A "Touchy" Subject

Home sellers can use a little 'design psychology' to create spaces that appeal to the 5 senses of their prospective buyers - by doing so, it is actually possible to elicit overwhelmingly positive emotional responses to your home.  Of course the emotional response we're looking for is the BUYING response!

In previous posts I've explained ways to appeal to the senses of sight, smell and hearing..... because what buyers see, smell and hear can either make them feel really good or really bad about your house.  And we can't ever lose sight of the fact that prospects who feel good in your house are much more likely to buy it.

Today I will discuss ways sellers can employ the sense of TOUCH to make a house more appealing to prospective buyers.  Start by taking a look at all the TEXTURES throughout your home. You can create more insterest in a space by accentuating those textures that are especially pleasant to touch and by adding more of them wherever possible.   

Artwork, window treatments, upholstery, countertops, carpeting and other flooring surfaces all appeal to a prospect's sense of touch.  Give some thought to how you want people to FEEL when they enter a space.....

Chenille, velvet, silk and satin ooze luxury while sturdy cottons make a space feel more casual. Hardwood surfaces give the feeling of durability.  Leather brings to mind stability and practicality. Wool fabrics will typically add a feeling of warmth.  These are all potentially POSITIVE emotional responses a prospect may experience when entering a space - and the more of them they have the better!  Add more texture to your rooms with things like new bedding, throw pillows, greenery, area rugs, afghans and countless other accessories - but don't get carried away - too much will just look cluttered! 

This bedroom has the perfect blend of textures.....  

Without the area rug the room would be all about the wood and metal, which would feel very cold and hard.  See how the afghan adds warmth while the curtains and upholstery add just the right amount of softness?  Did you notice how you don't have to actually touch them to sense how luxurious they are? 

What do you think of this foyer?  

It's beautiful BUT I think it could be improved.  What is one thing that could make this space even better?  

For more information on the subject of appealing to buyers' 5 senses read my other posts from this 5 part series.....

1. Love at First Sight

2. Common Scents

3. Do Your Buyers Hear What You Hear?