Staging: From the Outside In

Everyone is potentially seeking the "dream home." So what is it about a home that makes it a perfect fit for someone? Is it the cozy feeling you get when you step over the threshold? How about the soaring ceilings or the fabulous moldings and built-in bookcases? Do you get a sense that you have "arrived" when you enter the house? Perhaps it's the harmonious colors, or a feeling of spaciousness and serenity. No home is perfect, but it is possible when staging a home to bring out its appeal. The job of a home stager is to uncover those attributes, enhance and highlight them. Sometimes all it takes is a little finesse yet other times it requires a major renovation.

Before

The assessment starts with the exterior look of the house - its curb appeal. The yard and surrounding environment should be well maintained and visually appealing (no trash cans!). The home itself should be in good repair and appear freshly painted. A new welcome mat, house number and mailbox will go a long way to create a nice first impression. If the home lacks distinction or architectural interest you can add window boxes with beautiful flowers or a new walkway, a fresh coat of red paint on the front door - perhaps that is all that's needed to inspire a good first impression. Conversely, if the house is hidden by overgrown landscaping or looks uncared for, the golden opportunity for love at first sight might be lost.

On the interior, each room must be well lit and cheerful. Optimize natural sunlight wherever possible. To create a seamless expanse, minimize floor breaks and obstacles like furniture. Your eye should be able to move unimpeded throughout each room to ensure a feeling of spaciousness. Be sure that there is a focal point or visual vista in your line of sight that "pulls" you into each room. Wall colors should flow harmoniously and draw you through the house. Punctuate that smooth rhythm created with pops of color and this can be accomplished with an accent painted wall, colorful furniture, and art or accessories.

After

Accessories and personal effects should be simple, minimal and elegant. You can maximum the impact by choosing larger pieces rather than many small, fussy trimmings. They should stimulate interest but allow the eye to rest with negative space (emptiness) surrounding them. Touches of luxury and lifestyle should be evident whenever possible. Take care to remove very personal items, which can make it difficult for buyers to visualize themselves living in a home.

Function is the next consideration. Are there comfortable spaces to accommodate eating, sleeping, working and playing? These practical aspects must be addressed, but take heed of the emotional hot buttons when staging a home. Have you created memories or made the home shopper smile? Furniture and even artwork placement can inspire a buyer to say "Ah-ha! This is where the dresser will go!" or "Our TV will fit perfectly here!" This is the ideal response. Workspaces and hobby areas should be organized and closets and storage spaces must appear clutter free - a place for everything and everything in its place.

Bedrooms should be inviting and luxurious, replete with fresh linens, downy comforters, plump pillows and shams. Bathrooms should be pristine, spa - like retreats sporting fluffy towels, sponges, loofahs and scented soaps. Fresh flowers and live plants will breathe life and add a touch of elegance to any room.

If you are creative, resourceful and have a good imagination, home staging will become a very rewarding endeavor. It's a wonderful opportunity to help people and to express your own creativity. With patience, good marketing skills and a lot of energy you will find that you have landed a lucrative job for a company you feel proud to work for - your own.

Allegra Dioguardi has 25 years of experience merchandising homes to sell. Recognized nationally as an expert in model home design, she is the president of Styled and Sold Home Staging, and author of the soon to be released ebook The Home Staging Guide to Interior Merchandising and Design Principles.

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