A Space That Tells You Exactly What to Do: Staging a Modern Open-Concept Home
Every so often, a property has such a strong personality that it practically tells you how it wants to be staged. Sometimes people are bossy—sometimes it’s the house. And this home definitely had a point of view.
The open floor plan connects the kitchen, living room, and dining room, creating one continuous sightline. The finishes throughout—chrome, black accents, and clean architectural lines—set the tone. The living room furniture was white leather, so when I came across bar stools in white leather with black accents, it felt like fate. They were the exact visual bridge the space needed to tie the kitchen and living room together, completing the modern story.
Styling the Bookshelves: Simplifying Without Losing Character
The owner left behind a large book collection on the living room and family room shelves. Full bookshelves can feel busy, personal, and occasionally risky—book titles can unintentionally distract or even turn off potential buyers.
To keep the shelves feeling clean, neutral, and visually cohesive, I edited the collection down and turned the remaining books so only the soft cream colour of the pages showed. This kept the warmth of books without the noise of mismatched spines.
In the corner of the room stood a large wire sculpture of a bass player. That sculpture inspired the entire bookshelf concept. I leaned into a music-themed display, sourcing two beautiful carved wooden instrument sculptures at auction. They added depth, personality, and a curated feeling without overwhelming the space.
Primary Bedroom: A Perfect Match
The primary bedroom featured a bold green accent wall—a colour that can be stunning when handled correctly. During my sourcing trip, I found a bedding set that matched the shade exactly. When I installed it, the entire room clicked. The green felt intentional, the textures warmed the room, and the whole space photographed beautifully for the listing.
A Cozy Basement Retreat
One of the lower-level bedrooms needed to feel warm and inviting, so I used a plaid quilt at the end of the bed, paired with coordinating cushions that I created. Birch tree artwork and plaid tree décor continued the soft woodland theme. Basement bedrooms can sometimes feel cold or forgotten, but this one ended up feeling like a small, cozy hideaway.
A Strong Showing and a Quick Sale
This property showed exceptionally well. The modern styling, cohesive storytelling, and attention to detail helped buyers immediately understand the flow and personality of the home—and it resulted in a quick, favourable sale.