Book Shelves, by Susan Adair

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When selling your house, making book shelves look great is an important element to the overall look. They may be either built in or free standing. Here are some tips:

  1. These are not for storage in the strict sense. So, no cardboard boxes with flaps!
  2. Lots of designers divide the shelving unit into visual grids when dressing it. This can help you to keep things looking balanced.
  3. Keep books to the front of each shelf. That way they are not hiding back in the shadows
  4. Vary the heights. Some books can stand up, some on their sides. A piece of sculpture, a pitcher from your kitchen cupboard or a picture frame can keep things interesting. Stay away from personal photos.
  5. Layer. A framed picture can stand up at the back of the shelf and a few books in the front that don’t hide the whole frame.
  6. Repeat elements. An element can be a color or maybe you have a collection of pottery or glass. Three items can be defined as a collection, so don’t get carried away! A few of these things can enter into the mix.
  7. A simple way to create a great look is to stack all books on their sides, a few on each shelf. Done!
  8. Small things will “read” as clutter, so fewer, larger items will look and photograph better.
  9. No books? Sculpture or glass or pottery can dress shelves beautifully. Stay away from tiny items.

Limit the color palate. Above all, stand back once in a while and make sure the whole thing looks balanced. One item per shelf is often all that’s needed. Have a little fun with it. Seemingly little details add up to help buyers fall in love with the house!

Your friendly staging consultant, Susan

 

Foyers, by Susan Adair

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Whether large or small, grand or modest, the entry to your home says “Welcome! Please come in!” It’s the introduction to all good things to come.

When I was teaching little kids, I would get down on my knees or sit in a small chair and look around my classroom so I could gain a better perspective into how things might look to my students. Was there too much stuff on the walls? Were there zones for different activities? Were there calm spaces? You get the idea.

I think it’s a good idea to do the same thing as you enter your house. You certainly do not have to get down on your knees, but try looking at the foyer, actually the whole house, through your buyer’s eyes. What does it say? Does it invite you in?

The entry may be just a small wall space inside the front door, just enough room for a few hooks to hang a cool hat, a scarf or umbrella and a small mirror to reflect light and let you check out your look when coming or going. It may include a grand stair case with space for a chair(s) or settee and a beautiful table or chest. Or it may be something in between. Whatever the size or style, the message is the same. “Welcome!”

Here’s one idea for foyer table dressing:

  1. Start with a mirror or a piece of art and lean it against the wall or hang it above the table top.
  2. Add a lamp toward one side, preferably the side farthest from the door so it doesn’t interfere with your sight line.
  3. Place a couple of books on their sides next to the lamp
  4. Top the books with a container of branches or flowers.

What does your foyer say?

If you have a great idea, I would love to hear it!

Your friendly staging consultant, Susan

 

First Impressions, by Susan Adair

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“We are selling our house.”

“We are staying until it sells.”

“What do we do to get it ready? “

What’s the old saying? You only get one chance to make a first impression!

Many sellers live in their homes during the selling process. And let’s face it, we all know we tend to get used to things in and around our homes and pretty soon we no longer notice the weeds in the shrubbery or the rusted light fixture. Besides, we usually come in the garage or back door, right?

This is where your friendly staging consultant comes in! The ultimate goal is, of course, to sell the house. So, what are the steps you need to take? What things do you need to do to make it photograph well from the outside? Those all-important photos make up your 1st showing. These photos bring people to the front door.

Let’s start with that first impression. Here are some key questions to ask:

  1. Is the paint in good shape and clean? Yes, houses get dirty too.
  2. Are the rain gutters clear? No “gutter gardens!”
  3. Is the exterior light fixture in good shape? Is the light bulb pretty? Hint: florescent light bulbs are not pretty. Sparkling, clear glass bulbs are.
  4. Are the shrubs trimmed? Is the mulch in good shape?
  5. How about some potted plants or winter arrangements on the front stoop or porch?
  6. Does the porch have some inviting seating?

If all your answers are “Yes” you are on your way to a great first impression!

Your friendly staging consultant can give you some specific ideas to bring your buyers to your front door and all the way in to fall in love with your house!

Susan

By the Numbers, by Susan Adair

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“Can we decorate for Christmas?” By Susan Adair

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Tis the season when, if your house is on the market, you might ask, “Can we decorate for Christmas?” The holidays are fast approaching and all the stores, not to mention your attic are full of beautiful, candles, stockings, lights, ribbons, garland and your favorite family ornaments.

So, good question! After all you are still living in your house. You and your whole family want life to go on as normally as possible all the while you are keeping organized, clean and de-cluttered. It may seem like a tall order, but you are motivated.

Let’s say the photos of your house are scheduled to be taken just before or just after Christmas so they will be ready for the first of the year. Now, here are two questions that will give you your decorating answer. Do you want your photos to be dated? Do you want potential buyers to remember your house as the “Christmas house” or the house with the great floors?

For the exterior, you can stick with a beautiful planter(s) of winter greens. Have as much fun with it as you like. Greens, birch sticks, branches with berries, eucalyptus leaves, pine cones, and some great ribbon can all work together to create a welcoming introduction for buyers. While the real estate agent is opening the lock box, buyers are standing there on the stoop or porch looking around. If you have made it look beautiful, it will help buyers to fall in love! Don’t forget the exterior light fixture. It should be sparkling clean with a nice clear glass bulb shining “Welcome, I’m beautiful!”

Inside, remember what you hear me say all year around, “Always remember what you are selling.” Photos can be taken before the tree and all the decorations come out. Then go ahead and let your house celebrate, but keep it low key this year. For example, use small white lights as opposed to those with lots of color. You still want to show off the banister, the fireplace, the floors, windows and the space without things feeling full, cluttered or overwhelmed by the season. Think about what you want buyers to remember about the house, the holiday decorations or the great space?

Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year in your new house!

Susan