We love hearing new staging tips from our stager Julie Metaxas from KW Home Staging and Redesign. See below what Julie has to say!
Number 1: If it doesn't fit, get rid of it!
This is a rule of thumb in the staging industry and goes hand-in-hand with decluttering. As you are packing away personal belongings, collectibles, and everyday clutter, try to scale down on the furniture pieces in each space - keeping only the core & essential pieces. Are there one too many dressers in the bedroom? Extra chairs in the dining room? Hint: Try to maintain 24"-36" passageways into and around rooms for comfortable traffic flow.
Number 2: Return rooms, closets, and storage spaces to their intended purpose
Are you using a bedroom as a large closet or catch-all space? Are you using a hallway closet for extra kitchen items? Proper furnishings & setups give sellers a reference point for the space's true size and function. An empty room or room filled with miscellaneous odd pieces will actually make the room feel smaller than it really is! As for closets, think of the conclusions buyers may draw if they see kitchen pantry items in a hallway closet: "The kitchen is not big enough" or, "The cupboards must not be very functional".
Number 3: Avoid multi-purpose rooms unless the room is large enough to accommodate the second function
Generally, a room larger than ~12x18 can be separated into separate and distinct usable spaces. Group, ground, and define the secondary area (or both areas) which an area rug and avoid overflow items from one space to the next. A good example of this is a play area or workout space in a basement rec room... But remember Tip #1! ;)
Number 4: Always use neutral paint colours!
Neutrals always work best for selling! Think mass-appeal! The versatility or neutrals will give sellers a blank canvas for their belongings. They may wish to customize it down the road, but at least for now, they can move right in! After all, it is estimated that "63% of buyers are willing to pay more for a house that is move-in ready" | Source: Maritz Research Polls
by: Julie Metaxas, RESP | February 2020
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