Over 81 percent of buyers find it easier to visualize a property as their future home when it is staged, according to a survey by the National Association of Realtors. In addition to basic home-buying must dos, such as clearing out clutter and giving the home a thorough cleaning, proper staging can bring out the best in any home. The key is highlighting the best parts of the home and turning negatives into positives. Here are a few tips and tricks to making your home shine before putting it on the market.
Work With Awkward Layouts
Whether it’s rooms in unusual shapes or sizes or perhaps just an oddly placed element that’s tough to work around, the right furnishings and decor can turn an awkward element into a charming focal point. Here are some solutions for common tricky spaces.
- Narrow hall or room: Turn the wall into a showcase piece with beautiful frames and art work. A gallery wall draws attention away from the length of a long wall and creates seamless symmetry.
- Random doors and windows: If your living space has awkwardly placed doors and windows that pose a challenge for furniture arrangements, think off the wall. By creating a sitting area in the middle of the room, the space will feel more open and draw attention away from the imposing elements impeding design flow. Plus, buyers will get a better idea of how they can make their own pieces fit in the space.
Embrace Architectural Accents
Spanish revival, cape cod, craftsman, mid-century modern — if the home boasts a specific architectural style, own it. Accentuate unique styles with furnishings that complement its natural architecture.
For instance, to highlight the sleek features and clean lines of a mid-century modern home, consider a minimalist approach to complement the home’s natural beauty. On the flip side, a craftsman home should be designed with comfort and warmth in mind to stay true to its natural cozy cottage feel.
Maximize Small Rooms
It may seem counterintuitive, but adding furnishings to a small room can actually make it look bigger. By showing buyers how easy it is to make a small room livable — and comfortable — will draw attention away from any lack of square footage. Consider the following:
- Use a smaller bed: You want to make sure the bed doesn’t take up all of the space in the room. A queen or full-size bed make excellent options for showing off a smaller room.
- Be strategic about placement: Try to position the bed smack dab in the middle of the room against a wall. This will provide ample room for nightstands and create a spacious feel.
- Keep linens neutral: Stick to neutrals and opt for white or beige linens whenever possible. Neutral touches in decor and linens can make the room appear light and airy.
Boast New Upgrades
Don't spend so much time focusing on how to improve the challenging aspects of the home that you forget to highlight the areas that are most appealing to buyers. Consider the items buyers care most about. For instance, according to USA Today, 40 percent of home buyers are willing to pay more for an eat-in kitchen. If the home boasts a newly upgraded kitchen and island, be sure to display table settings and barstools to highlight the added dining space.
Comments(0)