Room staged by Lori Matzke, as seen in the Minneapolis Star Tribune

Changes to lighting and linens brighten master bedroom
Jim Buchta, Star Tribune
March 3, 2007

Project: A master bedroom in St. Paul.

Positives: Bright, sun-filled room with neutral paint and carpet, both in good condition.

Negatives: Dated light fixture, odd angles, poor use of space.

Like the second level of many older homes, this upstairs master bedroom has low, slanted ceilings that are a distraction from the positive features of the space.

"We wanted to downplay those aspects to give buyers a fresh, positive perspective and create a much more serene and inviting space," said Lori Matzke of Centerstagehome.com.

Here's what she did:

• Removed an area rug that was over the carpet, because it was breaking up the flow of the space and could make buyers wonder what might be hiding beneath.
• Swapped the dated ship's wheel light fixture for a more contemporary brushed nickel and marbled glass dome light (two for $9.99). The matching light was used in an upstairs hall for continuity.
• There were already two TV sets in the house, so one in the bedroom was put in storage to keep the traffic flow open.
• Vinyl roller shades were opened to provide more natural light. Sheer panels in an iridescent rust added warmth without hiding the nondescript window frames, and gave the room an inviting glow.
• The bed stands and upholstered bench were placed 18 inches in front of the window for depth and to help give the awkward open space in front of the bed proportion.
• A small dresser, found in basement storage, created a sense of functionality in the alcove (not shown), which was fitted with the same iridescent sheers and a small, rust-colored upholstered chair to give it a sense of purpose and create balance in the room.
• New bedding in a silky taupe and rust damask pattern ($55) gave the bed a touch of color and texture. The deep-rust-colored throw pillow helped tie in the sheers, to complete the inviting look.
• A bold table lamp with a faux leopard glass base and metallic snakeskin shade ($44) added light to the room. The strong lines of the lamp now draw the buyer's attention to the midpoint of the walls, creating the illusion of a higher ceiling,
• A dramatic floral arrangement in red, orange, yellow and green was added to keep the buyer's eye moving halfway up the walls. A pot of large silk vines helped to draw attention around the space and brightened the alcove.
• Pictures in the same orange and taupe colors were placed low on the walls to help enhance the illusion of a higher ceiling.

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