Lower-Level Living in a High-Priced Area
Brad Burns owns a basement condo in a charming brownstone building that is located in DuPont Circle, one of Washington, D.C.’s most desirable neighborhoods. He just finished grad school and is ready to sell his 700-square-foot home and move on to something bigger and better. The two-bedroom, one-bath condo is perfect for someone who wants to live in a classy neighborhood, but can’t afford top dollar for a home. Real estate expert Shirley Mattam-Male pops by to critique the home’s assets and liabilities. But before she can do any of that, she needs to find the front door. The home’s entrance is hidden from the street. It needs to be more clearly defined and dressed up. Upon entering the condo, the first thing Mattam-Male notices is the strong odor from the homeowner’s pets. She is also taken back by the dirty carpet, dated mirror and the half-finished paint job around the fireplace. Just off the living room is an alcove that she refers to as a missed opportunity. Instead of being cluttered with a dog kennel, massive aquarium and a gigantic TV, potential buyers should be seeing a big dining bar with stools or a cozy breakfast nook.
Designer Taniya Nayak agrees with Mattam-Male's comments and has a $2,000 plan that will turn this home into a winning sale.
Step 1: Add some curb appeal, and make the front entrance stand out.
Step 2: In the living room, fix the fireplace wall, clean the carpets, and deodorize the air.
Step 3: Declutter the alcove, and maximize the space by giving it a clearly defined function.
Contractors John Allen and Matt Steele are in high gear and ready to get the job done.
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