WE ARE BACK...BUT IT'S DIFFERENT

It is amazing what a crisis will do to a business. We learn how much people mean to us, how much we value our employees and sub-contractors, what works in our company now and what does not work. We have scaled back, become dependent on our inventory system, built a deeper trust in our peeps to perform efficiently when we are not present , changed our work hours, our procedures, our lives.

On we go…

Wanted to share this incredible townhouse. Not your typical newer construction townhouse. This has enormous bedrooms, large living and dining and a media room as well.

This Ballard neighborhood listing is by Ellen Gillette for Windermere Real Estate, the great photography is by Evan Parker and that there fab staging is by us at Open House Staging.

Views. Views. Views.

A beautiful home with breathtaking views.

This property brought to you by Darcy Breene for Windermere Real Estate, Photography by Christopher Cooper for Clarity NW, and staging by the Open House Staging Team.

Stunning Capitol Hill Home

This was a favorite of ours for sure. It is ONE. BIG. HOUSE. The home owner left a few pieces of furniture for us to use and we all wish we could load them up on our truck and use them again.

The listing is by Amy Sajer for Windermere Real Estate, the photography is by Greg White with Seattle Home Photography, and that great staging is by us at Open House LLC.

Color Psychology for Home Staging

Wanted to share this great article with you by Kellie Tollifson from T-Square Properties. Visit their blog if you want more tips and advice.

Color Psychology for Home Staging

Color affects the subconscious level. It can affect your emotions, mood, and gives you a remarkable feeling. And, this is why interior designers, and artists in general, are keen as to what color they use when working on a project.

Photo by John Wilbanks

So, are you thinking of staging your home? If so, it’s important to understand the psychology of colors so as not to make a potentially costly mistake. Remember, Kellie of T-Square Real Estate Services warns, how successfully your home is staged can have an impact on how quickly or slowly your home sells.

The colors you choose should highlight your home’s comfort, security, and efficiency. Below is some crucial information about some of the most common colors and how you can use them to stage your home successfully.

White

Photo by John Wilbanks

What comes to mind when you think of the white color? Cleanliness, right? In the psychology of colors, besides cleanliness, white color also symbolizes hygiene. It also gives the perception of space, particularly for small spaces.

As such, if you are working with a small space, white is the color to use. That said, using too much of it, especially in large rooms, can scream “Don’t touch me!” and can be quite clinical.

Red

Red is associated with blood and fire. Consequently, it is usually associated with energy, war, danger, strength, power, and passion.

When used properly, it can make one more accurate and much more attentive to detail. So, how can you use it to attract the attention of a would-be buyer? Well, you could use a red accessory on the fireplace mantel or place a vase of red flowers on a sparkling granite counter top surface.

Blue

Photo by Clarity NW

Blue is the color of trust and responsibility. It calls to mind feelings of serenity and calmness. Blue symbolizes wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, and truth. It tends to be favored by so many people and is often viewed as a non-threatening color that is traditional and conservative.

Just like other colors, the last thing you want is to overdo it. Overdoing it will make it come off as cold or unfriendly.

Blue works like a charm when used either in the bathroom or bedroom. You may even consider painting the kid’s room soft blue. Research has found that the blue color can help invigorate the creativity of people.

Yellow

Yellow is a bright color that immediately grabs the eye. It creates a sense of energy and excitement. When used properly, it can help evoke strong feelings of happiness and optimism.

But remember, overdoing it will only work against you. In fact, excessive use of yellow color can be overwhelming and can even cause some people to feel suicidal, fragile, or even depressed.

Just like the other colors aforementioned, go with shades of yellow. This is especially true in hidden areas like the basement.

Green

Photo by Clarity NW

Green is the color of life. It is associated with the environment, growth, harmony, freshness, safety, and fertility. Traditionally, green is also associated with money, finances, greed, and ambition.

Research focused on treatments for seasonal affective disorder found the green color to improve mood.

When it comes to home staging, using it on bedroom walls usually does some wonders. More particularly, shades of neutral greens can help give a sense of harmony and rest.

Purple

Photo by John Wilbanks

Purple combines the calm stability of blue and the fierce energy of red. It’s usually associated with ambition, nobility, royalty, and power.

You can use the richness of purple to elevate a room, which should help you seize the attention of a buyer.

Lighter shades of orchid, lavender, or lilac can help evoke a feeling of heightened creativity, maturity, and calm. The most intense shades of eggplant or violet, on the other hand, can indicate a luxurious feeling.

Paint Color Mistakes to Avoid

• Avoid choosing flamboyant colors. Steer clear of neon colors like orange. Using these can make your home look gaudy and can turn off potential buyers.

• Avoid using trendy paint colors. Use a versatile color that will be functional for every season.

• Avoid using the wrong paint finishes. Paint finishes come in different varieties, from high gloss to matte. If you are unsure about a particular finish, test in a small area and see how it looks before applying it to your walls.

• Avoid overpowering the rooms décor. Pick a color that doesn’t contrast with the décor. In other words, pick one that is in harmony with the furnishings you have.

• Avoid extremely dark colors. Avoid colors like grays, browns, and blacks. These will absorb natural light and leave a room feeling like a cave.

• Avoid impractical colors. While white can make a room glow, it can be difficult to maintain, especially if the buyers have small kids. Cream can be a good alternative here.

There you have it. How you can make use of different colors to sell your home fast. Aside from using the right color, you also want to make sure you hire the right person for the job.

Kellie Tollifson

More about Kellie:

What do you love most about your profession?
As a small business owner, a property manager and a speaker, I like helping and sharing my knowledge with other small business owners.

How long have you been in the business?
I’m actually a property manager and have been in the business for 20 years!

What room in your house would you put a lava lamp?
Bedroom!

What do you do to get rid of stress?
I like exploring the Northwest and working out!

What do you think about when you are alone in your car?
My job! Work relationships are something I’m continually trying to improve and bring to the optimal level of efficiency, profitability and fun. 

Thank you Kellie!

Green Lake Staging-Modern

A highly sought after Seattle neighborhood and an incredible home = the good life!

Listing by Anita Hearl for Windermere Real Estate, photos by Clarity NW and staging by some overworked stager girls at Open House.

Gasworks Park Condo

Can’t beat this swanky condo overlooking Gasworks Park. Talk about front row seats to fireworks, kite flying, concerts and events.

Listing by Carrie Debuys & Katie Hess of Sotheby’s International and staging by Open House.

Hunts Point Heaven

I think this is called the perfect storm. A home is on the market 2 times without success. Enter a top Eastside Agent, a creative Staging Team and a Rock Star Photographer and you have a sale in the 1st week! Takes a village…A very talented village.

It’s easy to give props to our staging company because it’s not about my Sister Extraordinaire and little ol’ me. It’s about a team of doers and thinkers that make Open House turn out a product to be proud of. Sister Ex and I started this endeavor 16 years ago loading and driving our truck. Now it’s bigger, better and way more fun!

Shelly Zhou is the agent. She has an invovative sales style that I fully embrace. and very much admire. John Wilbanks is the photographer-and yes, he is our favorite, and finally Open House Staging has the beautiful furniture, art & accessories available to help create the dream.

A Great Beauty

Behold…a stunning beauty. Wow! Big Big Wow!

When I walked in the empty house to preview for staging my jaw was on the floor. Then in came K2 and she started to tear up. No lie. We were blown away at the finishes, the seamless merging of the old and new, the two islands in the kitchen, every light fixture carefully selected, the view opened up and highlighted, a brand new garage, an added family room and so much more.

It could not have been without a great deal of pain and agony to create a product like this. Very proud of my Sister Extraordinaire for orchestrating such a feat.

See what I mean? It’s breathtaking isn’t it.

Good job Tara Nelson. A Builder Girl AND a Stager Girl.

The listing is by Rene Ruhl for Windermere Real Estate, the staging by Open House Staging and the photography is by Amaryllis Lockhart for Clarity Northwest.

Medina New Construction

Talk about custom! This home has imported everything! The stones, the front door, the flooring, the kitchen, the bathrooms, the light fixtures. Imported Imported Imported. Utter decadence and style.

My very small ask of the buyer: PLEASE INVITE ME TO ONE OF YOUR PARTIES!

Take time to view this Video of the home. It is B.R.E.A.T.H.T.A.K.I.N.G!

Right Here!

The listing is by Shelly Zhou for Coldwell Banker Bain, photos by John Wilbanks at JW Photo, and the incredible, sophisticated, stylish, sexy staging is by our Rock Star Team at Open House Staging.

Olympic Manor Neighborhood

This is a jewel of a neighborhood. Big fat views, tons of kids, friends to walk with, Trick or Treat heaven, Magical Holiday lights, beautiful sunsets and in the city.

Listing by Colleen McCann for Windermere Real Estate and Staging by Open House LLC

Windermere Neighborhood Staging

When I think how challenging this project was I want to go to sleep again. It’s good for us to be pushed to keep improving at our game of staging. We switched furniture up many many times until most of us agreed to the final look. Takes a team for sure.

Listing by Maider & Knowles of Windermere, Design Build by Thomas Blaike Group and Staging by some exhaused Stager Girls at Open House LLC.