As home staging professionals it is our job to help clients best market and present their homes for sale. Often times we are required to work within our client's budget constraints and our vision of how to best furnish and accessorize a space may not be feasible.
In the past, I have hesitated to offer "accessories only" packages because adding furniture and area rugs not only allows buyers to envision how they can live in a space but also properly shows the size and scale of each room.
In this current economy however I am finding that more and more clients cannot afford to completely stage their homes or need to invest their dollars in making updates or completing construction projects.I have started to offer "accessories only" packages and have been pleased by the results. When done correctly adding a few accent items can properly enhance a home's selling features. Below are a few guidelines that I have developed to help enhance a property using accessories only:
1. Focus on the key areas:
- Add artwork, greenery or an area rug to add warmth to the foyer. Consider a large floor vase with reeds or artwork on an easel to fill a vacant entryway.
Accent the kitchen to showcase materials and finishes. Set the breakfast bar or set up the built-in desk as a command center.
Add artwork and accessories to highlight a mantle in a living room or family room.
Strategically place items in a built-in bookcase to add color and depth.
Soften a bare bathroom with greenery and spa accents.
2. Use a single color scheme to create flow from room to room:
Add color to the spaces that you want buyers to notice. As they move through the home keeping the color scheme the same will add to continuity and balance to empty rooms.
Use complimentary colors to add pop and balance to a neutral palate and neutral colors to soften a colorful room.
3. Select items that are in keeping with the price point of the home:
Nothing says budget staging more than inexpensive looking items! Items do not have to cost a fortune to look great as long as they match the profile of the buyer you want to attract.
4. Select items that are the proper size and scale:
Large scale artwork and mirrors can be expensive. Instead of adding skimpy pieces, stretch your budget with metal wall scrolls, or multiple pieces of art grouped together.
- Items that are too small look cluttered- less items that are the right size will make a more powerful statement.
Have you done any "accessories only" home staging projects recently? If so did you find them to effectively market the home? Please share!
If you are looking to sell your home take a look at how home staging transformed this property. Hart Staging personally services the Main Line, Philadelphia, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery area of Pennsylvania. Visit our site at www.hartstaging.com to learn more about our services. For all other locations contact us at www.selecthomestagers.com to find an associate in your local area.
Kate Hart is an award winning home staging expert servicing clients in the Main Line and Philadelphia regions. Make sure to subscribe to her blog for money saving staging and home design ideas.
