Written By: Felecia Gussman
(Project Notes Provided By: Taryn Deiters | Creative Director)
At First Impressions Staging + Design, we know that a well-staged home doesn’t just look good—it helps buyers connect emotionally and see the full potential of a space. Our recent project in Renton’s Stonegate neighborhood was the perfect example of how staging can take a home to the next level and deliver amazing results.
This home had already gotten some fresh updates, like new fixtures and paint, which gave it a great starting point. But without furniture, it was hard for buyers to picture how they’d live in the space. Our job was to bring it to life, highlight its best features, and make it feel like home.
Of course, successful staging isn’t just about the design—it also takes a savvy agent who understands its value. In this case, the listing agents, Sean Nielsen and Ashley Stevens, recognized the impact that professional staging could have and made it a priority. The result? The home sold in just three days and went for $105,000 over asking! Here’s a look at how we made it happen:
What is the name of this project and why?
We named this project "Stonegate Elegance" because of its location in the beautiful Stonegate neighborhood and the balance of sophistication and family-friendly living we aimed to highlight. The home’s architecture and spacious layout provided a great foundation, but it needed thoughtfully chosen furniture and decor to bring out its full potential. Our goal was to enhance its natural elegance while also making it feel inviting and practical for a family, helping buyers picture both daily life and special gatherings in the space.
What challenges did we have to overcome when staging this property?
Every home comes with its own set of challenges, and this one was no different. With its large layout and multiple living areas, one of the biggest hurdles was making sure each space felt intentional and well-balanced. The rooms were spacious, which is a great selling point, but without the right furniture, they could feel empty or overwhelming.
The informal dining area was another challenge—it had a unique layout that can make it difficult to visualize how it could function. Without furniture, it could have felt disconnected from the rest of the home. And while the house had plenty of natural light, we wanted to enhance the overall ambiance to ensure it felt warm and inviting at all times.
The solution: To solve these challenges, we carefully selected furniture that complemented the scale of each space, filling the rooms without making them feel crowded. In the informal dining area, we used a smaller table to open up the space and make it feel more functional. We also layered in ambient lighting throughout the home, strategically placing lamps and accent lights to create a welcoming atmosphere, even in the evening or on cloudy days. These thoughtful adjustments helped define each space, improve flow, and make the home feel lived-in and inviting!
What features in the home did we showcase?
This home had so many great features, and we wanted to make sure each one truly stood out. With multiple living areas, it was important to define the spaces so buyers could easily see how they could use them. We staged one as a formal entertaining space, perfect for hosting, and the other as a comfortable, everyday gathering area where a family could unwind.
The home also had some incredible architectural details—vaulted ceilings, elegant fireplaces, and oversized windows that brought in beautiful natural light and framed the outdoor scenery. We positioned furniture and decor carefully to draw attention to these standout features, making sure they felt like natural focal points in each room.
Versatility is something today’s buyers value, so we also wanted to highlight the home’s flexible spaces. We staged the home office to feel both stylish and functional, creating an inspiring space to work from home. The kids’ rooms and playroom were designed to be both practical and inviting, helping families see how the home could fit their lifestyle.
Finally, the primary suite was transformed into a true peaceful retreat, designed to feel both luxurious and relaxing. We layered in soft textures, from plush bedding to cozy accent pillows, creating a space that feels warm and inviting. A calming color palette was key in making the room feel serene, allowing potential buyers to easily picture themselves unwinding here at the end of a long day!
The Power of Staging: The Results
This staging made an impact right away—the home sold in just three days and for $105,000 over asking!
By thoughtfully highlighting its best features, solving layout challenges, and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere, we helped this home stand out in a competitive market. It’s proof that staging isn’t just about making a home look nice—it’s about strategically showcasing its potential and helping buyers form an emotional connection that makes them want to put in an offer.
If you're getting ready to sell, staging can make all the difference. Whether it's defining tricky spaces, enhancing a home's natural charm, or simply making sure every room feels welcoming, we're here to help. Let’s chat about how staging can work for your next listing!
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