Stage To Sell!

Those who say first impressions are over-rated probably never engaged in real estate. First impressions are everything when you’re selling your house, especially in the world of the internet where potential buyers will quickly lose interest in a property if the first few pictures of your house don’t wow them. That's a lot of pressure, right? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. In part 2 of the Home Staging Basics series, we bring you some quick tips to stage your house for selling, if circumstances do not allow you to hire a professional. To learn some budget friendly hacks – Read on!

Mirror-Mirror on the wall

Welcome drama into your room with a strategically placed mirror. It is such a versatile and practical accessory which can be used in so many different ways. But why a mirror, you ask? Our ultimate goal while staging your house for selling is to make it more spacious, both physically and visually. While decluttering focuses on the former, mirrors can do wonders for the latter. A framed mirror over a fireplace or a mirrored wall can quickly add dimension to a room, creating interest and visually enlarging the room. Mirrors can be placed on closet doors in smaller rooms to serve more practical purposes, or near a window to reflect more light into the room. Need a budget friendly hack? Run to your nearest dollar store and grab some small mirrors to organize them into an interesting pattern on your wall. All the benefits at a fraction of the cost!!

Accentuate the strengths

When staging a house, it is essential to play to the strengths of the room. The best features of the room should be highlighted by statement accessories. This creates a focal point in the room, drawing attention towards the best attributes of the space and influencing the arrangement of furniture. A focal point can be a window with a view, an accent wall such as one with exposed brick or a fireplace. In case your room has multiple attractive features, it is important to choose one standout to avoid visual discomfort. In case your room lacks any attractive feature, focus can be created using artwork, plants or furniture. The focal point is the highlight of your room; use it appropriately to put your best foot forward.

Three’s a crowd? Not really.

We’ve grown up listening to ‘two’s a company, three’s a crowd’; but not when it comes to design, for us three’s a party! The idea is to decorate in groups of three (or odd numbers in case of larger spaces), which gives an effortless vibe as compared to evenly grouped décor which can seem forced. It is important to strike a balance between visual symmetry and asymmetry to create a cohesive environment. This rule can be incorporated by using a combination of three colours in a room, three fabrics, three textures or even decorative pieces. Accentuate your fireplace by adding a beautiful mirror above it and some quirky accessories grouped in threes on the mantel. Easy-Peasy!

Quirk it Up!

We’ve stressed multiple times on the importance of keeping the house neutral when staging it for selling. That being said, a ‘too-neutral’ colour scheme can come across as boring and take the interest away from the house. Pops of colour in the form of cushions, or wall art, furniture or quirky accessories break the monotony of the neutrals and add an interesting twist to the space. Remember, it is a good idea to remember the ‘Rule of Three’ while adding these accent colours to avoid a mishmash in your décor. Additionally, it is important to know who your target average buyers would be, and to dress your house to their tastes. A young first-time home buyer, for example, might be more attracted to a contemporary styled house while a mature buyer might prefer a more traditional feel to the place. Know your market!

Replace those knobs

Here’s a quick tip to give your dated furniture a quick facelift – Replace the cabinet handles and knobs. If you’re tight on budget, here’s an even better hack for you: go the extra mile and take out some time to spray paint the existing knobs. You can add an interesting twist to your cabinets by painting your knobs with the accent ‘pops’ of colour chosen for the rest of the room. This makes the room look more cohesive and well put together. Let the creativity flow and have some fun while staging your home!

Pave way for a quick sale and get your asking price using these quick tips. Don’t forget to check out Home Staging -1, which outlines the areas of focus while selling your home. Explore your property’s potential and never underestimate the power of a staging!