Six home improvement secrets you can learn from home stagers

Until the 2010 film, Leap Year, in which Amy Adams plays the role of a real estate stager, many people didn’t know that such a profession even existed. As it turns out, real estate staging is a big business and many homeowners are willing to invest in a home stager to come in and help them sell the home. Whether or not you’re looking to sell, there are some home improvement secrets you can learn from home stagers. These tips are good if you’re hoping to sell quickly and maximize the amount you’re able to get or if you just want to get more enjoyment out of the home you live in.

Show, don’t tell

When people look at an empty space, they often struggle to visualize how the space will look furnished or how the space can be used. You want to reveal the intention and potential function for each room in your home with the furniture you select and the accessories you put on display. Throw pillows in a bedroom make it seem more luxurious while a nice ottoman in the living room creates a more relaxed atmosphere.

Consider scale, texture, and tone

There’s no exact formula for creating the perfect balance but the goal you’re striving for is a balance of scale, texture, and tone and you kind of have to play around with it to get it just right. Be careful not to select furniture that is too big or too small for a given space. Also make sure that each room tells a story with a unique color scheme and a variety of textures and styles.

Concentrate on the bedroom

The bedroom is probably the most difficult rooms to stage since there are so many elements that have to be just right. If a single thing is off, it can ruin the look. Sometimes you’ll have to sacrifice symmetry in favor of floor space. The last thing you want is for the room to look cramped so make sure there is plenty of walking space around each piece of furniture. Remember that less is more.

Splurge a little

Having a few carefully selected items that you splurge on is perfectly okay. High quality bedding is a must and cheap bedding like you’d seen in a dorm room really stands out, and not in a good way. Have one or two big, impactful art pieces on display and consider adding a pleasant fragrance or some light background music to create a nice atmosphere.

Don’t blow your budget

Don’t go too crazy with your budget. Going over on your budget is guaranteed to be a poor investment. If you’re trying to sell, the goal should be to invest just enough to maximize your profits from the sale. Spend too much and you’re certain to not get a good return on your investment.

Keep your eyes on the prize

Always keep in mind the cost vs. value of different projects. On the one hand, don’t be cheap and invest too little and don’t be glamorous and spend a fortune.

Source: Architectural Digest

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