A small townhouse with big constraints became the bold, high-demand listing the market had been waiting for.
This 7-year-old, 1,007 sq. ft. home sat on an arterial with no parking—details that often slow momentum for this property type.
The average days on market for single family homes at this time in the area was 76 days and sellers were dropping their prices on average -7%.
Our listing went pending in 72 hours at full price.
New(ish) construction is a tough sell
The home was in pristine condition, so the risk wasn’t “condition”—it was commoditization. Comparable listings were staged and finished the same way: white walls, neutral everything, zero point of view. Those listings sat on the market, incurring carrying costs for sellers, and ultimately sold below list.
Additionally, builders have been flooding the market with brand new construction of this same property type, just newer and with the power to buy down rates to make their properties more desirable to buyers in a tough housing market.
We needed to create distinction, build an emotional response, and position the home as a must-have—not a compromise.
We leaned into a bold design strategy that made the home unforgettable while honoring its best feature: three walls of glass and abundant natural light.
Design that creates desire
Instead of fighting the light with more “builder white,” we used contrast to make the architecture and windows feel intentional. We painted the entire main living level Iron Ore (matching the exterior) to anchor the space, frame the views, and instantly change the feeling when you step upstairs. The kitchen became a standout through juxtaposition—white cabinetry and a light, ceiling-height tile backsplash popped against the dark envelope, creating a mood you couldn’t ignore.
Elevating the intimate spaces
Both bathrooms shared similar shower tile, but white walls flattened the experience. Carrying the deep tone into these rooms added depth and made them feel more luxurious. On the lower level, the unexpectedly tall ceiling became a wow moment—dark paint emphasized the vertical height, and tile running to the ceiling read as dramatic and premium. The primary bath followed suit, turning a functional space into an intimate retreat.
Balance throughout the home
To keep the home feeling bright and energized, we reserved lighter paint for circulation areas—especially the stairwells—where natural light already pours in. The result was the right mix: moody where you live, airy where you move.
Staging with a point of view
From the start, staging was a priority. We chose a Wabi Sabi–inspired direction to soften the townhouse’s clean, angular lines—layering organic textures, curved forms, and a grounded palette that echoed the greenery outside the windows. Because the living area was compact, we staged it to show flexibility: two distinct seating moments that supported the eat-in island and demonstrated how comfortably the space lives. Bedrooms stayed calm but elevated with darker linens to balance the lighter walls. A continuous thread of abstract artwork carried through each level, creating a cohesive story and keeping buyers engaged as they moved through the home.
