Speaking Up about Home Staging

It does make a difference, but even more so, I advise them to put up nice fresh, new and clean towels in all the bathrooms, and make sure that all bathrooms are all spotless every day.

James, I completely agree about the bathrooms. This homeowner actually had a maid come by the day before we staged the unit! I leave homeowners with a booklet on daily activities they should pay attention to and a checklist for decluttering, etc.

It does make a difference and photos are worth all that you put into them.  Good post and thanks for putting photos to show the difference.

Melissa, can you email me your list of daily activities to pay close attention to and the checklist for decluttering, if you don't mind sharing.

Melissa, your pictures are always so awesome.  The difference is like night and day.  Even a 'bachelor' would notice.  My favorite is the middle set.  Very dramatic difference.  Betty 

They make a HUGE difference ;) I think they create an emotional response and excitement. People just love fresh linens and they are excited by it. I remember I was always so excited to go to a hotel when I was a kid where there are just beautiful looking and fresh smelling linens.

Cheers,

Cindy 

Melissa, the linens definitely make the difference.  Usually worn out or outdated is what people have; the same with the towels I guess.  Your pictures really give a good visual on the difference. 

Melissa, this shows how simple changes make all the difference!!! The next time the linen supplier has the sale, can I count on you to come with us?

Marci - You know how disappointed I was missing it last year!  If I can be there I most definately will!!!

Melissa....of course they do, and your pics say it all!  Having those tired linens is like having tired wallpaper.  The bedroom linens must be fresh, look new, and make a statement about today's style....in that Pottery Barn kinda way.  Personally I'm so happy that earthy neutrals have stayed popular for so long, because I think these are colors that speak to most of us, most of the time.  With such affordable options at so many retailers, there's almost no reason to put a house on the market with a sad old "whipped cream" comforter.

Great point, and good design eye, lady!

Cheers, from DC!

   Jaynee
 

Absolutely...........

Duane Hosek in the Black Hills of South Dakota

Yes..It makes a big difference...an inviting bed makes and inviting house in my opinion.

The bed is a big part of the presentation in a bedroom, so I would say 'Yes, the linens definitely make a difference.' Seeing worn and mismatched sets might even cause me to wonder what other items in the home the owner neglected.

Melissa,

Oh my goodness yes, what a difference! Congrats on your feature.

Nothing speaks to elegance and comfort like luxurious linens. 

Wow!  What a huge difference!!!  Yes, new linens and towels make a HUGE difference.

Martha Stewart move over! There's a new sheriff in town named "Melissa Marro" and she means business!

George - lol... that's pretty funny.  You know the funniest thing, when people mis-hear my name they always say, "Martha?"  My in-laws have teased me for the past 15 years calling me Martha Stewart.  I promise you I am not that dedicated... but I kinda wish I was. 

Melissa - Just wanted to make your day :-)  I hope you are having a great weekend.

Melissa - You made the rooms look so rich and inviting, I will never underestimate the power of linens.  Congrats on your feature post!

Thanks Melissa, I have learned a few things more recently on staging. As a classic guy, that thinks bathroom curtains are for drying hands. I get it when I understand that it can actually net more money or at least invoke an offer.

Now the advice for my clients is, we can spend a little time and money staging or we can just get less money for the home, it's up to you.

What at difference just simple linens. Great advice

I completely agree! I confess that I have spent extra money on good linens, but it's definitely worth it!.Even my husband appreciates not only the "look," but the "feel." You can spoil yourselves and your company with nice linens. And you don't have to spend a fortune. I always look for sales and check out the bins offering mismatched linens. You can make a nice bed look great by blending mismatched on sale pieces into designer/one-of-a-kind bedding. 

Melissa - I totally agree and these days there are no excuses - you can get a fabulous bed in a  bag from $49 and up. Why wouldn't you? Great pictures.

Stephanie

Huge difference. It is amazing how many people have a tough time with this when you tell them however.

Melissa

Pictures do not lie...

Stacy

 

Well done...great before and after...what a difference indeed!

Getting new bedding and bathroom towels is also a good way of bringing the current colors into the home.

Brand new ,updated linens gives the home a fresh feel... your pictures show this.  Now who would want to envision themselves in the B4 beds???

Hi Melissa - BIG difference!! The angels in the pictures also help to make a nice difference, too. As Monika said, an inviting bed makes such a nicer presentation - love the changes in these pictures.

Ann

Great post.  I have found the same thing works with old sofas and chairs.  You just buy a throw cover and presto, the room has a whole new look.

You hit the Nail right on the head. I dont know why but thats what I always look at, it sets off the mood of the whole room and can change the entire look and feel of the home!

I think absolutely they do!  My favorite part of the whole staging process is dressing the bed.  There is something inviting about a bed that is dressed with beautiful linens. I think it  allows us to emotionally connect with something that looks so comfortable.

Yup, I agree!  As I've said in my blogs, a mattress is like a big canvas!

Kathy

From dumpy to delicious.  Makes all the difference and for a small outlay of cash what a change - besides they can take them with after the sale and enjoy in their new home.  Big mistake not to change these out!!

Good story telling through photos, Melissa. 

It makes such a HUGE difference. I tell clients I will purchase a new set that they can bring to their new home and they always love the after look

Phyllis Pafumi

Linens, of course, are the detail that make the difference.  I now use hotel table cloths instead of bed linens.  They are crisper, whiter, and look FABULOUS!  

ain't it the truth..little things mean alot. Great post

Melissa,

 The investment in nice linens more than pays for itself. Right now I'm not in the position to  have a lot of my own inventory, linens can make the difference in the feel of a room, so that's my focus now. I just love the feel of high thread count, it's so luxurious.

                                                                       Penny White

                                                                       Beststagedesign Inc.