Case Study: Small Space + Simple changes = Real Results

I cannot emphasize this enough...You do NOT need to spend a lot of money to get your home ready to present to buyers.   For this client all we needed was several boxes, a storage area, a new furniture layout and some gentle hand holding. Oh, and a swiffer!  

My client, Jean, owns a 670 SF condo in Atlanta, GA.  She is a single woman who has devoted her life to working in the Peace Corps.  Her extensive travels and experiences are reflected in her home decor;  Photographs, handmade gifts, artifacts, etc.  See the picture above for a before shot.  Every item in Jean's home has a sentimental significance and an interesting story and memory attached to it.  In other words, her home reflected Jean's memories, Jean's experiences, Jean's life.  It was a pleasure to work with Jean and to hear her share her wonderful life experiences.  Truly an inspiration.

The time has come for my client to put her condo on the market and move to another exotic location.  Now the trick is......get her home ready to show to prospective buyers and not make her feel that we are 'stripping' her of her memories.  She was excited to see what I had in store for her, but, understandably anxious about the process.  Seeing that Jean would not be moving for a few months, we needed to keep the condo functional for Jean and have it still feel like her home.  

                                                                            

                                                 

I started by providing a new furniture layout that higtlighted the features of the condo.  The space is small and modern with angled walls.  A challenge for even a minimalist!  First thing, get some boxes and make some piles.  Store, Stay, Toss.  I then edited and rearranged the furniture to create a conversation area.  Jean did not have a dining table so instead of buying one I used an existing console|sofa table.  I placed it behind the sofa where it can double as a kitchen island and dining for two.  

                            

She had a very large wooden Indonesian room divider at her patio door for privacy.  Although beautiful, the screen blocked much of the valuable natural light from entering the condo.  I folded the screen towards the wall which allowed her to unfold it only at night for evening privacy.  I rehung the cabinet doors for more hidden kitchen storage and then allowed for some of her pieces to be 'showcased' in the 2 remaining shelves.  I also created a desk|office area to house her computer and files.  In a small space such as Jean's it is important to show practical zones for everyday living.  The home still has Jean's flair, however, prospective buyers are able to clearly see defined spaces for dining, office, living and private spaces.  Of course, after sorting through all of her wall hangings and collectibles, it was easy to see that a good dusting was in order.  It's much easier to see with all of that natural light coming through now!  Most importantly, this project did not cost a dime.