Better Living Through “Staging Tricks and Deceptive Design.”

When I originally posted this blog on Trulia.  I was on a rant and did not mention that much of the bold face was tongue in cheek in response to a horrible blog posted by a "real estate agent". 

 That blog (and no I will not link to it) painted a silly and uninformed picture of what staging is and it's value.  Full of myths like stagers use "tiny furniture" and try to trick buyers with a paint job. Because a few of my blog buddies told me they didn't get it and I should clarify here it is again so now you know!

Better Living Through “Staging Tricks and Deceptive Design.”

The days of the “Mc Mansion” are on the wane.  The current housing trend is toward smaller multi-functional  rooms and greener living.  Small spaces can present a design challenge if you want to make do with less but not sacrifice comfort and style.  Here are some “tricks and deceptive techniques” that I recommend to all my sellers and redesign clients.

“Tricking” the eye with freshly painted walls is highly recommended.  It’s great for “camouflaging” and “covering up” faded and worn looking areas and eliminating stale odors that date a space.

Color is a major player in setting the stage in small spaces.  Variations of one color or colors in the same family can expand an area and create freshness or warmth and interest.  Tone on tone fabrics and upholstery that coordinate with wall color visually expand a space.  Paint is one of the most inexpensive and effective ways to make a space more livable but if painting is not an option, accessories, slip covers and simple window treatments that are a variation of the current wall color will help.

Whether trying to open up a current space or moving to a smaller space, you needn’t run out to the “TINY” furniture store and buy new furniture.  

Starting with a review of how you live is essential.   Do you entertain a lot?  Who uses or will use the space the most at any one time? By doing this you have the starting point for a floor plan that best suits your needs.  The flow should allow you to walk about the room freely.  Avoid mashing everything along the walls.  It’s always best to have dead space behind rather than in front of your arrangements whenever possible.  In combination rooms (i.e. grate rooms, living and dining combos), furniture placement will define the purpose of each section.

Less, not smaller, can be more.  

By using pieces that are of appropriate scale and serve more than one function, you can achieve a more spacious look.  Ottomans are great as they can be used for storage, a coffee table and extra seating.  Instead of a love seats which many use as space saving, try a lower profile sofa or a couple of club chairs; roomier seating that does not wall off an entire area visually.  One or two clean lined larger pieces anchor a room and also convey a feeling of spaciousness.  Remember too many things floating around a small room can make it seem cramped and cluttered.  “Tiny” furniture fits in this category.

Finally, proper lighting and the use of mirrors can also help in making a space feel more open.  Mirrors reflect light and brightness.  Don’t go crazy or you will have a fun house effect but place them where you would a piece of art and make sure they are always reflecting something beautiful or of interest like an outdoor view or a pretty light fixture.  Heavy window treatments are depressing and dated. Lighter and flowing fabrics or sleek roman shades and blinds not only expand a room visually they create interest and can define a room as casual or sophisticated or both!

If you follow these simple and inexpensive “deceptions” when selling or considering what could be while looking at a potential living space, you can’t go wrong!

Sincerely Yours,

Ana