Undo #5: Collections & Antiques

I started this blog to help DIYers apply all your craftiness and style to staging your home for sale or rent. Professional stagers can step in and help you make the most of what you have. They look at your possessions with fresh eyes.

However, if you are reading DIY blogs and trolling Pinterest, there are plenty of staging techniques you can do on your own. Unfortunately, if you are into blogs and Pinterest, you prolly have some great personal touches in your house that might need to be undone.


I started to write a post about the cute things to undo.  It is a big topic and apparently, I like to talk about it. a lot. So, that article got way too long.

I broke it into 5 separate posts.  I also got to make a cute little logo for the series.

#5 Cute thing to UNDO: Precious Collections, Antiques & Collectables

William Faulkner advised writers, "sometimes, you have to kill your darlings."  Sometimes, the precious objects that have made your home so homey, are the ones you have to clear away in order to stage your property for a sale.  a quick sale.  for top dollar.

Modern Bedroom
design by San Francisco Interior
Designer Lindy Donnelly  - via Houzz.com

My Mommy has made trips to auctions, consignment shops, yard sales and antique shops. The Goodwill store staff knows her by name.  Her Ruby Red Depression Glass and Milk Glass collections show off her hard work, love and commitment.  They also have my name on the bottom, so don't get any ideas.

However, if you're going to have people coming to look at your home, your collections may read as clutter instead of classy.  Any priceless, sentimental or irreplaceable items need a safe place to hide.  Show off the bones of your space instead of distracting viewers with baubles.

As a general guideline, you want to accessorize in odd numbered groups (3,5,7).  When staging, the fewer, the better. A side table may only need a fantastic lamp.

A coffee table can be grounded with a single large piece and a couple carefully chosen books.

Your mantle will probably look best clear with just one large piece of art.

Shelves even need to be edited.  Let any display or collection max out at three.

bookshelves styled simply via SimpleDetails

I love a good tablescape as much as the next girl, but go super simple for staging. Fresh fruit can make a colorful centerpiece for your kitchen table that lasts much longer than cut flowers.

via Indianapolis Home Stager

She who dies with the most stuff may win, but she will not always get the best offer for her property.  Go ahead and pre-pack, you'll be one step closer to your move and your place will be more Visit Ready.

just bec

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before & after party @ thrifty decor chick nifty thrifty tuesday @ coastal charm show me what you've got @ our delightful home  tuesday to do @ the blackberry vine tip me tuesday @ tip junkie  tutorials & tips @ home stories a to z  take a look tuesday @ sugar bee crafts  one project at a time@ a bowl full of lemons  tuesdays treasures @ my uncommon slice of suburbia  wow me wednesday @ ginger snap crafts   tuesday time out @ reason to skip the housework  sugar & spice @ 733 a creative blog  show & share @ southern lovely wow me wednesday @ polka dots on parade  under $100 @ beyond the picket fence  show off your stuff @ fireflies and jelly beans  pinspirational thursday @ the artsy girl connection   hooking up with hoh @ house of hepworths  strut your stuff @ somewhat simple    share awesomeness thursdays @ the 36th avenue  a glimpse inside @ catch a glimpse   feathered nest friday @ french country cottage  freestyle friday @ happy hour projects  thursday temptation @ two yellow birds decor   flaunt it friday @ chic on a shoestring  the pity party @ 30 handmade days  weekend wrap up @ tatertots and jello anything goes link party @ bacon time  pinworthy projects @ just us four  friday free for all @ five days five ways  frugal friday @ the shabbby nest  mad skills party @ mad in crafts  serenity saturday @ serenity you   manic monday @ serendipity and spice