Ready, Stage, Sell?

Living room before.

Recently I’ve noticed an increased interest in Home Staging. While there are no real guarantees with staging, a staged home is easier to show and leaves a more positive impression with buyers. So as a seller, how much effort and cost should you put into staging? My answer is simple, consider the condition of the house first and foremost. You can decorate all you want, but if the paint is peeling, appliances are old, bathrooms and kitchens are dated, decluttering and rearranging furniture won’t change much. Your first step in this case would be cleaning, updating and repairing. If that’s not the case, then take a look at the big retailers of home design, Rooms to Go, Pottery Barn, IKEA, West Elm, Ethan Allen and so on. View their catalogs or design showrooms and use them as a guide. To save money work with your existing furniture as much as possible, depersonalize and declutter. Think foundation pieces with minimal and neutral accessories and arrange furniture to highlight the features in each room. For example, if you have a beautiful fireplace, cozy up some seating around it. Beautiful view from a window? Make sure the glass is spotless and find a way to place furniture to enjoy the view. Likewise, if furniture placement is awkward or off centered, try floating the pieces away from the wall or window, to draw the interest away from the negative. Think of your rooms as a marketing brochure, highlight all their features and benefits. If you still can’t wrap your head around the idea of staging, talk to your Realtor and remember anything you do now will help when you’re actually ready to move out.

Living room after.

Wall Lamps or Art?

Even with a plan going into IKEA, it is hard to just walk by all of their interesting products. These wall lamps caught my eye because they are an inexpensive option that will give you an expensive look. In various sizes, patterns, and colors, they are perfect for any style, whether it be traditional or modern. They could flank a fireplace, or be used in your teenager’s bedroom as a stylish and graphic wall art. Don’t assume that you have to spend a lot of money for the look you want. There are thousands of ways to achieve a great look for less if you are willing to look. Share your ideas and don’t be afraid to get creative!

Organize, Decorate, and Save the IKEA Way!

Shopping at IKEA can be both exciting and overwhelming, it is very easy to get distracted so it’s important to know your budget and what you’re looking for before you head up the escalator into the unknown. My interns and I went in with the intention of finding creative storage solutions. While there were many possibilities, we liked these hanging baskets for only $19.99 each. They are perfect for any room. Hide those unsightly toys that clutter the floor in your child’s playroom, use them for laundry, magazines, supplies… their uses are endless. These versatile baskets can be arranged as a decorative set as well. When shopping for storage solutions, it is important not to be close minded. There are hundreds of ways to maximize spaces with storage that is cost effective and appropriate for any room. So be creative, and feel free to share your ideas!