Project Spotlight: Issaquah Hybrid Transformation
- Felecia Gussman
- 14 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Written By: Felecia Gussman
(Project Notes Provided By: Taryn Deiters | Creative Director)
Staging success often comes down to the right combination of creativity, strategy, and collaboration. At First Impressions Staging + Design, we love working alongside talented agents who understand the value of expertly showcasing a home’s potential. Our recent staging project in Issaquah, right near the beautiful Hunters Ridge area, is a perfect example of how great partnerships can lead to amazing results.
But what made this project unique was the hybrid staging approach we used. The homeowners had left behind several beautiful pieces of furniture, and rather than replacing everything, we strategically blended their pieces with our own furniture, decor, and accessories to create a cohesive, welcoming feel.
With the right strategy and design choices, we transformed this property into a polished and inviting retreat that buyers couldn’t resist. The results speak for themselves: this stunning home sold for $300,000 over asking in just five days. Let’s break down what made this project such a success.
What is the name of this project and why?
We’re calling this project “Issaquah Hybrid Transformation” because of the unique staging approach we took. By incorporating the homeowners’ existing furniture with our own high-quality pieces and thoughtfully curated decor, we were able to enhance the home’s natural charm without losing its authentic feel.
The goal was to create a refined, stylish, and inviting environment that showcased the home’s best features. Our hybrid staging strategy allowed us to complement the homeowners’ furniture while also elevating the overall design with cohesive decor and accessories.
What challenges did we have to overcome when staging this property?
Every home presents its own unique set of challenges, and this one was no exception. With such large rooms and multiple living spaces, it was essential to make sure the staging felt cohesive and thoughtfully put together. Here are a few of the hurdles we faced:
Scale of the Space: The size of the rooms required substantial furniture pieces and decor to keep everything feeling balanced and inviting. It was important to fill the spaces appropriately without making them feel cluttered or overwhelming.
Blending Existing Furniture: This was a true hybrid stage, so making sure our pieces complemented the homeowners’ existing furniture required a careful and strategic approach. Maintaining consistency throughout the home was key.
Layout Adjustments: Moving rugs, repositioning furniture, and creating new layouts were necessary to enhance the overall flow and functionality of the home.
Packing and Coordinating Decor: We chose decor and artwork that tied everything together, ensuring it felt like a cohesive design rather than a mix-and-match of different pieces.
What features in the home did we showcase?
This home had several standout features that we wanted to highlight through staging:
Expansive Windows: The large windows were one of the property’s best assets, flooding the home with natural light and providing beautiful views of the landscaped yard. We arranged furniture to enhance these views and keep the spaces feeling bright and open.
Informal Living Area Multiple Living Areas: With such a large layout, we styled each space with a distinct purpose—formal entertaining, cozy family gatherings, and a designated media space. Giving each room a clear function was key to helping buyers envision their own lives unfolding in the home.
Elegant Architecture and Spaciousness: The home’s high ceilings, detailed woodwork, and spacious layout provided a sense of luxury. We used decor and furniture placement to enhance these elements, creating a refined yet approachable aesthetic.
Functional, Welcoming Rooms: We staged each bedroom with care, making sure they felt comfortable and inviting. The primary suite, in particular, was styled to feel like a luxurious retreat, perfect for unwinding at the end of a long day. The bathrooms were also given special attention to ensure felt spa-like and serene.
What was our main focus when staging the home?
Our main focus was to bring out the home’s best features and create a welcoming atmosphere that buyers could easily connect with. From the beginning, we wanted to strike the perfect balance between elegance and comfort—making sure the home felt polished and inviting all at once.
Blending the client’s existing furniture with our staging pieces was key. We took a thoughtful approach to layout and decor, making sure everything worked together harmoniously. Creating that sense of flow and function throughout the home was crucial, especially with such a large property.
Lighting was another big priority. We added ambient lighting to brighten every room and kept lamps on timers to maintain a warm, welcoming glow no matter the time of day. Those little touches can make such a difference when it comes to helping buyers feel at home.
The Power of Staging: The Results
We couldn't be happier with how this project turned out. Thanks to our partnership with Scott Sorenson and our strategic approach to staging, the home sold for $300,000 over asking in just five days. It’s always exciting to see such a great result, especially when it’s clear that the staging played such a key role in the sale.
From enhancing the property’s natural beauty to creating inviting, functional spaces that buyers could picture themselves living in, this project was all about bringing the home’s full potential to life. It’s also a perfect example of what can happen when you have a skilled real estate agent who understands the power of expert staging.
Working on projects like this is exactly why we love what we do. The right staging can truly make all the difference, and we’re always ready to help more homes shine. Let’s chat about how staging can benefit for your next listing!
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