Home Staging Tip #16: DIY Staging Tips
You have assessed your home, based on other homes you have seen on the MLS or even TV, and have determined that your home measures up to an uncluttered, stylish yet pre-staged home. Your décor shows you have good taste but as you look around something is either missing or maybe there is an area that just isn’t quite put together, cluttered or maybe not enough is going on to truly showcase that spot. Let’s explore solutions for these areas that every seller should consider when staging their own home.
Let’s say your bedroom linens are fresh and updated, but you lack a nice headboard or what you have needs updating. What you don’t want to do is leave a bare space behind your bed. Pinterest is a great place to start to find ideas, many of which include instructions for DIY headboards . Examples include hanging a tri-fold screen on the wall behind the bed, make a headboard out of plywood and fabric or create a design with a contemporary decal. Don’t want to spend anymore on furnishings while you are trying to sell? No problem…pillows are now your new best accessory. Build up your pillows in contrasting colors starting with large euro pillows against the wall and scaling down as you layer your pillows. It really is easier than it sounds and there is a wealth of websites showing you how to do it! The bonus is you get a beautiful, finished look for little cost and the pride that you did it yourself. Take a look at www.DIYNETWORK.com, www.BHG.com www.TheSpruce.com for more ideas and instructions.
What about that big space under the stairs that is just sort of sitting there, empty, or worse, a collection of purses and shoes or a plethora of family photo’s that serves as an art wall. Maybe your accessory looks nice there, say a chair and a table, but still something is missing. The photo on the left shows an organized arrangement within the stair nook, but it is dark and really doesn’t bring the space into the rest of the room. The arrangement on the left is softer, sized appropriately and provides light and function. This is a simple fix using furniture from another room to finish the look. It also expands the function of this space making it an inviting place to settle down with a good book.
If you have a few extra dollars in your budget there are many updates you can consider for making this space more functional. The photos below show creative uses of this underused space and how it can function as an essential part of the home rather than a catchall space for family treasures; something any potential buyer will appreciate.
One area that you can use to really bring a living room or family room together is the coffee table. The coffee table serves many purposes, a surface to place a glass, hold books, a gathering spot. The coffee table is the hub of social activity in your living or family room. Focus on functionality while remaining organized. Trays are an excellent tool to keep your everyday items in one place and wooden boxes to provide a handy place to stash remotes, coasters, reading glasses or any other essentials that typically cause coffee table clutter. Look High and Low. When all items are at the same eye level, nothing gets noticed. Three’s Company (and we are not saying 3 remotes). The age-old rule of threes comes in handy when styling your coffee table. Contrast Colors. Choose decor that plays off the color of your coffee table.
The same principles apply to your end tables and night stands. If you are finding it difficult to keep your nightstand show ready, keep a low basket by your bed to collect the books you are planning on reading and that extra pair of glasses. When your realtor calls, slide the items under your bed keeping your nightstand clutter free and your books organized.
There are many other little, inexpensive refreshers you can do that will have a nice impact to the potential buyer. We just returned from looking at a wonderful home that was recently staged. The only window treatments the owner had were blinds in huge windows that drew your eye to the blinds instead of the gorgeous view. The stager installed beautiful valances from Country Curtains and a few accessories from Pottery Barn and it really softened up the room taking your eye off of the stark windows and leading you to take on the beauty of the entire room. She also installed fresh new towel sets in every bath. Of course, the house was spotless. Need I say that no matter how beautifully decorated your home, if it isn’t clean that is about all potential buyers will notice and they will start looking for flaws.
These are just a few examples of how to tackle DIY staging. Doing it all yourself is fun if you have the time and energy. If not, call a professional. When you get that nice offer on your home you will be glad you did.
Has this information been helpful? Give us your feedback. Let us know if there is a topic you would like for us to address. Need the assistance from a professional Stager? Contact Vicki Grant, CEO of Grant Home Staging Services, grantstaging@gmail.com or (305) 394-9201, staging Key West homes since 2009. Check out her profile on https://www.houzz.com/pro/grantstaging/__public.
