As an interior design consultant, I've had the privilege of transforming numerous homes into inviting, comfortable spaces that potential buyers or renters love. In this post, I'll share my comprehensive checklist for home staging, providing both small and big improvements that homeowners can implement to enhance their spaces.
Understanding the Importance of Home Staging
Home staging is more than just decorating a space. It's about strategically arranging and presenting your property to appeal to potential buyers or renters. A well-staged home can lead to quicker sales, higher offers, and positive feedback.
The Interior Design Checklist for Home Staging
1. Declutter
Decluttering is one of the most important steps in home staging. When potential buyers or renters walk into a cluttered space, they may feel overwhelmed and unable to see the potential of the home. Clutter can make a space look smaller and less appealing. By removing unnecessary items, you can make your home appear larger, cleaner, and more inviting.
Decluttering also allows potential buyers or renters to envision themselves in the space. When a home is filled with personal items, it can be difficult for people to imagine their own belongings in the space. By removing these items, you can help potential buyers or renters see the home as a blank canvas that they can personalize to their liking.
Furthermore, decluttering can help highlight the features of your home. When a room is cluttered, the eye is drawn to the clutter rather than the features of the room. By removing unnecessary items, you can draw attention to the features of your home, such as a beautiful fireplace or a stunning view.
2. Deep Clean
Deep cleaning is another crucial step in home staging. A clean home is more appealing to potential buyers or renters. It shows that the home has been well-maintained and cared for.
Deep cleaning involves more than just a quick dusting and vacuuming. It means cleaning every nook and cranny of your home, including windows, floors, surfaces, and appliances. This can be a time-consuming process, but it's worth it. A spotless home can make a great first impression on potential buyers or renters.
In addition to making your home look better, deep cleaning can also make it smell better. Unpleasant odors can be a major turn-off for potential buyers or renters. By deep cleaning your home, you can eliminate any unpleasant odors and make your home smell fresh and clean.
There is a great Instagram hack going around about creating a simmering pot using water, lemons, rosemary, and vanilla. Many people are sensitive to scent so sticking to natural smells will freshen without offending.
3. Repair
Minor repairs are often overlooked in home staging, but they can make a big difference. Minor issues such as leaky faucets, squeaky doors, or chipped paint can give the impression that the home has not been well-maintained. This can deter potential buyers or renters.
By fixing these minor issues, you can show potential buyers or renters that the home is in good condition. This can give them confidence in their decision to buy or rent the home.
When I am staging a home I take time to notice if the front door shows any signs of damage or forced entry. Both of these things suggest that the neighborhood is unsafe. In some cases, a door can just be painted but if it is in disrepair it is worth it to have it replaced before your home hits the market.
Furthermore, fixing minor issues can prevent potential buyers or renters from asking for concessions during the negotiation process. If a potential buyer or renter notices a lot of minor issues, they may ask for a lower price or for the issues to be fixed before they agree to buy or rent the home. By fixing these issues ahead of time, you can avoid these concessions and potentially get a higher price for your home.
4. Paint
A fresh coat of paint can make a room look clean and updated. It's a relatively inexpensive way to improve the look of your home. When choosing paint colors, it's best to stick to neutral colors. These colors appeal to a wide range of people and can make your home look more spacious and bright.
Neutral colors also provide a blank canvas for potential buyers or renters. They can imagine their own furniture and decor in the space, which can help them envision themselves living in the home.
In addition to painting the walls, you may also want to consider painting the trim, doors, and cabinets. This can give your home a more cohesive and updated look.
While painting is a manageable skill for most people, it is detailed. Especially the masking to protect other surfaces. If you are unable to take the time required to do it well, consider hiring professional painters, as a bad paint job can be even more offputting than a dated colour.
5. Update Lighting
Good lighting can make your home look warm and inviting. It can highlight the features of your home and make the space look more spacious and open. If your home has outdated light fixtures, consider replacing them with more modern ones. This can improve the look of your home and potentially increase its value.
In addition to updating light fixtures, ensure all rooms have adequate lighting. This may involve adding lamps or installing additional light fixtures. Consider the function of each room and what type of lighting is needed. For example, a kitchen may need bright, task lighting for cooking, while a living room may need softer, ambient lighting for relaxing.
6. Rearrange Furniture
The arrangement of furniture can significantly impact how a room is perceived. A room with too much furniture or furniture that is too large can feel cramped and small. On the other hand, a room with too little furniture can feel cold and uninviting.
Many times I have been called on to “fix” a room that the homeowner has furnished using furniture that is the wrong scale for the space. Strategically using rugs, pillows window covering, and plants can help to minimize the feeling that
the scale is off.
When staging your home, arrange your furniture to showcase the functionality of each room. Create clear paths for walking, and arrange furniture in a way that encourages conversation. If a room feels cramped, remove some furniture to make it feel more spacious. If a room feels too large or cold, add some furniture or a rug to make it feel more cozy.
7. Accessorize
Accessories can add personality and warmth to a space. They can make a home feel lived in and inviting. When staging your home, add accessories such as throw pillows, artwork, and plants. These items can add color and texture to a room, making it more visually interesting.
When choosing accessories, consider the style and color scheme of the room. Choose items that complement the space and add to its overall aesthetic. However, be careful not to overdo it. Too many accessories can make a space feel cluttered and overwhelming.
Don't forget! Stage Outdoor Spaces
Outdoor spaces are often overlooked in home staging, but they can be a major selling point. A well-staged outdoor space can extend the living space of the home and provide a place for relaxation and entertainment.
When staging outdoor spaces, clean up the yard, add outdoor furniture, and ensure all outdoor lighting is working. Consider the function of the space and stage it accordingly. For example, a deck or patio can be staged as an outdoor dining area, while a backyard can be staged as a place for kids to play.
Sometimes the outdoor spaces are simply too large and expensive to adequately stage everything. If that is the case create a small vignette, grouping together either a sitting or dining space as a stand-alone. Having one small area fixed up shows the potential of the rest of the space and creates a good distraction.
Reminder: Take High-Quality Photos!
Once your home is staged, it's important to take high-quality photos to use in your listing. These photos are often the first impression potential buyers or renters have of your home, so they need to be good.
When taking photos, ensure the rooms are well-lit and the photos are in focus. Try to capture the entire room in the photo, and highlight any special features of the home. If possible, consider hiring a professional photographer to take the photos. They have the skills and equipment to make your home look its best.
Home staging is crucial in making a property appealing to potential buyers or renters.
As an interior design consultant, I recommend hiring a professional. We bring expertise, an eye for detail, and access to resources. We stay updated with design trends and know how to highlight your home's best features. Hiring a professional allows you to focus on other aspects of selling or renting your home.
It's an investment that can increase the return on your home. As a consultant, I aim to make the process smooth and successful for you! Call 604-862-1064 to book your complimentary consultation.
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