Ive been asked, once I get the house de-cluttered painted &
cleaned, how do I choose what to put back up and what to leave
packed up in boxes? Do I rehang pictures, or leave the newly
painted walls empty? Keep items on the shelves and bookcases or
leave them empty? The answer is a little of both (actually more no
than the yes).
The reason vacant homes are staged is that it shows buyers what
fits & where. Staging gives the house some personality and warmth.
Additionally, it gives the seller a chance to showcase areas of the
house that might beoverlooked. Its definitely a balancing act. Here
are some rules to deciding how much and where. Ask yourself:
- What am I trying to accomplish by adding the piece?
- Do I want to call attention to an area for a reason?
- Am I trying to show that this area has a specific utility?
For instance:
What am I trying to accomplish by adding the
piece? You may want to call attention to the decorative
fireplace mantle. Or, to show the entry foyer is large enough to
fit a bench or desk
Do I want to call attention to an area? Is
there an interesting niche in the hall I dont want people to miss?
Or, I want to show that this long blank hallway is actually a great
gallery wall.
I am trying to show this area has a specific
utility For instance a bookcase or a specific place a TV
fits into. Or, and alcove which doubles as a home office.
Once youve established whats necessary, step back and take a
good look. Or have your agent or a friend whose taste you admire
come by. You can always add items if the place still feels a bit
sterile.
Some tips:
NOTHING SHOULD BE HUNG CROOKED! Buy a level! Regardless of its
value, any art looks cheap if hung crooked. And even poster art can
look great if hung as if its the original.
Try to hang all the art in each room so that the top of each
piece is the same height. Aprox 6 +- off the floor is pretty good
for average size pictures. Lower for smaller and higher if the
piece is very large.
If you have a long wall and are hanging multiple pieces, spread
them out on the floor against the wall first. See how the spacing
looks before you make holes.
All books shouldhave theirbindingthe same direction. 
Dont fill the entire shelf with books. Use a combination of
books and display pieces (framed photos, items of art, a plant
etc.)
Wall cubes are a great way to display multiple like kind objects
in a way that can make them seem far more valuable than they might
be.
If you are fortunate enough to have recessed or track lighting,
which is adjustable, make the best use of it by focusing it in the
direction of artwork or areas you want buyers to notice.
Use just enough personal items to make your space looks lived
in. Not so many that they take the focus off of your home.
Make sure area rugs do not impede on the operation of doors or
have patterns and colors which over power the room, which could
make it feel small.
Finally, if you are unsure of how your home turned out, take
some of your own photos. Just to see how the spacephotographs. Does
it look crowed or confusing? This may help you decide if its ready
to have professional photos taken.
Brian Back has been
with Gibson Sothebys International Real Estate since 1992. His real
estate experience began in 1987 and has led him to become involved
in both residential sales & development. He specializes in both
established and emerging neighborhoods in and around the city of
Boston. In addition to his real estate experience, Brian holds a
degree in interior design from the Art Institute (Ft. Lauderdale
Fl.). He knows first hand what it is like to be a customer having
both developed and sold many properties in the city of Boston and
surrounding neighborhoods.