Destressing the Duplex
Homeowner Tajmika Paxton teaches yoga and stress management in the living room of her Spanish-style duplex. She wants to sell the place and move closer to the beach. The upstairs of her Spanish-style home is in great shape, but the downstairs needs some help. The Designed to Sell team is on the way over to lend a hand. Host Clive Pearse and real estate expert Shannon Freeman are the first to arrive. Standing on the curb, Freeman says she admires the home’s vintage style and architectural details. Upon entering the home, the first thing she notices is the beautiful hardwood floors in the living room. But, she also thinks the room is jumbled and the fireplace should be better emphasized. The formal dining room is set up as an office. Freeman advises staging the room for its intended purpose. Freeman finds the kitchen about 60 years out of date and points out that nobody wants to buy an outdated kitchen.
Designer Lisa LaPorta agrees with Freeman’s critique and has a $2,000 design plan to turn this old duplex into a rare real estate gem.
Step 1: Restyle the living room to play up the room’s best features.
Step 2: Turn the home office back into a formal dining room.
Step 3: Modernize the kitchen with new cabinets, countertops and paint.
Carpenters Deus Scott and Greg Plitt are the muscular duo who will get the job done.
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