This four-bedroom home in Minneapolis offers potential buyers a large family room, fireplace, hardwood floors and a built-in wet bar, but the dark paneling and low beamed ceilings made the space feel dark and somber compared with the rest of the house. "The space did not fit the personality of the home at all," said Lori Matzke of Centerstagehome.com. "We wanted it to feel just as relaxed and livable as the rest of the rooms." 1Temporary bookshelves on the far back wall were removed and the books were packed up and stored.
2Dark paneling was painted with an eggshell finish in a creamy shade of sandstone to brighten it, reflect more light into the room and to complement the brick fireplace.
3To add continuity, the wood trim and doors were painted with enamel in the same shade of soft vanilla already on trim and doors throughout the house.
The wood floors got a fresh coat of varnish to cover scuff marks and provide a glossy sheen. The small area rug was replaced with a larger one that took up too much space in the formal living room. When a home offers wood floors throughout, an area rug is a nice way to soften the space. In an oversized room such as this, the rug helps to define two distinct living areas within the room.
4Moving the sofa 2 feet closer to the fireplace and moving the matching occasional chair 2 feet in front of the doorway made for a more welcoming arrangement.
5Bright cherry red and rustic orange pillows add a pop of color and help to unify the rug and furnishings.
The computer desk, which had been blocking the view of the room, was arranged at a soft angle in the far corner. It gives the space visual balance.
A vintage table behind the sofa was paired with two matching chairs (not shown) and set up as a game table complete with chess set and a pharmacy lamp that give buyers a better idea of how the space can be used.
6To bring more light into the room, a floor lamp was placed in the corner, and a $35 decorative table lamp adds a soft silhouette against the background of windows.
Colorful contemporary artwork over the mantel (not shown) and cascading silk greenery in a copper basin pull much-needed attention to the fireplace, which is flush against the wall and not otherwise visible upon entry of the room.
During showings, leaving the wet bar (not shown) doors open and the overhead light on ensures that this feature will not be overlooked.
The Home Seller's Information Center at www.ourfamilyplace.com/homeseller/index.html includes information about hiring an agent, selling without an agent and a checklist for what to do before you sell.
