and upstairs hallway.

Before

After

Next, we turned to updating furniture and decor.  We began with the heart-heavy task of pairing down a lifetime of accumulated antiques, knick-knacks and other things that no longer fit into the new and updated look.  New living room furniture including a sofa, oversized chair and accent chair were ordered.  A large cocktail table and end tables were added to finish the seating area.  New parsons chairs replaced the original cane back chairs in the dining room.  A new rug, artwork, accessories, and window panels were also purchased.

Before

After

While most people would do all of this work only to turn around and move, this couple did it a better way.  Not only is their home updated, but it’s also pre-staged to sell.

Is it time for you to update some things in your home?  Don’t wait ’til the last minute so you can do it for someone else.  Give us a call and we can help you with staging early.  It’s a win-win!