Home Staging for Temporary Living - in Albufeira (Olhos de Áqua)
When Nomad Cap, a prominent Portugal-based real estate investment company, first approached us to stage their property for temporary living, we knew we faced a unique project. With all properties in their newly renovated resort Masana sold, Nomad Cap encountered a challenge: new owners had purchased furniture that had yet to be delivered, but they were eager to enjoy their spring and summer holidays in their new property.
First Staging Project: One-Bedroom Apartment
The question posed to us was: could we stage a one-bedroom apartment temporarily, allowing the owners to make the most of their holiday home? And could we do it within a tight 48-hour timeframe after receiving the green light? Challenge accepted! Despite the obstacles, we successfully completed the project, ensuring everything went smoothly.
Second Staging Project: Two-Bedroom Villa
Now that the owners of the one-bedroom apartment have departed, the Nomad Cap team approached us with a new request: to relocate the furniture to a two-bedroom villa for the same purpose—a family eager to enjoy their holidays in their new villa while awaiting their furniture delivery. Transitioning from one bedroom to two presented a logistical challenge, requiring us to supplement our inventory with additional furniture from our warehouse for the second bedroom. Remarkably, this project had an even shorter timeline: just one day! Challenge accepted!
The Staging Process:
Starting at 10:00 AM, our team of five swung into action, fueled by determination and expertise. By 6:00 PM, the villa underwent a complete transformation. See this before / after video on our instagram. With only some final cleaning remaining and the task of packing the van with unused items, we were nearly finished. The next morning, we eagerly conducted a photoshoot to capture the stunning results, showcasing the impeccable staging and design of the villa.
Design Choices and Implementation:
- Living Area: We laid down an elegant carpet, placed a sofa opposite the fireplace, and flanked it with two armchairs and a coffee table. Decorative cushions and tasteful decor completed the look.
- Dining Area: Behind the sofa, we set up a dining area with a 120cm round table surrounded by six chairs. A palm tree and a stylish lamp added coziness to the space.
- Kitchen: Styled for functionality and appeal, the kitchen featured a Nespresso machine, kettle, toaster, and essentials like plates, glasses, and utensils—perfect for a holiday home.
- Bedrooms: The master bedroom boasted a 180cm bed with stylish bedside tables, lamps, and a bench, complemented by cushions and spreads. A large mirror enhanced the room's spacious feel. The guest room was similarly appointed with a 160cm bed and corresponding furnishings.
- Bathroom: We styled the bathroom with LED candles, towels, and a ladder for hanging towels instead of traditional hooks.
- Terrace: The outdoor space was set with a dining table and two lounge chairs, accented with fresh lemons for a touch of summery zest.
Unique Challenges:
Interestingly, we hadn't seen the house beforehand, which required us to bring a wide selection of items and improvise on the spot. Restrictions like not being allowed to use nails in the walls meant getting creative with how we displayed art (leaning against the wall) and functional items like bathroom towels (using a ladder).
Results:
The transformation was a resounding success, creating a light, bright, and airy coastal vibe without overcrowding the space. The family moved in two hours after the photoshoot and were delighted with their new, (temporary furnished) home—as evidenced by photos sent by our client showing the happy faces of the family and their two little girls enjoying their new surroundings. This project not only fulfilled its functional purpose but also provided the family with an immediately livable and welcoming home.
FAQs: Your Frequently Asked Questions Answered
Q: If you haven't seen the house, how do you know what to take?
A: We make informed decisions based on the property's style, purpose, and location. For example, in our first project, guidelines for an oceanfront, one-bedroom white property informed our selection of coastal-style furnishings suitable for two to four people.
Q: Any mistakes made in the first project?
A: Yes, we overlooked additional furniture like a bench or corner chair in the bedroom. We rectified this in subsequent project by ensuring we had benches for both bedrooms.
Q: Were the items not dirty or damaged when relocating to the second property?
A: Our client notified us after the first family left about dirty sofa and outdoor chair covers, and broken cups and glasses. We preemptively addressed this by bringing replacements and scheduling a laundry service for the covers.
Q: What does it cost to stage or furnish properties like these two projects?
A: Staging a one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from €1500 - €2500 ex VAT, while staging a two-bedroom villa costs between €2500 - €3500, excluding VAT. Costs vary based on factors such as property type, location, duration of staging, and access. Comprehensive furnishing for a similar property ranges from €10,000 - €15,000 for a one-bedroom to €20,000 - €25,000 + VAT for coastal and Mediterranean styles. Luxury three-bedroom villas with a pool area may cost €40,000 - €50,000 to furnish.
Q: What's the difference between staging and furnishing?
A: Staging is temporary; we bring in furniture and decor and retrieve them when the agreed term is over. In contrast, furnishing is permanent; in this case, you purchase the items outright. We often stage homes temporarily for sale and furnish homes permanently for rent, tailoring our services to the specific needs of each property and client.
How We Work:
1. Assessment: We start by viewing the property through photos, videos, or in-person to understand its dimensions and potential.
2. Proposal: We suggest a style and give a preliminary budget estimate.
3. Approval and Preliminary Steps: Once the budget is approved, we take measurements and start the design process with mood boards, 3D renderings, and layouts.
4. Preparation: We prepare all items for installation from our collection or trusted suppliers.
5. Installation: Our team, usually consisting of 5-7 members, handles the full setup in one or two days, ensuring the space is clean and perfectly arranged.
Why Choose Us:
With over a decade of experience in staging, interior design, and hospitality, we offer a seamless, high-quality service that transforms properties quickly and efficiently. We maintain a stock of favorite and trusted decor items ready for fast installation, making us a reliable choice for property owners looking to enhance their spaces with minimal hassle.
Conclusion:
This project exemplifies how strategic staging can significantly enhance the livability and appeal of a property on a tight timeline. If you're looking to transform your property or prepare it for the market, consider the expertise and efficiency that our team can bring to your next real estate endeavor.