by Blake Herzog
When people start thinking about selling their homes, debates ensue about how much money they should put into improvements.
Once you make those decisions and fixes, consider how to stage your home and how much you’re going to spend for an enticing interior.
This is a much more affordable endeavor — check out these ideas.
Living Room
- Welcome mat — Put a brand-new mat outside the front door to set the stage; it can keep visitors from tracking dirt and mud inside. Coir, a natural fiber created from coconut husks, and rubber function well in all kinds of weather.
- Coffee table accessories — A vase with fresh or quality faux flowers and greenery, simple wooden or mirrored trays, one or two books selected to appeal to your most likely buyers, a realistic flameless candle and an intriguing figurine that fits your décor, are all you need.
Complement, don’t distract.
- Circular mirror — This can work in any room, but if you only have one use it in the living room — it enlarges the perceived square footage.
Kitchen
- Wicker lampshade — If your kitchen has a pendant light, consider placing a shade woven from natural fiber over it to lightly filter the illumination with an earthy glow that can add to any natural light you can bring into the room.
- Wood cutting boards and utensils — Displaying these as counter vignettes will enhance the natural glow and make the kitchen look splendid for very little money. A wooden bowl would help, but make sure any fruit is fresh, not plastic!
- White plates, mugs and other dishware — Your kitchen must be spotless, and white accessories will magnify that impression.
Bathroom
- White linens — These will put the cleanliness of this space front and center and provide a blank slate for viewers, depersonalizing an area to allow them to picture themselves inside of it.
- Scented candle — Find one scented with lavender, eucalyptus or another soothing aroma that can calm everyone during the stressful homebuying and home-selling process.
Bedroom
- Plush pillows and bedding — If you’re living in the home while it’s being staged you can simply trade your favorite comfy pillows and blankets for newer, fluffier versions. White sheets are best.
- Updated nightstands — It’s easy to swap in a couple of vintage nightstands from the thrift store, or small, chic round night tables found online can streamline your look.
