Setting the home stage: The importance of white towels and vintage typewriters

Ever wonder why there are so many vintage typewriters in real estate listing ads?

It’s not by accident. In a well-staged home, everything you see has a purpose, even the random objects you might not necessarily think give homebuyers any information about the residence.

We’ve seen some bad real estate photos in our day but that’s what makes great staging so impressive. The way it can help a house stand out from the crowd. Even now in Seattle when there isn’t much of a crowd, good staging can help get a bidding war started instead of watching it happen elsewhere.

Spade and Archer launched in Seattle this past spring and have been staging homes all over the region. Founder Justin Riordan shared some insights with us about a few recent projects, all of which are currently pending, and why they made certain aesthetic touches to tell the best possible story about each home.

8021 Densmore Ave N ($799K)

Travis Peterson

Table setting. Setting the table looks fake and contrived. Simply leaving the plates out makes for a warm photo that still feels authentic.

Travis Peterson

Typewriter. A vintage typewriter says "you're smart enough to understand this is where your computer would go." Avoid using fake computers.

Travis Peterson

White bathroom. White accessories and towels in a bathroom make it look clean, and truly everyone likes a clean bathroom.

1101 17th Avenue, #204 ($265K)

HD Estates Photography

Art. Art does not always need to be in a frame. Found objects can also provide interest.

HD Estates Photography

Color palette. In a place that has multiple functions stick to one color palette.

HD Estates Photography

Bathroom colors. Even in the most colorful bathrooms, white towels can serve to calm the space.

6200 44th Avenue S ($495K)

John G. Wilbanks

Bed placement. Place the bed opposite the door so that the photo will include the windows and give a good sense of scale.

John G. Wilbanks

Bench placement. A bench at the entry can provide a place for people to sit and put on booties or take off shoes.

John G. Wilbanks

Firewood. Add firewood to show that a fire can happen in the space.

John G. Wilbanks

Light timers. Place the lamps on timers so that the home is well lit every time a potential buyer stops by.

John G. Wilbanks

Rhythm. Add rhythm by using like items to show off the built-in rather than the items in it.

• Space and Archer [SA]