Are you trying to sell your home, apartment or condo? Here are some simple ways to stage yourself and hopefully help you sell at the price you are looking for!
1. Remove the Photos:
People can be very photogenic, but many clients are distracted by portraits of the sellers, and miss out on key selling points of the home. Try displaying art without people in it. No matter how nice the display, personal photos are just that: too personal. I was recently in a loft in Denver which was covered in artwork and it was very vibrant artwork. It had been on the market for over a year! Though it might be your taste it might not be the taste of the buyer. Try to tone down your walls.
2. Accentuate the Positive:
Most sellers usually know what they like best about their home. It's usually what they saw that made them want to buy, or it's something that they added to make the home particularly special. Whether it is a staircase, a view or even just a room, do something to make the buyers notice that space as well.
3. Smells Like Home:
Something as simple as a strong sent can turn a buyer away. Things to stay away from are strong scented candles, cigarette scents and stuffy mildew smells. Try baking or setting a fire the night before you are to have an open house. It will make the space feel homey and natural rather than overwhelming.
4. Clean Up:
If you are selling your house, cleaning is a no-brainer. And clutter will kill you. Get a head start on packing, and begin boxing up extras that are taking up space on your mantel, table surfaces, etc. Clutter makes a house look smaller, and if you have a small house, it makes it feel claustrophobic.
5. Painting:
A coat or two of paint is always a good investment. If you decide to make the effort, consider flat paint in areas for resting and relaxing. You can add some colors, but neutral is always best. Satin paint is great for common areas and places where there is a bit more action taking place.
6. Pet-Proof:
If you have pets, especially indoor pets, make sure that during your listing period, you are particularly careful about cleaning up after them. Some buyers may have allergies so you want all pet hair, toys, crates etc. hidden or put in storage.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Different Styles for Everyone
It can be very confusing when someone asks you what your interior “style” is. Some people know that they are 100% traditional or contemporary but for the rest of you who can’t be quite so clear there is some ambiguity in determining what exactly it is your like. To make it easy for you I thought I would put together a glossary of what a handful of different styles are and it will hopefully help you narrow down what it is your prefer.
Contemporary: Contemporary style encompasses a range of styles developed late in the 20th century. Pieces feature softened and rounded lines, as opposed to the stark lines seen in modern design. Interiors contain neutral elements and bold color and focus on the basics of line, shape and form. Contemporary interiors feature tone-on-tone color palettes which are predominantly brown, taupe, cream and pure white. Accent colors can be found on one wall, on a rug or artwork.
Traditional: Traditional furnishings roots come from England in the 18th century, the French countryside, or even the exotic lands of the East. There are a variety of traditional styles and some of the most popular styles today are 18th-century English, 19th-century neoclassic, French country, and British Colonial revival. The colors you will see most are peach and green tones which are balanced with aubergine and tan for a slightly floral but unfussy palette. The colors are enhanced with bronze accents and warm wood tones for an inviting, comforting interior. On window treatments you will see a lot of swags with fringe and tassels. Two items you will almost always find in a traditional interior are chandeliers and oil paints.
Transitional: Transitional style is a marriage of traditional and contemporary furniture, finishes, materials and fabrics bringing a classic, timeless design. Furniture lines are simple yet sophisticated featuring either straight lines or rounded profiles. Fabric can range from graphic patterns on overstuffed sofas to textures on sleek wood frames. Accessories are limited in transitional interior. You might see potted orchids or glass vases. Most importantly you select items that blend with the interiors and do not call too much attention.
A few other styles worth mentioning but are not as frequently used as the three mentioned above are French country and cottage. French country furniture is left in their natural state with a handcrafted flair. Chairs feature caning for the backs and seats instead of heavy upholstery. Typical colors used in French country are deep and rich: Mediterranean blue, sunny yellow, terra-cotta red and green. Natural materials like stone and terra-cotta are used abundantly, in addition to wire and wrought iron. Cottage is a colorful, comfortable look characterized by painted and/or decorated furniture with graceful lines, textural elements like baskets, beadboard walls and natural fiber rugs and window shades, weathered finishes and colors taken straight from a lush flower garden.
Contemporary: Contemporary style encompasses a range of styles developed late in the 20th century. Pieces feature softened and rounded lines, as opposed to the stark lines seen in modern design. Interiors contain neutral elements and bold color and focus on the basics of line, shape and form. Contemporary interiors feature tone-on-tone color palettes which are predominantly brown, taupe, cream and pure white. Accent colors can be found on one wall, on a rug or artwork.
Traditional: Traditional furnishings roots come from England in the 18th century, the French countryside, or even the exotic lands of the East. There are a variety of traditional styles and some of the most popular styles today are 18th-century English, 19th-century neoclassic, French country, and British Colonial revival. The colors you will see most are peach and green tones which are balanced with aubergine and tan for a slightly floral but unfussy palette. The colors are enhanced with bronze accents and warm wood tones for an inviting, comforting interior. On window treatments you will see a lot of swags with fringe and tassels. Two items you will almost always find in a traditional interior are chandeliers and oil paints.
Transitional: Transitional style is a marriage of traditional and contemporary furniture, finishes, materials and fabrics bringing a classic, timeless design. Furniture lines are simple yet sophisticated featuring either straight lines or rounded profiles. Fabric can range from graphic patterns on overstuffed sofas to textures on sleek wood frames. Accessories are limited in transitional interior. You might see potted orchids or glass vases. Most importantly you select items that blend with the interiors and do not call too much attention.
A few other styles worth mentioning but are not as frequently used as the three mentioned above are French country and cottage. French country furniture is left in their natural state with a handcrafted flair. Chairs feature caning for the backs and seats instead of heavy upholstery. Typical colors used in French country are deep and rich: Mediterranean blue, sunny yellow, terra-cotta red and green. Natural materials like stone and terra-cotta are used abundantly, in addition to wire and wrought iron. Cottage is a colorful, comfortable look characterized by painted and/or decorated furniture with graceful lines, textural elements like baskets, beadboard walls and natural fiber rugs and window shades, weathered finishes and colors taken straight from a lush flower garden.
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