When it comes to staging homes, Nahal Robertson and Newsha Talebi, the duo behind Splendid & Swanky, a Washington, D.C.-based stage design and interior design firm, know that the way to a customer’s heart is to create a space that’s warm, inviting, and easy to imagine life in it.
“Our philosophy is centered around using color to evoke an emotional connection from the potential buyer to the home,” says Robertson. “We like the house to look lived in and ready to move in.” They recently put this idea into practice while working with listing agent Eddie Suarez of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty on a Washington, DC property.
The house, an investment property owned by a family that moved out of state a few years ago, already had a lot going for it. The one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment has plenty of natural light and warm wooden floors, is located in a walking area and comes with its own parking space – an extremely valued feature in any urban area. Suarez and the Splendid & Swanky team knew the apartment would be ideal for a young professional looking for a DC address. The challenge was to inject some personality into the completely white space.
Keeping the vibe light and airy, Robertson and Talebi introduced living room furniture in warm wood tones and introduced color through artwork. “We added a gallery wall to the living room to create a colorful focal point in the space. This made the property evoke a warm and welcoming feeling in contrast to the sterile, model home atmosphere,” says Talebi.
A textured rug, cozy throws, curtains and a matching array of cushions added homely comfort to the living space. “We added a neutral color with new linen drapery to soften and warm the space,” adds Robertson. To balance the home’s straight lines, such as the long kitchen counter, Robertson and Talebi incorporated furniture with curves, including a dining table, dining chairs and sofa. Hits of texture in the form of woven coasters on the dining table and baskets in the kitchen kept things cozy, as did gold accents like light fixtures, a large round mirror, and bar carts placed throughout the open concept space.
The biggest change to the home was simple, but mostly effective: They added a wall near the kitchen that offered separation and privacy between the main living area and the apartment’s bedroom/bathroom. As a bonus, the new wall provided a backdrop against which the design team anchored a desk and chair to create a work-from-home space. The result: A home that packs a lot of function and personality into 735 square feet of space.
The fresh yet cozy feel of the main living space continued into the bedroom, where a color scheme of mostly neutrals with a hint of rust created a space that was both calm and energetic. The generously sized room had plenty of space for a bed, matching bedside tables and even a reading nook.
The elegant staging helped potential customers imagine moving right into the space. The unit received multiple offers and sold in three days at an excessive price.