Years ago I began to gravitate towards the business of real estate home staging. I enjoyed the process of successfully staging our own home for sale years earlier. Since then I have helped friends stage and decorate their homes using things they already own, a sort of use what you have concept. So, I researched, studied and immersed myself into the world of home staging and although I ultimately chose to remain in graphic design, with the great deal of information and inspiration I’d gained, I continue to implement many staging concepts into the decorating of my own home.
Home staging is the process of preparing a home for sale, regardless of its condition, location or price, through organization and presentation. Staging refers to the art of setting the scene to entice the homebuyer to buy your home over the many others available at the same time. But you don’t have to be in a selling mode to appreciate the many great ideas that come from the concept of home staging. I found that by implementing some of them into my home, I created a much less chaotic environment and a more peaceful space for my family.
Decluttering the home is a biggie. Most of us can easily live happily without one-third or more of what we have around us. “Less is more” is a good thought to keep while boxing up or donating the items that clutter your environment.
Rearrange items in the rooms of your home to make the rooms more inviting. Seating and other furniture that present their backs to you as you enter the room aren’t as welcoming as if they are facing you. Things that stick out into a walk-through are a visual snag, such as the corner of a table. Make your paths smooth and corners rounded by arranging items as though you were emulating a smooth running creek. If there are parts of furniture that protrude, the flow of the room may appear awkward.
Lower wall hangings in rooms where family and guests sit the most. Hanging photos and decor at eye-level works better in hallways or other rooms where people would mostly stand or walk through.
When I’m in need of motivation, I imagine decorating my home for a photo shoot for my favorite magazine. Though, one of the big differences between staging for sale or a photo shoot and decorating for living is the storing of personal items. If you are staging, it’s best to pack away personal things such as family photos. You want the potential buyer to imagine their own family in this house and not yours. But when decorating for daily enjoyment, it’s those unique items that are so important to your décor that make it home.
And lastly, consider the importance of curb appeal. A little fresh door paint and a beautiful wreath can go a long way towards saying “Welcome” or “Welcome Home.”