In my role as a home stager, I've encountered countless properties, each with their unique character shaped by their architecture, era, and décor. Driven by the goal to maximize the property's appeal and value, I've operated under a simple yet transformative principle: make every space appear bigger, brighter, and newer.
This approach has always guided me when entering a room to assess what could be modified or enhanced to achieve these objectives.
Make every space appear bigger, brighter, and newer... has always guided me
One particular experience stands out, marking a memorable moment in my early career. On that day, I stepped into a home that greeted me with a dimly lit hallway, its walls clad in dark gumwood, creating a somber mood that reminded me of "The Munsters" — one of my TV favorites as a kid (yes, I am that old).
I advised the homeowner to paint the natural wood white, which seemed like a straightforward suggestion to me. However, my advice unexpectedly led to my swift ejection from the project, a clear sign that my recommendation wasn't well received. Despite the setback, I stood by my recommendation, convinced it was the right thing to do.
The debate around painting wood surfaces is deeply personal. Many cherish the natural aesthetics of wood, feeling a profound connection to nature through its presence.
Yet, as styles evolve, so too must our homes if they are to fetch top dollar in the competitive real estate market. While dark wood has its time and place, modern trends favor lighter stains and strategic uses of darker accents that enhance rather than overwhelm spaces.
The debate around painting wood surfaces is deeply personal
As I progressed through my career, I often came across homes with dark woodwork. Each time that I proposed painting-out the natural woodwork, I braced for resistance, which came as often as not. Though I've never been outright dismissed again, the possibility lingers every time I broach the topic.
But here's the clincher: in my experience, homes that have opted for a lighter, brighter aesthetic have consistently outsold their darker counterparts.
This conviction was especially reinforced one day when I came across a home that, despite its prime location, fair pricing, and staging, struggled to attract offers.
When I was called in, I was struck once again by the dark millwork of the large foyer. The homeowner had spent over a year lovingly restoring the woodwork to this natural state.
Uh oh.
Despite the beauty of her work, I made my case for going the other way — painting over that which she had only just exposed. I expected the worst but I guess her struggles selling the home came into play. She reluctantly agreed to repaint the wood and adjust the staging. The transformation was dramatic, leading to a successful sale that made me look like a superstar. Light and airy won again.
Reflecting on these experiences, I'm reminded that the choice to paint wood is intensely emotional and often met with resistance. Yet, time and again, I've witnessed how spaces that feel bigger, brighter and newer not only sell faster but also command higher prices.
While the debate over painting-out natural wood will undoubtedly continue forever, these successful transformation stories are the ones I remember the most and they are the ones that really underscore the value that we stagers can bring to the world of home sales. •
Oh, that beautiful woodwork
To paint or not to paint?
by Carmen
In my role as a home stager, I've encountered countless properties, each with their unique character shaped by their architecture, era, and décor. Driven by the goal to maximize the property's appeal and value, I've operated under a simple yet transformative principle: make every space appear bigger, brighter, and newer.
This approach has always guided me when entering a room to assess what could be modified or enhanced to achieve these objectives.
One particular experience stands out, marking a memorable moment in my early career. On that day, I stepped into a home that greeted me with a dimly lit hallway, its walls clad in dark gumwood, creating a somber mood that reminded me of "The Munsters" — one of my TV favorites as a kid (yes, I am that old).
I advised the homeowner to paint the natural wood white, which seemed like a straightforward suggestion to me. However, my advice unexpectedly led to my swift ejection from the project, a clear sign that my recommendation wasn't well received. Despite the setback, I stood by my recommendation, convinced it was the right thing to do.
The debate around painting wood surfaces is deeply personal. Many cherish the natural aesthetics of wood, feeling a profound connection to nature through its presence.
Yet, as styles evolve, so too must our homes if they are to fetch top dollar in the competitive real estate market. While dark wood has its time and place, modern trends favor lighter stains and strategic uses of darker accents that enhance rather than overwhelm spaces.
As I progressed through my career, I often came across homes with dark woodwork. Each time that I proposed painting-out the natural woodwork, I braced for resistance, which came as often as not. Though I've never been outright dismissed again, the possibility lingers every time I broach the topic.
But here's the clincher: in my experience, homes that have opted for a lighter, brighter aesthetic have consistently outsold their darker counterparts.
This conviction was especially reinforced one day when I came across a home that, despite its prime location, fair pricing, and staging, struggled to attract offers.
When I was called in, I was struck once again by the dark millwork of the large foyer. The homeowner had spent over a year lovingly restoring the woodwork to this natural state.
Uh oh.
Despite the beauty of her work, I made my case for going the other way — painting over that which she had only just exposed. I expected the worst but I guess her struggles selling the home came into play. She reluctantly agreed to repaint the wood and adjust the staging. The transformation was dramatic, leading to a successful sale that made me look like a superstar. Light and airy won again.
Reflecting on these experiences, I'm reminded that the choice to paint wood is intensely emotional and often met with resistance. Yet, time and again, I've witnessed how spaces that feel bigger, brighter and newer not only sell faster but also command higher prices.
While the debate over painting-out natural wood will undoubtedly continue forever, these successful transformation stories are the ones I remember the most and they are the ones that really underscore the value that we stagers can bring to the world of home sales. •
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