In search of a new owner, a colorful and historic home in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, underwent a respectful and joyful metamorphosis in record time thanks to Jason Saft, founder of Staged to Sell Home. Following initial walkthroughs with and without the homeowner’s furnishings, Saft took just four hours to transform the circa 1853 Italianate brownstone into an “exuberant and artful townhouse in pursuit of an equally charismatic homeowner. The moment I walked in the door I was in love,” remembers Saft. “It’s rare to see this level of detail so well restored and maintained.”
A palette of emerald green, gold, and yellow set the tone for a playful atmosphere, while pieces representing different design periods contributed to a baroque-inspired aesthetic. Saft notes the lively color scheme was intended to set the home apart from the sea of soft neutrals in the marketplace and the variety of styles incorporated resulted in “an artful home that looks like someone spent years curating everything.”
Aspire spoke with Saft about the Brooklyn project and his top tips to make a space attractive for future tenants or potential buyers.
Jennifer Quail: We see vintage items included in the Fort Greene project. Tell us why you like to include them and what they do for a space.
Jason Saft: I grew up in a family that collected antiques and had older furniture in the home. I love creating a mix of pieces from a variety of styles. I’ve always believed that if you want a home to feel warm, layered, and inviting you have to allow it to be collected over time. The decorative elements in the house should reflect a life well traveled and curated, that’s what I strive to bring into my work.
JQ: Do you keep a warehouse or storage of furnishings and other goods, or do you shop new for each staging project?
JS: I have a 50-square-foot warehouse near the Brooklyn Navy Yard. I don’t necessarily shop new for projects, but here and there I source special pieces or just come across something I know belongs in a project and will acquire something new for a specific project.
“I’ve always believed that if you want a home to feel warm, layered, and inviting you have to allow it to be collected over time.”
JQ: What are your top tips for successful staging?
JS:
- Fix all the flaws in the home. Repaint, update lighting, repair noticeable damage and anything that a buyer can use against you as leverage to negotiate your sale price down.
- Declutter as if your life depends on it. It’s essential to pair down prior to putting the home on the market in order to make it appear as spacious as possible.
- Begin the process about 2-3 months before you plan to list. Start with the small areas, i.e.: kitchen, bathrooms, closets, so that you don’t feel overwhelmed.
- Lastly, donate or resell as much of your unused and unwanted stuff to pair down. There is nothing worse than tossing everything into a landfill.
Photography by Hayley Ellen Day / DDReps
Home Staging and Home Styling by Staged to Sell Home
Like what you see? Get it first with a subscription to aspire design and home magazine.