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 show buyers what fits &
where. Also staging gives the house some personality and warmth.
Additionally, it gives the seller a chance to showcase areas of the
house that might get overlooked. 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.
Make sure books all have there binding facing out.
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 the place look 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 place turned out, take
some of your own photos. Just to see how the place photographs.
Does it look crowed or confusing? This may help you decide if its
ready to have professional photos taken.
Best of luck!