Home Staging in Estoril: An Unbelievable Mid-Century Transformation - Home Staging Portugal
- Karina
- Oct 29, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
When I first stepped into the property on Rua António in Estoril, it was clear that this property had potential—but it was hidden beneath layers of outdated decor. Originally purchased by a former LA-based real estate agent as a personal residence, it ultimately became a flip opportunity after delays led him to move elsewhere. He invited us to stage it, but I was taken aback by the dark wood floors, cabinetry, and the dated wooden paneling used to conceal the shutters.
I immediately realized that simply staging it wouldn’t suffice. The house needed a breath of fresh life—a full transformation to make it ready for today’s market, using our Transformation Package.
The Consultation: From Outdated to Opportunity
Knowing that a typical staging approach wouldn’t work, I proposed a detailed written consultation instead, offering a vision for unlocking the property’s potential. My suggestions were focused on brightening and modernizing the space:
• Refreshing with Neutral Paint: Painting everything in a fresh, neutral color to lighten up the rooms and create a sense of openness.
• Updating the Kitchen: Replacing the dark wood cabinetry with a more modern, sleek design that would appeal to contemporary buyers.
• Addressing the Flooring: The dark parquet floors in the bedrooms and the unusual brown tiles in the living room—shaped like organic triangles—made the rooms feel heavy. I recommended a lighter approach to make the floors work in harmony with the new, airy feel of the home.
The client embraced the recommendations, embarking on a renovation that would transform the space. When the work was done, my team and I returned to stage the freshly updated home, ready to bring our vision to life.
The Staging: Cozy Contemporary with Classic Accents
With the renovations complete, we set about staging the villa in a cozy contemporary style, carefully incorporating classic elements to highlight the property’s character and history.
• Living Room: We placed a soft linen sofa to bring a light, coastal feel to the room, which softened the structure and balanced out the heavier elements of the space. To enhance the aesthetic, we added marble coffee tables that lent a touch of sophistication without overpowering the room.
Before & After Living Room
Side-by-side comparison of Estoril living room before and after transformation, highlighting the shift from heavy wood to light, airy contemporary design.
• Classic Meets Contemporary: An antique cherry chest of drawers with brass accents was left behind by the previous owners, and rather than overlook it, we used it as a feature piece. Above the chest, we placed an abstract art that contrasted beautifully with the piece’s classic design.
• Bedrooms: Each bedroom was transformed with crisp white linens, giving them a welcoming, clean, and luxurious hotel feel. To add character without overpowering the space, we incorporated a pair of moody, and pop art-style artworks and subtle decor touches and layered textiles for a sophisticated, cohesive look.
Before & After Bedroom
• Kitchen and Breakfast Nook: Where there was once an uninviting balcony, we created a charming breakfast nook, styled to feel light and airy. This cozy corner added function and appeal, transforming the kitchen into a space where buyers could imagine enjoying relaxed mornings in a beautifully designed setting.
Before & After
A New Life for a Tired Property
This project was all about seeing the potential in a tired space and giving it a second chance through thoughtful design and staging. The transformation took this villa from dark and outdated to fresh, modern, and market-ready. Within a few months, the property was sold, giving the client a successful flip and proving the power of expert staging and a well-executed renovation.
At Home Staging Portugal, we believe in more than just arranging furniture—we breathe new life into properties, uncovering their true potential to help buyers see them as a place to call home. This Estoril villa is a perfect example of how upgrades and strategic staging can bring out the best in any property, making it irresistible to today’s buyers.