Sell This House: Season 11, Episode 8 - Bad in Burgundy (2021)

In "Bad in Burgundy," the episode opens with a tour of a home that is struggling to attract buyers due to its overwhelming burgundy color scheme. The homeowners, a couple named Mike and Lisa, express their frustration with the lack of interest in their property. They feel emotionally attached to their home but recognize that the decor is a significant barrier to selling. The camera captures their disappointment as they recount the time and effort they have put into maintaining the house.

The host, Tanya Memme, arrives to assess the situation. She walks through the home, noting the dark and heavy atmosphere created by the burgundy walls and furnishings. Tanya points out that the color choice is not appealing to potential buyers and suggests a more neutral palette to make the space feel larger and more inviting. The couple listens intently, though they are initially hesitant to change the aspects of their home that they love.

Next, Tanya introduces the concept of staging the home to enhance its appeal. She emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming environment that allows buyers to envision themselves living there. The couple agrees to her suggestions, albeit reluctantly, as they begin to understand the necessity of making their home more marketable. Tanya then outlines a plan to repaint the walls in lighter colors and rearrange the furniture to create a more open layout.

As the staging process begins, the couple works alongside Tanya and her team. They start by removing personal items and excess furniture that clutter the space. The emotional weight of this task is evident on their faces as they pack away memories associated with their home. Lisa, in particular, struggles with letting go of certain items, revealing her deep attachment to the house and the life they built there.

The painting crew arrives, and the transformation begins. The burgundy walls are covered with a soft, neutral shade, instantly brightening the rooms. Tanya captures the moment on camera, highlighting the dramatic change in atmosphere. The couple begins to feel a sense of relief as the home starts to look more appealing. They express their surprise at how much lighter and more spacious the rooms feel with the new color.

Once the painting is complete, Tanya focuses on staging the living room. She selects modern furniture and decor that complements the new color scheme. The couple watches as their home is transformed into a more contemporary space. They begin to see the potential in their home, and their initial reluctance starts to fade. Tanya encourages them to embrace the changes, reminding them that these updates will help attract buyers.

The final touches include adding fresh flowers and decorative accents that enhance the overall aesthetic. Tanya emphasizes the importance of creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The couple is visibly excited as they see their home come together, and they start to feel hopeful about the selling process.

After the staging is complete, Tanya organizes an open house to showcase the newly transformed home. The couple is nervous but optimistic as they prepare for potential buyers to walk through. They reflect on the journey they've taken and the emotional challenges they faced during the process. As visitors arrive, Tanya guides them through the home, highlighting the improvements made and the inviting atmosphere.

Feedback from the open house is overwhelmingly positive. Potential buyers express their appreciation for the light and airy feel of the home, contrasting sharply with the previous dark ambiance. The couple feels a renewed sense of hope as they hear compliments about the changes. Tanya reassures them that they are on the right track and that their efforts will pay off.

In the closing scenes, the couple receives an offer on their home. They are ecstatic, realizing that the changes made during the staging process were instrumental in attracting buyers. The episode concludes with Mike and Lisa reflecting on their experience, feeling grateful for the guidance they received and excited about the next chapter in their lives.

In the ending of "Bad in Burgundy," the homeowners, who had struggled to sell their home due to its dark and uninviting decor, finally see a transformation after the staging process. The changes made to the home, including lighter colors and improved staging, attract potential buyers. Ultimately, the house sells, bringing relief and joy to the homeowners.

As the episode unfolds towards its conclusion, the scene transitions to the final reveal of the staged home. The once dark and overwhelming burgundy walls have been replaced with a fresh, inviting palette that brightens the space. The staging team has worked diligently to create an atmosphere that feels warm and welcoming, showcasing the home's potential.

The homeowners, visibly anxious yet hopeful, return to see the transformation. Their initial reaction is one of disbelief as they walk through the newly staged rooms. The living area, now filled with light and airy decor, contrasts sharply with the previous heavy ambiance. The homeowners express their gratitude and excitement, feeling a renewed sense of pride in their home.

As the episode progresses, potential buyers begin to tour the home. The staging has clearly made a significant impact, as the buyers are seen discussing the space with enthusiasm. The once stagnant market for the home begins to shift, and the homeowners watch with bated breath as interest grows.

In the final moments, the homeowners receive an offer on the house. The relief washes over them, and they embrace, overwhelmed with emotion. The episode concludes with a sense of closure as the homeowners reflect on their journey, grateful for the changes that led to the successful sale of their home. They express a newfound appreciation for the space and the memories they created there, ready to move on to the next chapter of their lives.

The fate of the main characters is one of triumph. The homeowners, who initially felt defeated by their inability to sell, find hope and success through the staging process. Their emotional journey from despair to joy encapsulates the transformative power of home staging and the importance of presenting a property in its best light.

In the episode "Bad in Burgundy" from season 11 of "Sell This House," there is no post-credit scene. The episode concludes without any additional content after the main credits roll. The focus remains on the main narrative and the challenges faced by the homeowners in selling their property, emphasizing the transformations made to enhance the home's appeal.

The homeowners initially feel defensive about their home and are resistant to some of the suggestions. However, as the staging expert explains the importance of appealing to potential buyers, they begin to understand the need for changes and show a willingness to adapt.

In 'Bad in Burgundy', the house suffers from a dated interior, particularly the overwhelming burgundy color scheme that makes the space feel dark and uninviting. The layout is also cramped, and there are concerns about the overall maintenance of the property.

The staging expert employs techniques such as repainting the walls in lighter, more neutral colors, rearranging furniture to create a more open flow, and adding decorative elements that enhance the home's charm without overwhelming it.

The homeowners experience a mix of nostalgia and anxiety as they prepare to sell their family home. They struggle with letting go of memories associated with the space while also feeling the pressure to make it market-ready.

The neighborhood is portrayed as a desirable area, which adds pressure on the homeowners to present their house in the best light possible. The staging expert emphasizes that the home's appeal must match the expectations set by the surrounding properties.

In "Bad in Burgundy," the episode features a family struggling to sell their home, which may include emotional moments related to their attachment to the house and the stress of the selling process. While the show primarily focuses on home staging and real estate advice, there are a few aspects that could be considered sensitive for children or those who are easily upset:

1. Emotional Discussions: The family expresses their feelings about leaving their home, which may evoke sadness or nostalgia.
2. Critiques of the Home: The hosts provide frank feedback about the home's decor and condition, which could be perceived as harsh or critical.
3. Tension in Family Dynamics: There may be moments of disagreement or stress among family members regarding the selling process, which could be uncomfortable for some viewers.

Overall, the content is generally suitable for family viewing, but these elements may resonate differently with sensitive individuals.