I have seen a lot of houses through the years being a professional stager. I have learned a lot in those years too. Not only business-wise, but also ways to help people when they are decorating their houses. One thing to keep in mind is that…
Everyone Sells Eventually, First Lesson
As a professional stager I think I have seen it all, and then I go to a house and say, nope never saw this. So here are a few take-a-ways that can help any homeowner when decorating or updating their house.
When decorating consider this:
Measure your room
Before you purchase furniture take measurements and go SLOWLY when purchasing items. We tend to over-consume here in the USA, thinking we need the entire set of something when shopping in a furniture store. When it is time to sell I hear “I can’t give this stuff away!” So consider the essential piece first, place it in the room, get the feeling for it in the room. Then and only then add to the room.
Hire someone, if you are not trained in finishes and color
I have entered into many half a million on up homes only to see none of the finishes correlate to one another. What a waste of money! Your builder is trained in construction NOT finishes. The store clerk can tell you what looks good in the store but has no idea about the rest of your house, your style, light in rooms etc. Hire a designer or decorator that can assist you with these expensive choices. They should be able to tell you why the pink travertine tile you love does not go with Uba Tuba granite. Why the highly veined marble does not go with the trending retro revival backsplash you have fallen in love with.
Look at your house as a whole, not just one room.
Many times when I consult a homeowner on their house, there is no continuity from room to room. One room might be filled with overstuffed furniture around the TV and the next room has Victorian tiny detailed furniture. Do one or the other look, but don’t try to do everything under one roof.
When updating, or thinking of changes things, keep in mind the value it will lend to the property but also the aesthetics and how it will enhance the overall look of the house. When looking for items and staying on a budget consider what will give you the bang for the buck overall.
Keep in mind the focal point
A focal point in a room gives it definition. Is it the view, is it the fireplace, are there architectural details in the room that should be played up, or do you need to make a focal point? Making a focal point might be adding art, but make sure the art you add is the right size for the space. Many times I see mini art on a big wall, not enhancing the room or giving a focal point at all. A lot of small pictures hung randomly distract rather than enhance the overall appearance of a room. Concentrate on creating a focal point for the room, the room can take on a totally different feeling.
I know I said 5, but this one I need to put in. There is always a way to update the furnishings you have, to make them look fresh and current. I have done this so many times when getting a house ready for market, and every time the sellers are amazed. So don’t despair, a professional stager or decorator always have tricks up their sleeves!
Other Good Reads:
http://designsolutionskgp.com/placement-of-furniture-confusing/
http://designsolutionskgp.com/designing-by-numbers/
http://designsolutionskgp.com/hand-me-down-inherited-furniture-what-to-do/
