Staging is the art of defining a space.
Case in point, this mid-century beauty sitting atop the Hollywood Hills in California.
Open plan, the house greets the visitor with oodles of luxurious space.
Ironically, the airy proportions could potentially overwhelm a prospective buyer. Where should the dining area be? How does seating work in what could be an area called the Living Room?
With careful thought given to the architectural layout and how people actually live; a story begins to unfold. By selecting relative size and style sympathetic furnishings; the flow and purpose of the space reveal itself.
Another helpful tool for setting the mood of a space is the artwork. Art can subliminally emphasis unique characteristics of a home (specific architectural features can be echoed in a painting) or compliment monochromatic decor can with a splash of a color.
All the artwork used in this particular staging was created by myself. The showing was a success, the home was purchased for 5.5 million.
Entry way Hollywood Hills
When a visitor entered the front door, there was no entryway, foyer or transition space to greet them.
By using black to unite and ground certain aspects of the accent pieces, namely the legs of the table, light fitting and artwork, a focal point is created against the white walls.
Breakfast Nook Hollywood Hills
Here, against the wonderful modernist geometric shapes at play, the rectangular window to the right was slightly ominous when in shadow. The remedy was the injection of some vibrant color and texture of the painting to the left.
Bar Area Hollywood Hills
A non-descript niche became a soothing bar area, dressed with a discreet uplight that added warmth and intimacy. The painting above added architectural detail that complimented the organic curves of the tall plant to the left.
Dining Area Hollywood Hills
Clean, minimalistic and elegant was the result in claiming this area for the dining space with furniture that had simple lines. Here again, the colorful shapes in the painting add playfulness to the setting.
Hallway Hollywood Hills
The tone of the hallway as the transitional space from the communal areas to the bedrooms was quite staid. The art made walking through a more dynamic experience with its bold color and dynamic direction.