See How a Stager Instantly Doubled the Space in a Dark, Tiny Condo

When it comes to staging homes, Nahal Robertson and Newsha Talebi, the duo behind Splendid & Swanky, a Washington, DC-based staging and interior design firm, know that the way to a buyer’s heart is creating a space that’s warm, welcoming, and easy to imagine living in.

“Our philosophy is centered around leveraging colors to evoke an emotional connection for the potential buyer to the home,” says Robertson. “We like the home to look lived in and ready to move into.” They put this idea into practice recently while working with listing agent Eddie Suarez of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty on a property in Washington, DC.

The home, an investment property owned by a family who relocated to another state a couple of years ago, already had a lot going for it. The one-bedroom, one-bathroom condo has abundant natural light and warm wood floors, is located in a walkable area, and comes with its own parking space — a hugely prized feature in any urban area. Suarez and the Splendid & Swanky team knew the condo would be ideal for a young professional looking for a DC address. The challenge was to inject some personality into the all-white space.

Keeping the vibe light and airy, Robertson and Talebi introduced living room furniture with warm wood tones and brought in color through artwork. “We added a gallery wall to the living room to create a colorful focal point in the space. It made the property evoke a warm and welcoming feeling versus a sterile, model home vibe,” says Talebi.

A textured rug, cozy throws, curtains, and a bevy of coordinating pillows added to the homeyness of the living space. “We added a neutral pop of color with new drapery in a linen fabric to soften and warm up the space,” adds Robertson. To balance the straight lines in the home, such as the long kitchen counter, Robertson and Talebi incorporated furniture with curves including the dining table, dining chairs, and sofa. Hits of texture in the form of woven placemats on the dining table and baskets in the kitchen kept things cozy, as did gold accents such as light fixtures, a large round mirror, and a bar cart placed throughout the open-concept space.

The biggest change in the home was simple but majorly effective: They added a wall near the kitchen which offered some separation and privacy between the main living area and the bedroom/bathroom area of the condo. As a bonus, the new wall provided a backdrop where 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 a 735-square-foot space.

The fresh but cozy feel of the main living space continued in the bedroom, where a color scheme of mostly neutrals with a pop of rust created a space that’s both tranquil and energetic. The generously sized room had enough space for a bed, matching nightstands, and even a reading nook.

The stylish staging helped potential buyers envision themselves moving right into the space. The unit received multiple offers and sold in three days for over asking price.