Maybe just adding a yellow pillow on the chair. Could be a print pattern. A yellow vase on the piano, can bring it all together

I agree that you should foget the rug and instead change the paint color, as the yellow appears too overwhelming. When looking to purchase, a number of buyers would not want to have to repaint this area, and would keep looking, unless your home had every other feature they were seeking.

@ceilsan32 @K R: Yes, a fresh coat of white paint was in mind. However, with the pandemic restrictions, calling a contractor to get that job done has been postponed (indefinitely). These are 12’ walls and ceilings, so I will not consider painting it at this time.

@K R you said “we have all gone through a yellow paint phase”: Tell me about it! Here is where I have yellow: 1st floor LR/ music room and extends to 2nd-floor loft, and the 2nd-floor Main room and Main bathroom (the ceilings are yellow too). In our favor: yellow is the 2021 color 😉

@LB Interiors I got your point ref moving the modern chairs (family room or loft?). We will be downsizing, so I am not planning to get more furniture, quite the opposite. You mentioned “large accessories”, I thought of buying a large live indoor plant and a floor lamp (I like plants, and I need a floor lamp). I found it interesting that you thought of bringing in more yellow accents.

@SJ McCarthy you said “I hate yellow” 😂 <Edited: I understand; thank you for commenting on the rug features.>

I agree, no new furniture needed for staging. Less furniture will make rooms seem larger. I would be careful not to overcrowd any rooms with too much furniture. Spacious homes sell.

As far as the yellow accessories, (you can use lighter tones of yellow also), I think they will provide a great punch to your music room. The walls (large surfaces of yellow color) are only working with the art. Since you are not repainting .... I would add inexpensive yellow elements in all your yellow rooms, for the walls to have a purpose. Decor items such as ... Adding color with - Pillow covers are inexpensive and used with your own inserts. (Amazon.com). Vases, bowls, a throw, plates, books, candles, etc. A plant such as variegated pothos or gold dust. You could also add inexpensive decor items by adding orange, blue or teal in the mix. Yellow and these colors will be a fresh update to potential buyers and accent your current items. By adding yellow and complementary colors, the eye will 'not' only see the yellow walls, that are personal choice, and not a neutral that usually appeals to the most buyers. The walls are quite focal and should become a part of the whole and help blend all your color choices together.

Here are some items that can work nicely. Gives you an idea.

Dear Houzzers I got your message of no rug for staging the LR ( @maifleur03 “skip the rug”; @kudzu9 “I agree”; @LB Interiors “don't think you need a rug”; @K R “not a rug”; @ceilsan32 “forget the rug”).

So for staging the LR/music room, I am going to work on these 2 ideas: (1) @Jeanne J “reinforce the idea of a music room”; and (2) @LB Interiors “add yellow elements in all your yellow rooms”

Thank you all !

<Edited: I must tell you that prior to posting this dilemma, I had ordered this round rug for the foyer. I thought that the decision was simple enough: round and neutral. Well, the round rug arrived, and I think it is too light for the entry, shrug.>

Were you thinking of a rug for the 'music room' or the 'living room' ? I don't think you need a rug for the music room. What is the Living Room like? Maybe there needs to be some warmth and texture in the living room. Can you post a pic?

Remove any collections and photosRemove any collections and photos And valuables

@LB Interiors So to clarify this is a Living Room on the floor plan, and I use it as a music room. I then called it my "LR/ music room", following @Jeanne J who suggested reinforcing this idea ;)

@Jeanne J I have found these wall mounts for the guitars (1) PB/ Guitar wall mount; (2) Gator/ Guitar hanger. I will keep searching for other options.

If you are planning to sell, plan what changes you will be wanting to 'add' to the furniture you will be keeping or new design choices regarding some new introduction of colors for your new home. You can add those elements of colors in this home. You will have a head start on working toward your new goals. I would only buy items that I love and will work toward my new direction. Many times a few choices of current colorful less costly accessories, can update, adds a punch to your rooms, feels fresh, and you take with you when you move.

If you decide on needing a rug in any of your rooms, maybe consider some new accent colors (on your wish list) to work with your existing furniture and design style. In the yellow rooms, the rug does not need to have yellow, if you add a few yellow accessories to bring it all together. It would be nice to also add a few accessories of the new introduced colors found in the rug to be a cohesive visual.

Thank you lobo for the clarification.

Perhaps you can just lean guitar(s) against the wall rather than spending money and making holes for wall mounts. You definitely seem to be going in the right direction.

Measure first and lay out tape on the floor to get the perfect size of this rug in Wheat Beige or Beige/Light Gray: https://www.amazon.com/Safavieh-Amherst-Collection-AMT422S-Outdoor/dp/B00NC2B8CM/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=arabesque%2Brug&qid=1610137996&s=home-garden&sr=1-8&th=1

Move that armchair away from the wall, too.

If you have time, repaint walls this color, but buy paint Superpaint at Sherwin-Williams: https://www.behr.com/consumer/ColorDetailView/N460-1

It is beautiful in sunlit areas!

I agree with Jeanne J , lean guitars against wall.

@happyleg Yes, I have removed all the holiday decorations. I might still be able to edit and post the photos without that décor. That throws off the feeling of “staging” that I am aiming for. TY.

@Jeanne J you said “lean guitar(s) against the wall”. There is a nook space under the stairs where all the music items, books, papers, stands, tend to end in a pile; I am going to make it intentional instead.

@LB Interiors I needed a reminder of current vs future goals; thank you! (1) not buying furniture, but instead buying accessories that both (a) could improve the staging views of current home (with yellow color “as is”) AND (b) could be taken with me to my future home (where there would be no yellow walls and no green upholstered furniture); (2) not buying a rug for the LR (after multiple advice received here); (3) buying slipcovers for current green upholstered chair and loveseat (note to self: “thank those items and do not take them to future home; they have served their purpose”).

Note: I am looking at this slipcover shop, and I will be posting the pics of the LR in a little bit.

@happyleg and @Ilove MyLife I took down the holiday decor. The wing chair is back on that front wall, and a bit up forward now. That wing chair and a loveseat are part of a set that I won't be taking with me when I move out, but I am using them "undercover":

--Slipcovers: how about one of these 4:

Staging Wish List · More Info

--Yellow accessories: how about these pillows? The last one is a rug; I would like to find a pillow, slipcover, or fabric like that for the chair and loveseat furniture instead.

Staging Wish List · More Info

--Music room nook:

Staging Wish List · More Info

Hi, The slipcover is a good idea, but is it really necessary to buy one? Of your choices, I like #3. Are you keeping that piece of furniture to take with you? If not taking with you, I would not buy a cover. Can you show us a close-up pic of the sofa and it's color? I'm still thinking you only need accent pieces in bright colors. If choosing a slipcover, I would go with the one that is shiny with the diamond pattern. A living room can be a bit dressier, plus it catches the light. Thanks.

I really think you are looking at colors in pillows and rug that are too muted and drab to work effectively with your bright yellow walls. Those colors will get lost and not add enough brighter colors. Are you afraid of brighter stronger color as accents, even in any new direction for your new home?

Here is an example of some visuals of your 3 pillow choices that might help, why I feel you need brighter colors. Those are all very nice though. #3 pillow is the best one of your choices. I don't think you need to spend a lot on quality accessories for staging, unless you will take with you. The buyer will 'still only see' your walls, if not enough visible yellow is brought into the spaces. the last photo shows a brighter pillow.

My opinion, I think yellow needs to be sprinkled around the rooms.

A note on the guitars do not put them inside of those cubbies as it will make it appear that the house does not have enough storage. Although I have known some musicians that would lean them against the wall the idea of someone looking at the house picking them up or accidentally knocking them over would send some of them screaming.

@maifleur03 Thank you for your comments; good to see you back! Storage is not a problem, but I will be sure to include that on the listing and photos, thank you! What I would like to do is keeping the music room elements (piano & guitars), while bringing some “expected” LR formality (the loveseat & wingchair). So far, my shopping list includes slipcovers & pillows, a floor lamp, a tall plant, and a flower vase).

@LB Interiors Thank you for your advice and for your “room mock-ups”, that really did help to make your point: “accent pieces in bright colors” (…) “slipcover shiny with the diamond pattern” (…) “#3 pillow is the best one of your choices”. You asked Q/ “Are you afraid of brighter stronger colors as accents, even in any new direction for your new home?” A/ Your final question had me thinking … I thought I liked color, but I realized that the colors I have had for many years are muted earth tones. Case in point, look at my green furniture set, and my walls and ceilings: this house was painted in yellow, with green and earth accents! Having said that, lately, I have been looking for a more airy, fresh feeling: half of the house is now white, and the exterior was painted white and blue a year ago. I still like neutrals and textures, but for this LR, I will stay away from dull greens and browns as suggested 😉.

@LB Interiors asked

--Slipcovers: Q/ “is it really necessary to buy one?” A/ Yes, not only the fabric is worn-out, but also, I do not want to see those colors anymore. So, I must find nice slipcovers for me & for staging.

--Wing chair & loveseat: Q/ “are you keeping that piece to take with you?” A/ I am keeping them for my using the music room this semester and for my staging. But, when I move out, I will not take them with me.

--Accent pieces: must coordinate not with the color of the “furniture pieces” (which will be covered), but with the yellow walls and brown floors (which, without a rug, will be in full view).

Thanks for your answers for your plans. I feel yellow walls and brown floors will work with almost any color for accent choices. Choose the colors you will want in your 'new home' for any purchases made for staging. If yellow will not be wanted in your new home, only buy yellow accent pieces that are inexpensive. I think you've got this .

Here are some ideas. Note how colors are used and placement in the rooms, not the style...this might help.

If you have some 'old accessories' like glass jars, vases, sculptures, book covers, coasters, candle holders, bowls, that you don't like anymore or might not be using again - you can spray paint them for sprinkling colors around the room. Pour watered down paint into glass jars and coat the inside.

Small pieces of furniture and lamps are easy to paint. You can always get these items at thrift stores too. Spray paint is inexpensive and easy to do. It's a nice finish.

Old clothing, blouses, tops, shirts, sweaters or fabric can be cut and taped around old decorator pillows for staging. No money spent :)

No Sew shirt Pillow Cover

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.houseofhawthornes.com%2Fdiy-no-sew-shirt-pillow-tutorial%2F&psig=AOvVaw2HvPJ_zCY2f8ZDzM0P8pP9&ust=1610397473067000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCPClo5ycku4CFQAAAAAdAAAAABAT

@LB Interiors, @maifleur03, @Ilove MyLife, @Jeanne J, @happyleg, @ceilsan32, @K R, @kudzu9, @SJ McCarthy I added the pictures with the current LR layout: (1) N wall with under stair nooks, (2) E wall with wing chair, (3) S wall with piano. W side has 2 lounge leather chairs. The proposed layout: wing chair r/b loveseat, leather chair by piano side r/b wing chair, remove the leather chair by the nook.

My "houzz" · More Info

Just one of those random thoughts I have but experiment with moving the piano bench to various positions under the piano or even replacing with something smaller then using the original as an occasional table elsewhere. Moving it partially under the piano but easily accessible may create an illusion of space.

I have bought and sold so many houses in the last 30 years and I have found that when selling your home, you simply want to remove any personal items from rooms. Wash the windows and clean the house, and you’re done.

When buying a house, I don’t care what color slip you have put on a chair. Your rugs are yours, not mine,

I just want the house delivered to me clean and TOTALLY empty.

Anyone who cares about all the small stuff isn’t your buyer. They will beat you to death over the smallest detail. List it, show it, and don’t spend a penny on it. Before Purchase & Sale is signed there will be an inspection. Save your money for any surprises…like an outdated water heater…which may come along.

I do staging for local realtors. A house with great light (yours), interesting details (yours) could sell empty.

What, wait..I just reread your post. A home-stager advised you?

Not a broker or a broker recommended home stager?

Before HGTV, remember when homes sold because the buyer loved it?

A reputable real estate agent can sell a home staged or unstaged without issue. Selling is a matter of having the necessary connections to get the word out, and the marketing skills to ensure that the right people see the listing. If the right buyers are found, the home sells itself.

A lot will depend on the area. Some areas will do best if a stager is used, other areas listen to the stager then do what you want. Either way I would suggest that you do it quickly because things are about to become rocky. I sincerely hope that I am wrong but having lived though several ups and resulting reversals. Now is the time to sell and quickly not to buy.

Staging has surged for 6 main reasons, from small homes to large estates.

1. Staging is used to make a home appeal to the highest number of potential buyers.

2. A home usually sells faster.

3. Usually sells for more money than without staging.

4. Buyers will have a quick visual of the way they will live in the home by imagining their furniture in the spaces.

5. Buyers can understand more readily the sizes of the rooms.

Most people have a difficult time imagining their furniture in the rooms and how to use a room, if it is empty.

6. Since many homes are being staged, there is a lot of competition. A staged home most likely will appeal to most buyers first, vs a home in equal amenities but is not staged.

Staging improves the home's appeal as it becomes more welcoming, that a buyer can see themselves living in by removing most of the guess-work of it's potential.

Model Homes most often are ready to move in and are staged. They are much more interesting and appealing to a buyer than empty rooms.

I cannot see the detail on your piano, but would advise placing the bench part way under the piano and keeping the keyboard closed and the board that displays your sheet music folded. If you own one, place a tasteful piano lamp centered atop the piano. If you own Classical or Contemporary books of music, you might try placing one at an angle, on the bench. You probably have items already in your home or rapidly accessible that could be utilized to stage your home. There are plenty of good websites with advice on staging. You'll find an article by Laurel Bern, giving you honest advice on the cost of professional staging. For a music room, if you had pictures of composers/musicians, I'd use them as wall art. Even older LP's can be framed and displayed, tastefully. If your room needs additional lighting for evening showings, add some corner floor lamps, which will better bounce light with higher wattage bulbs.

Lots of good advice. Spend as little money as possible -:)

Thank you all for your comments; this conversation motivates me to get things out and done.

(1) Buying & Selling: I am selling my house in 6 months when the school year is over. When the deadline approaches, then I will be buying a house in the town we are moving to.

(2) Staging: I am choosing to stage now, rather than later because I thought I could benefit from an uncluttered and pleasing space for 6 months or so, while we move out 😊.

I agree that you will be significantly calmer by attacking this project now. Best wishes!

Excellent plan to start staging now! Relieves the stress.

These are the changes I made, following your suggestions. From the point of view of “living with it” I am happy; from the point of view of “staging it” (lighting, furniture layout, accessories) anything that you would change for “first-impression” that sells? (pic below).

My "houzz" · More Info

Furniture (2): terracotta love-seat (from loft) and green chair (from window to arch area); I have been calling it wing chair, which is not, it is a rolled arm, t-seat, lose back, what do you call this?). Removed the 2 leather chairs.

Piano & bench: placed the small bench (only for the pic; I will keep the larger, more cushioned one for my use ;). Guitars (2): on their stands, rather than buying wall hooks (inside nook).

Plants (2): yellow flowering plant (bought the only one at the store and used an old pot for it) and cane (from FR, notice that it is not looking healthy, help? -thought the yellow leaves coordinate with walls ha, ha).

Foyer rug: this is the Article item that I ordered online. <PS EDITED: suggestions for a floor lamp on the corner opposite plant?>.

I think it's PERFECT. I love the (color) terra cotta loveseat and chair placement. Love those pillows. Looks great and comfortable. Very livable. Fabulously works with the wall colors and art. Plant looks great. Good idea for guitars.

"thought the yellow leaves coordinate with walls". That is cute and funny. But good idea too.

Do you have an end table with a table lamp for the sofa? and a coffee table? It would appear as a little more functional and more inviting, that it actually can be a room to entertain in. If not, that's ok. It is staged very nicely.

Coffee table would make the room appear cramped as people would need to walk around it. However if you can find or have them I have seen small nested tables that could work as an end table allowing the nested portion to be pulled out for use if needed.

Thank you all. I had the terracotta loveseat and pillows (you can see the pillows on the leather chairs on my original posting). Keeping in mind the rule of "decluttering and making it functional", I will skip on adding more furniture. Maybe just an arch floor lamp, to add dimension and not have everything stacked against the wall? I found this inspo photo from DULUX 2021 colors, and I have those in my LR :)) (and loft and main BR/BA) ... will you help me again?)

Back to Life: Discover Dulux’s Colour of the Year 2021 · More Info

I agree with not purchasing more furniture, just use what you have that can work in any of your rooms. Many times just switching things out like you did.

Color choices are very personal. When a room is coordinated and works together, buyers will still feel comfortable enough, knowing it may not be their taste.

After 2 weeks, I think this is it for this LR; thanks to you all @LB Interiors, @ceilsan32, @happyleg, @Janet Elias, @Jeanne J, @K R, @kudzu9, @SJ McCarthy, @JudyGdesigns, @maifleur3

If you want to follow me, then my next one is the Family Room (pillows and frames) here: https://www.houzz.com/discussions/6056749/pillows-for-this-sofa-and-frames-for-these-paints Cheers!

Great job!

Dear Houzzer Friends,

We finally listed the house for sale this Friday. The LR listing photo composition is exactly like we decided here, and I am grateful for your help. Again thank you all and cheers!

Good luck with the sale -:)

Good luck lobo_93. Wishing you all the best!

Terrific! It's a crazy market. Did it go fairly smoothly?