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The “Barbie” movie is still on everyone’s minds, even a month after it debuted in theaters. So what could be a better color than pink to add a playful punch to this Arlington, Virginia, townhouse?
Home stager Michelle DeLucia, who was responsible for getting this home market-ready, agrees. “While we always design with the potential buyer in mind, we also like to infuse a little fun and something memorable into each space,” says the owner and designer of Sub Urban Staging + Design in Silver Spring, Maryland. “And the timing couldn’t have been more perfect with the release of the ‘Barbie’ movie!”
Built in 1980, the 1,716-square-foot townhouse was loved and well cared for by its owners, a couple who had lived there for 17 years and were only the home’s second owners. When a new job required the homeowners to relocate more than 500 miles northwest to Detroit, they called on Realtor Carolyn Hurwitz with Compass to sell their three-bedroom end unit. With the home’s prime location just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Hurwitz and DeLucia anticipated that the buyers would likely be professionals who wanted easy access to D.C. and would appreciate the classic style and layout of the home.
Since there were no significant challenges (like major damage or a wonky layout) to contend with, DeLucia could focus on the fun side of design: respecting the formal feel of the home while injecting some freshness and style. “This home had some classic elements so we wanted to be sure the staging supported those finishes,” she says. Among the notable features of the living room were a fireplace, trim work, and multiple large windows.
Playing off the symmetry of the fireplace wall, DeLucia created a cozy seating area by bringing in a neutral-colored sofa and coffee table, plus two chairs upholstered in a vibrant pink. The sofa’s intricate wooden back made it attractive from all sides, and visually linked it to a similarly-colored console on the opposite wall.
To up the personality of the space, DeLucia layered in a variety of throw pillows that pulled in shades of pink, mustard, and teal from the large pieces of artwork she chose for the walls. A small round side table and two finds from Anthropologie — a multi-colored area rug and a whimsical brass peacock side table — completed the grouping.
Since the living room was short on ceiling fixtures and DeLucia wanted to keep the vibe “light and airy,” she brought in two pairs of lamps and kept the windows unadorned. A few simple accessories and a selection of greenery completed the room. The elegant (but not stuffy) living room was the ideal spot for buyers to picture themselves having drinks with friends and family.
Once on the market, the home received multiple offers and was under contract within seven days, according to Hurwitz. Whether the new homeowner is a Barbie fan or not, they were likely thrilled to snag this real-life dream house.
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