How to Stage an Eichler to Maximize Sale Price
Why Eichler Staging Matters
When Joseph Eichler began developing his iconic mid-century modern homes across California in the 1950s and 1960s, he wasn’t just building houses — he was pioneering a lifestyle. Known for their open floor plans, walls of glass, and seamless indoor/outdoor connections, Eichlers continue to command premium prices in the Bay Area. Yet when it comes time to sell, presentation is everything.
A well-staged Eichler doesn’t just look good; it tells a story. It highlights light, space, and the architectural features that make these homes unique. Staging can transform an Eichler from “just another listing” into a property that drives multiple offers and exceeds market expectations.
Eric and Janelle Boyenga of the Boyenga Team at Compass are widely recognized as the Bay Area’s Eichler experts. With decades of experience helping homeowners prepare, stage, and sell Eichlers in Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, Los Altos, Cupertino, and beyond, they’ve perfected the art of showcasing these homes for maximum return.
This blog dives deep into how to stage an Eichler home to maximize sale price — from decluttering strategies to furniture selection, lighting, landscaping, and modern buyer psychology.
1. Understanding the Eichler Buyer
Before staging begins, it’s crucial to understand who the typical Eichler buyer is. Unlike conventional suburban homes, Eichlers attract a unique audience:
Design Enthusiasts – Buyers who appreciate mid-century modern architecture and want authenticity.
Tech Professionals – Silicon Valley executives seeking style and proximity to work.
Young Families – Drawn to open layouts, indoor/outdoor living, and strong school districts.
Downsizers – Retirees who value single-story living and community connection.
These groups are looking for more than square footage — they’re buying lifestyle, history, and design pedigree. Staging must highlight those qualities.
2. Declutter, Simplify, and Highlight Architecture
Decluttering is Non-Negotiable
Eichler design is all about clean lines and open spaces. Personal belongings, oversized furniture, or heavy décor distract from these features. Start by:
Removing excess furniture.
Clearing shelves and countertops.
Storing personal items and family photos.
Highlight Architectural Details
Once simplified, draw attention to:
Exposed Beams: Keep them clean and visible.
Post-and-Beam Construction: Arrange furniture to emphasize openness.
Glass Walls: Remove bulky window coverings; let natural light dominate.
Eric and Janelle Boyenga emphasize “subtractive staging” — less is more when the architecture is the star.
3. Furniture Selection: Mid-Century Meets Contemporary
Authentic Eichler Vibe
Eichlers beg for furniture that complements their modernist roots. Stagers often use mid-century inspired pieces:
Low-profile sofas.
Eames chairs.
Tulip tables.
Comfort + Livability
Today’s buyers want style and function. Pair authentic mid-century pieces with contemporary accents:
Cozy throw blankets.
Neutral rugs to warm up concrete floors.
Sleek storage solutions.
The Boyenga Team often partners with staging companies that specialize in Eichlers, ensuring every piece of furniture speaks the Eichler language while appealing to modern buyers.
4. Lighting: Natural + Artificial
Natural Light is the Superstar
Floor-to-ceiling glass is one of Eichler’s signatures. Keep glass spotless, remove heavy drapes, and let the light pour in.
Artificial Light Matters Too
Since Eichlers often lack overhead fixtures in main rooms, supplement with:
Modern floor lamps.
Pendant lights with warm tones.
Discreet track lighting to highlight art and architecture.
The goal is to keep rooms feeling bright, warm, and inviting at every showing.
5. Staging the Atrium: Eichler’s Signature Feature
The atrium is the centerpiece of many Eichlers. How you stage it can make or break the first impression. Options include:
Zen Garden: Minimalist landscaping with rocks, bamboo, or a water feature.
Outdoor Lounge: Contemporary patio furniture with cushions.
Family Space: Dining set or play area, depending on target buyer.
The Boyenga Team often highlights atriums in marketing photos and virtual tours, knowing buyers fall in love the moment they walk through the front door.
6. Indoor/Outdoor Flow
One of the biggest selling points is the seamless transition between inside and outside. To maximize this:
Arrange indoor furniture to face outdoor views.
Use matching indoor and outdoor décor palettes for continuity.
Stage outdoor areas as “extra rooms” — dining, lounging, or entertaining zones.
This helps buyers imagine year-round living that extends beyond four walls.
7. Color Palette and Décor
Neutral Foundation
Keep walls light and neutral to amplify space and brightness.
Pops of Color
Incorporate bold mid-century hues — mustard yellow, teal, or burnt orange — through artwork, pillows, or accent chairs.
Minimalist Artwork
Large, bold art pieces often resonate more than cluttered gallery walls.
The Boyenga Team frequently curates art and décor that both honors Eichler’s design era and appeals to today’s buyers.
8. Kitchens and Bathrooms: Modernized but Timeless
Buyers expect functionality. While Eichlers are loved for design, outdated kitchens or bathrooms can kill offers. Staging here involves:
Fresh paint and modern hardware.
Clean counters with simple décor (fruit bowls, greenery).
Bright, matching towels in bathrooms.
Where possible, minor updates (backsplash, fixtures, lighting) create huge return on investment.
9. Landscaping: Curb Appeal Eichler-Style
Unlike traditional homes, Eichlers often have understated exteriors. Staging curb appeal means:
Clean lines with drought-resistant landscaping.
Symmetry and simplicity — gravel, succulents, or box hedges.
Fresh paint for siding or front doors in bold mid-century colors.
The Boyenga Team often advises sellers to view landscaping as an extension of staging — the exterior sets the tone.
10. Tech Integration for Modern Buyers
Today’s Eichler buyers are often Silicon Valley professionals. Integrating subtle smart home tech during staging can add value:
Smart thermostats.
Discreet speakers.
Smart lighting.
It positions the Eichler as both timeless and future-ready.
11. Marketing the Staged Eichler
Staging doesn’t stop at the home itself — it extends into photography, video, and digital marketing. The Boyenga Team leverages Compass marketing tools to:
Showcase high-resolution photography that emphasizes light and openness.
Use drone footage to highlight neighborhoods.
Create Compass Coming Soon campaigns to build buzz before going live.
Eric and Janelle Boyenga’s reputation as Eichler experts ensures that staged homes not only look incredible, but also reach the right buyers.
12. Boyenga Team Success Stories
Palo Alto Eichler
By combining subtractive staging, curated art, and a seamless indoor/outdoor theme, the Boyenga Team turned a modestly updated Eichler into a bidding war — selling $400K over asking.
Sunnyvale Eichler
After advising minor landscaping updates and contemporary staging, the Boyenga Team secured multiple offers within one week, achieving a record neighborhood sale.
Los Altos Eichler
For a home with an outdated kitchen, strategic staging paired with Compass Concierge upgrades created a stunning transformation, adding more than $500K in perceived value.
13. Partnering with the Right Experts
While homeowners can attempt staging on their own, Eichlers require a special touch. The Boyenga Team brings:
Architectural Knowledge: Understanding Eichler design DNA.
Market Insight: Knowing what Bay Area buyers pay premiums for.
Proven Network: Access to Eichler-savvy stagers, contractors, and photographers.
Eric and Janelle Boyenga’s track record proves that staging, done right, maximizes both lifestyle appeal and sale price.
Staging = Maximizing Value
Staging an Eichler is about more than furniture. It’s about telling a story of light, space, and lifestyle. With the right strategies — decluttering, furniture selection, lighting, landscaping, and marketing — sellers can unlock the full value of their Eichler.
And when it comes to Bay Area Eichlers, no one has more proven experience than Eric and Janelle Boyenga of the Boyenga Team at Compass. As trusted Eichler experts, they help homeowners not only stage their homes — but elevate them to their maximum potential, achieving record-breaking sales and delighted clients.