Usually when someone hires home stagers in London here, it’s one of two types of people: home owners, or their real estate agents.

But this home was a different story. Instead, I was contacted by an accountant. The owner of this condo had passed away, and his accountant was taking care of his estate on behalf of the next of kin – his two sons. Anyway, when he contacted me, it had been sitting on the market for a while and hadn’t sold.

So I walked in the door and was greeted with this:

Home Stagers Challenge: A Smelly, Vacant Condo To A Warm, Welcoming Home | an empty condo living room | MatiDesign Interior Decorating And Home Staging London Ontario

What would you do with this room, as a home buyer? If you have no idea, you’re not alone. It’s hard for most people to picture what their life can look like in a vacant room.

It’s like reading a book where all the pages are blank. Sure, you can imagine whatever you want on those pages, but without a little guidance you have no idea where to start.

This photo, too, doesn’t show you one of the biggest problems with this place – the smell. Not only were you greeted with a vacant room, but the place REEKED of cigarette smoke. That’s not a pleasant smell for anyone, even if you’re a heavy smoker yourself.

If there was ever a home that needed my help, this was it!

Waving My Home Stager Magic Wand

The original owner had bought the condo 35 years ago, and in that time he hadn’t updated a single thing. So the faucets, the sinks, the toilets, the light fixtures – all of it had to go.

I had the carpets steam cleaned and the place aired out to get rid of the smell, and a fresh coat of paint on the walls to brighten things up.

And we just HAD to open those windows! It’s not a dungeon, after all.

Here’s the result:

Home Stagers Challenge: A Smelly, Vacant Condo To A Warm, Welcoming Home | a staged condo living room | MatiDesign Interior Decorating And Home Staging London Ontario

Big difference, huh?

Take a look at the fireplace – what do you see that’s different than before?

That’s right, we took the bronze trim off it. It was attached with magnets, so we were able to completely transform the fireplace from a dated, tired look to a fresh, contemporary one with just three small tugs.

After staging, this condo sold in just five days. And you can see why – instead of a cold, empty, stinky room, it became warm, welcoming, and relaxing.

Contact MatiDesign Home Stager

If you’re getting ready to sell your home, be sure it sells for all it’s worth! Contact MatiDesign today to schedule your in-home staging consultation. You’ll discover some insider tips on how to sell your home quickly, and for more money.


Mati Design
(519) 937-1600
- https://goo.gl/maps/g3QeA3PZEm32


Mati Design can help you enhance the natural beauty of your home in a way that is timeless, comfortable, and works for you and your family Contact her for more information on his work.