We’ve seen it before; bright teal painted walls, purple carpeting, the taxidermy figure of old sparky… there’s nothing that really surprises me anymore. However, we’re giving an inside look to help ensure your home, that is uniquely yours, will translate and appeal to the masses. There are several key changes you can make straightaway to guarantee your space is picture perfect come time to list! Keep reading to see our tips, tricks, and listing day essentials which will show you how you can DIY a stage in your own home.
Paint
First and foremost, I always recommend to my clients the home should automatically get a fresh paint job. We advise taking the home neutral– and the safe choice is, of course, white. It’s nice to have a blank canvas for buyers to come in and envision the home the way they want to. An orange wall or former kids room turned office with bright blue polka dots can get in the way of that.
Takeaway:
-Paint obscurely colored rooms white
-Fresh coat of paint will make scuffs and holes disappear– looking clean and new
-Create a “blank canvas” for buyers to envision the space as their own
Declutter
As part of creating a blank canvas, the space should be tidied up. Mail and personal documents should be removed or tucked away neatly. All traces of owning a pet should disappear, and while you may love showing off cute photos of your kiddos, the average homebuyer will not want to see a home riddled in family photos in the ‘home that was’. Again, it is important to showcase the home as a blank canvas so buyers can envision it as their own.
Takeaway:
-Remove Personal Memorabilia, photographs, and documents.
-Deep clean bathrooms, furniture, carpets, floors, and windows.
-Organize areas such as the pantry, office
Furniture Layout
It is important the furniture within your home compliments the layout of the space. This means all walkways should be free and clear of furniture, debris and clutter. Each room should flow and feel open and not overly crowded with bulky pieces (less is more often times). There are several key pieces we use in staging that has become a foolproof formula on the necessary furniture items to fill up a room while keeping it looking neat while demonstrating a rooms potential.
Tips:
-Living Area should be inclusive of a sofa, coffee table, and if space permits, it is nice to have side tables and accent seating as well as a media console.
-Bedrooms should showcase a neatly styled bed, two nightstands, and if square footage permits we like to add a console or bench to emphasize space potential.
-Dining Rooms should be in an area that “makes sense” and does not obstruct a walkway or room. It is important to have an appropriately sized dining table to avoid areas coming across as “awkward”. If your home does not have a dedicated dining space, be sure to showcase a kitchen island or bar, even outside patio as a dedicated dining space.
Styling
When it comes to utilizing the furniture you have for showings, it is pertinent to dress pieces up (and in some cases down) to appeal to the average home buyer. Below are some simple tips for creating a neutral, streamlined, and stylized home for showings.
Tips:
-Swap your bedding for all an all white comforter set and duvet. Purchase down insterts for decorative pillows to give them a nice “chop” which will show nicely in photos.
-Hang and neatly fold white linens in all the bathrooms and light a candle to keep the home smelling fresh.
-Hang artwork that ties in with your existing decor; remove profanity, religious, or explicit type art, books, and posters prior to photos and showings.
-Greenery, faux or live, is always a good idea to add to every room. It photographs well and really brings life into a space.
-Area rugs add a dimension and style to rooms, especially a room with hardwood floors or tile. We recommend having an appropriate sized rug in key places such as a living, dining, or master bedroom that is neutral in color and pattern and, of course, clean.
I hope these tips are helpful and give you insight on how you can DIY your own stage! We have curated a list of some of our staging essentials here, inclusive of bedding, rugs, and decor essentials. Most include purchases from sources such as Amazon and Target for easy access and quick shipping. Don’t forget to show us how you implemented these tips in your home, tag us at @sagewoodinteriors on Instagram. Good luck and happy listing!
Check out some of our our recent staging and design work!
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