Welcome to our definitive guide to staging your home to sell!
[toc wrapping=”right”]Staging is an incredibly important part of getting your house ready to sell, but these tips and tricks can also be used to spruce up the abode you’re planning on staying in for a long time.Staging involves some purging and cleaning, so it’s a great way to give your dwelling a fresh, inviting look.
We’ve gathered the most helpful and simple tricks from a variety of authorities on the subject, so you can be sure that your staged rooms are professional-approved!
So why exactly is staging your house to sell so important? Well, it can actually sell a house 80% faster than not doing so, and can help you sell your house for about 11-20% more! (Source: Lux Deco)
We start with our Infographic that sets out the benefits of followed by a list of tips we believe will do the most good for the least amount of money.
Now that’s a great reason to make the extra effort!
General Tips
There are a few general rules that apply to all rooms in your house, and these tips should be fairly easy to apply.
1. White is Your Friend – white might seem a little boring to many of us, but the fact is that white makes every room feel more spacious, and having pristine white walls gives the impression that things are newer than they really are. You should be painting anyways, a fresh coat of paint can eliminate odd smells and looks so much cleaner. (Source: Lux Deco)
2. Pick the Right Colors – if you still can’t bear to go white in every room, pick a complimentary color that will flatter any accent color. Remember that light, neutral colors should always be used on ceilings, as they make the room feel much larger. (Source: Elle Decor)
3. Send a Parting Gift – part of proper staging is making sure that your place is memorable. You want your prospective buyers to remember only the good things about your house, and sending them on their way with a drink or snack is a good way to do it. On the way out, place a basket with cold drinks and a small snack for the buyer. This isn’t a substitute for a clean house, but it can leave buyers with a great impression. (Source: Such The Spot)
4. Bust that Clutter – pack away anything unnecessary, and that includes anything and everything that might be priceless to you, but distracting to the potential buyer. That means CD or record collections, knick-knacks and collections, stacks of magazines, cards and reminders–anything that isn’t absolutely necessary to the room. You’re going to have to move it all anyway, so why not get a head start now? (Source: Bank Rate)
5. Keep the Season in Mind – if it’s the middle of summer, make sure summer selling points, like swimming pools and fire pits are well cared for, clean, and inviting. If it’s mid-winter, light your fireplace or simmer a hot drink like apple cider on the stove to give your house a warm, inviting feeling. (Source: Houzz)
6. Add Something Unexpected – it is about creating some small scenes, and you should add one that they won’t expect. Sure, a bowl of fruit on the kitchen counter is fantastic, but it’s also a very common thing to do. If you have a backyard bonfire area, for example, add a small S’more making station nearby. This is unexpected, but will suggest to buyers an activity they can do with their family once they’ve bought your house. (Source: Such The Spot)
7. Pack Personal Photos Away – while your family photos are priceless to you, all they say to the buyer is “you don’t live here”, and that’s exactly the opposite of the effect you want your house to have on buyers. By packing away all your family pictures, potential buyers will have the chance to envision their new life in your place. (Source: Lux Deco)
8. Make Use of Those Awkward Spaces – weird spaces, like nooks and the spots under the stairs, can be a challenge for buyers to envision as anything other than wasted space. Do that work for them; transform a small awkward nook into a seating area or a comfy reading spot. Make that spot under the stairs into a study area or an organizational area. As soon as you designate a space, you up the value. (Source: Houzz)
9. Send the Right Impression – the goal of is to show how well-cared for your place is. Keeping it clean, touching up damaged paint, and keeping the style up to date is a great way to show buyers that the has been taken care of and is a great buy. (Source: Lux Deco)
10. Create a Cozy Corner – this can go pretty much anywhere in your pad, but select a spot to transform into an ideal spot to curl up with a mug of cocoa and a book. (Source: Such The Spot)
11. Mirrors are Your Friends – large mirrors can be used to reflect light around a room, or can be used to give the illusion of a larger room. Either way, a large mirror is always a great design choice! (Source: Lux Deco)
12. Elevate Your Curtains – raise those curtains to the top of your wall! This will create the illusion of taller ceilings or larger windows. (Source: Elle Decor)
13. Light it Up – increase the wattage in your lamps and fixtures, aiming for about 100 watts per 50 square feet. And layer that lighting! Don’t depend on just one type. Stick to the three types: ambient, task, and accent. (Source: HGTV)
14. Create a Welcome Station – this is a cute area just inside of the front door that bids buyers to remove their shoes. It should also have the real estate sign in, a binder, and flyers of information on and photos of the home. Full color is definitely worth the expense. (Source: Such The Spot)
15. Revive Hardwood Floors – hardwood floors are a huge draw for buyers. By performing some simple maintenance and refinishing your hardwood, you can add a great deal of value and appeal to your crib. (Source: HGTV)
16. Fix it – repair any light switches, curtain rods, or anything else that you’ve been putting off fixing. Buyers will notice these little details. (Source: Huffington Post)
17. Freshen Up – homes get stinky; it’s a fact of life! While you’re showing your place, take care not to cook anything with a distinctive smell. Clean your carpets and remove pet stains. Deodorize the kitchen drains or disposal. Display fresh flowers, candles, anything that has a hint of a pleasant scent. Oh, and take the garbage out! There’s nothing like stinky garbage to turn off a buyer. (Source: Easy Agent Pro)
18. Make a Great First Impression – this staged area involves the front porch. Add a cozy seating area, or a fountain to add a bit of ambiance. A cheery sign and welcome mat can really help set the stage. As always, greenery is a great way to go. (Source: Such The Spot)
19. Make an Artful Impact – place art strategically to draw the eye away from flaws, to add color to a space, or replace large family portraits. Make sure to place them at eye level and avoid anything particularly edgy or religious. (Source: Redesign 4 More)
20. Add Living Elements – fresh flowers and houseplants can brighten up any area. You’d be surprised what an orchid can do for a small bathroom. (Pretty Well Organized)
These tips are a great way to get started, but there are tons more specific tips for each room in your house. Continue on to learn more!
Kitchen Staging Tips
This kitchen utilizes the storage cubbies to display some simple dishes. Notice that the countertops are very sparsely accessorized, with no clutter. Source: Bespoke Home Staging & Interiors
21. Remove Countertop Clutter – we recommend packing up all your small kitchen countertop appliances like toasters, can openers, and mixers. It’s okay to leave a few small items on your counters, but consider carefully what you decide to leave. A decorative bowl full of fruit is a nice, homey touch that isn’t too personal. (Source: Huffington Post)
22. Clean the Fridge – do clean out your fridge. Toss out old, crusty food, or anything that gives off an odor. Your fridge should be spotless and have only a few items in it to emphasize how much space it has. Even if you don’t plan on including the appliances, still do the cleaning. People will definitely peek. (Source: Huffington Post)
23. Add Accessories – a well-placed bowl of fruit or a small flower arrangement can help create ambiance in a kitchen. Be sure not to overcrowd the space or leave it too bare. (Source: Huffington Post)
24. Upgrade to Stainless Steel – buyers love high-end stainless steel appliances, but you don’t have to run out and drop a few thousand dollars on brand new appliances. If you want, you can refinish the fronts of your appliances with stainless steel stick coating. (Source: HGTV)
25. Organize the Cupboards – You might think differently, but buyers will go through your drawers and cupboards. Be sure they’re not overstuffed. Crowded cupboards look small, like you don’t have enough space. Keep things clean, neat, and minimal. (Source: Houzz)
26. Stain Dated Cabinets – dated kitchen cabinets can signal buyers that they’ll need to do some updating. Instead of shelling out the money to replace them, use an updated stain to give them new life. (Source: HGTV) Or, try a DIY project and paint your cabinets! (Source: Better Homes and Gardens)
27. DIY Painted Cabinets – or, take the time to paint your cabinets white. A simple DIY project can save you a lot of money, and a weekend project like this is sure to get a great return on investment. (Source: Better Homes and Gardens)
28. Replace Hardware – it’s hard to keep your cabinets up-to-date if your hardware is dull or dated. Get new, sleek hardware to replace out-of-style metals like brass. (Source: HGTV)
29. Replace Faucets or Lights – like with hardware, these are simple to switch out and can make a big impact on how contemporary your kitchen looks. (Source: Home Buying Institute)
30. Install Statement Countertops – countertops are a major investment, but they’re a huge draw for buyers as well. If the price tag bothers you, remember that you’ll definitely get your money back by replacing old countertops. Your kitchen will look more desirable and buyers will be willing to pay more. (Source: DIY Home Staging Tips)
31. Remove Rugs – while small rugs in the kitchen are practical for everyday use, they break up the space and can make the kitchen look small. Ditch the rugs in favor of a clean, flowing design. (Source: Lighter Side of Real Estate)
32. Upgrade the Backsplash – if your kitchen doesn’t already have one, or it’s terribly dated, consider this quick upgrade a must-have. Subway tile goes well in any kitchen if you’re worried about your design skills. (Source: Canadian Living)
33. DIY the Backsplash – if you’re worried about paying a professional for the job, you can attempt the DIY job yourself. Just check out some tutorials before you jump in headlong!
View more kitchen staging ideas.
The Living Room
A small but lovely living room with a symmetrical seating arrangement and a sleek glass-top coffee table. Having the chairs facing the French doors is a great choice, as it makes the space feel welcoming rather than small. Source: Bespoke Home Staging & Interiors
34. Move Your Sofa Off the Wall – try placing a console table between the sofa and wall to break out of the mold and make your room feel spacious and yes, professional too. (Source: JAXON Home)
35. Style your Coffee Table – don’t forget to add a centerpiece to your coffee table. Generally, go big in the center and then build outwards with smaller items for a classic, stylish look. (Source: Elle Decor)
36. Update Fireplaces with Paint – sometimes old brick fireplaces just don’t really go with a more contemporary room. You can tone down yours with a light coat of paint on the bricks. (Source: HGTV)
37. Encourage Conversation – try arranging your couches and chairs in such a way that fosters conversation. Instead of pointing your furniture at your TV, make your prospective buyers picture having a group of friends having an intimate conversation. (Source: JAXON Home)
38. Divide the Room – long, large living rooms can be awkward to furnish. To keep from having some guests feel totally out of place, make two separate seating areas by placing matching couches back to back in the center of the room. Build out on each side and create distinct entertaining areas. (Source: JAXON Home)
39. Highlight Built-in Features – buyers love built-in features like bookcases and shelves, but you’ll need to tailor the display to accentuate the space and avoid clutter. To stage this area right, place small groups of items on the shelves, usually in groups of three. Vary the texture, height, and shape of these objects. (Source: HGTV)
40. Update Furniture Where Needed – while house hunters won’t be buying your furniture, older sofas that might be too large for the room won’t really help your house stand out. New pillows or simple slipcovers can help spruce up older, worn, or stained furniture. (Source: Bob Vila)
41. Rearrange for Symmetry – move your furniture around the room and pair similar items together to create symmetry. Use lamps to balance out seating areas. (Source: HGTV)
42. Style Your Bookcases – embrace negative space. Bookshelves don’t have to be packed full. Or, try removing dust jackets from hardcovers and adding simple book covers to paperbacks. (Source: Bliss at Home)
Check out more ideas for living rooms.
Bathroom
White towels and a few simple accessories, including an orchid, are all that’s needed to make this bathroom feel spa-like. Source: Bespoke Home Staging & Interiors
43. Make it Feel Like a Hotel – get rid of clutter and personal items from the drawers and keep only a few small useful items. Keep the trash totally empty and roll your towels up. Do your best to make your bathroom feel like a hotel. (Source: Elle Decor)
44. Keep it Clean – make sure that bathroom is spotless. Grimy or dirty bathrooms are a red flag to buyers that the house hasn’t been taken care of. (Source: HGTV)
45. Sub in a Pedestal Sink – in small bathrooms, the vanity might actually be making it look smaller. If it’s not a bathroom where people will be getting ready, replace a vanity with a simple pedestal sink. (Source: HGTV)
46. Use White Linens – you don’t have to buy a ton of new towels, but at least buy one set to keep out while staging. Your old, mismatched, and over-washed towels won’t attract buyers, but fresh, white towels will give the impression of a spa-like refuge. (Source: Forbes)
47. Frame Stock Mirrors – is your mirror a plain stock model? Give it an updated, classy look by adding a simple frame around it. Get a custom, designer look in minutes. (Source: Mirror Mate)
48. DIY Frames – or, you can take on framing a mirror as a DIY project. This involves using molding to create a frame, rather than purchasing a pre-made frame. It’s just about as simple as buying a custom frame to apply and can be much cheaper! (Source: Miscellanea Etcetera)
Find more great bathroom tips!
The Bedroom
This bedroom is fairly large, and the bay window ensures that the bed really only fits in one section. To fill the rest of the space, two separate seating areas were created at the foot of the bed. The dressers are hidden on either side of the door. Mirrors are used to reflect light throughout the room. Source: Bespoke Home Staging & Interiors
49. Add Seating – if you have the space, add a bedroom seating area to one end of your bedroom. A simple bench or a small seating area with a chair will give the impression that the bedroom is large enough to warrant one. (Source: Elle Decor). Consider this staging software for additional ideas.
50. Remove Non-essential Furniture – back up some larger pieces of furniture like armoires. A large armoire takes up a ton of space, dominates the bedroom, and gives the impression that your closet is too small to be functional.
51. Keep it Gender Neutral – avoid going super frilly or too masculine with your design. Pick a neutral color for the walls and bedding, then bring in small pops of color in accent pillows, blankets, and decorative pieces. (Source: Houzz)
52. Clean your Closet – this ties in with getting rid of an armoire. A clean closet with only a few clothes in them (like the season-appropriate stuff you’re actually going to wear) is going to make the right impression on a buyer. A crowded closet appears small, while a clean closet looks open and spacious. You want buyers to be able to imagine their clothes in the closet. (Source: Home Buying Institute)
53. Use the Bed as a Focal Point – cover up that box spring! Invest in a headboard, a new headboard, a bedskirt, or a duvet cover. Your bed should be the main point of focus in the space, so elegance is key here. (Source: Home Guides)
54. Dress up the Headboard – speaking of headboards, if you don’t have one, definitely buy one! It’s hard for a bed to become a focal point when it doesn’t have any presence! (Source: Lighter Side of Real Estate)
55. DIY Headboards – you don’t have to spend a lot of money on your headboard to really make a great impression. For just $30, you can make your own upholstered headboard out of cardboard, quilt batting, and fabric of your choice. Easy! (Source: She Says / Blogspot)
Get more tips for staging bedrooms!
Residential Office Tips
This office is a perfect example of how your desk space doesn’t need to be elaborate to make it clear what the purpose is. A low-profile sofa helps take up a little more space so the room doesn’t feel bare. Source: Bespoke Home Staging & Interiors
56. Repurpose an Extra Room – chances are that your “home office” area is really an amalgam of many different types of rooms with all sorts of purposes. Take the chance to really give that room a purpose as an office. Remove toys, craft supplies, and the junk you’ve been storing with no place else to put it. Rooms with a purpose are much more attractive than a jack-of-all-trades room. (Source: Houzz)
57. Cultivate Natural Brightness – natural light is your friend. Buyers are always on the hunt for those sources of beautiful sunshine. Make sure your windows are unobstructed, and you cultivate as much natural light as possible. If you need to, add some bright artificial lights to make sure there are no dark and uninviting corners. (Source: Style My Space)
58. Keep it Organized – use simple and elegant organizers to store office supplies if you really can’t get rid of all of it. Ideally, you should remove anything not necessary to the space. (Source: Stage My Own Home)
59. Minimize Furniture – You don’t need a lot of furniture to make it obvious that the space is to be used as a office in your house. Keep a simple desk, a chair, and a few accessories. If it’s a larger office, you can add a sofa or chairs. (Source: Stage My Own Home)
See more ways to stage your home office space!
The Foyer
A simple console table and a chair are all that’s needed to dress up a simple foyer without overdoing it. Source: Bespoke Home Staging & Interiors
60. Open it Up – a sure fire way to make your foyer more welcoming is to remove any large pieces of furniture you’ve been using to store shoes, coats, and other outside apparel. Those pieces might be useful, but you’re going to have to pack them up anyway to take with you. (Source: Easy Agent Pro)
61. Hide Essentials – hide any utility items you simply can’t get rid of, like key holders or coat racks. (Source: Easy Agent Pro)
62. Tidy the Coat Closet – this is the same principle as cleaning out your bedroom closets. Pack up (or get rid of) anything that you won’t be using or haven’t worn in years. The goal here is to make your coat closet look as spacious as possible. (Source: Better Homes and Gardens)
63. Update the Front Door – if you can afford it, swap out your front door for something more stylish. Update the hardware or paint if you can’t afford a new door. (Source: Better Homes and Gardens)
64. Add a Welcome Mat – toss out the worn welcome mat in favor of a new high-quality mat. It’s not an expensive upgrade, but it’s important. (Source: Home Buying Institute)
View more foyer and entry hall ideas.
The Patio
Plenty of greenery along the sides of this covered patio brings the lush outdoors in. An intimate seating area in front of a gas fireplace is welcoming and oh so cozy. Source: Bespoke Home Staging & Interiors
65. Pay Attention to Curb Appeal – while this is more of a front yard concern, you should really clean up the landscaping to enhance curb appeal. Power wash siding and walkways, hang easy-to-read house numbers, plant blooming flowers, mow the lawn, reseed, or add fresh sod, wash windows, and repaint the porch or patio. (Source: Houzz)
66. Don’t Ignore Outdoor Spaces – even if your patio is really just a little balcony with room for two, don’t ignore it. Add a small café table and chairs, a vase, and turn a small outdoor space into an oasis. (Source: Houzz)
67. Update the Patio – your patio should not look dingy or old. Be sure the wood is in good shape and is clean. Freshen paint or stain where needed. (Source: HGTV)
68. Be Green – Don’t shy away from container gardens on your patio. They’re a great, easy-to-care way to enliven a patio area. (Source: Staging Spaces Online)
The Dining Room
Light walls and warm tones in the wood help this dining room feel bright and airy. A single china cabinet is neatly adorned with just enough dishware to look good, but not enough to look cluttered and over-stuffed. Source: Bespoke Home Staging & Interiors
69. Style the Table – decorate your dining room table so that it’s not uninviting and bare. Large vases and floral arrangements can see overly formal, so opt for smaller sets of centerpieces, dishes, and wine glasses. (Source: Houzz)
70. Update the look – Outdated fixtures are easy to replace, and making some small updates can really increase the appeal of the room. Update any wallpaper with something lighter and more welcoming. (Source: Virtually Staging Properties)
The Exterior
The exterior of this residence is clean and pristine, with freshly painted trim and manicured landscaping. See more of this home here. Designed by Ellen Grasso & Sons.
71. Refresh Your Landscaping – clean weeds and dead plants out of your flower beds, add fresh mulch, and plant new flowers. Trim the bushes. Your landscaping should look like you tend to it habitually. (Source: US News)
72. Update Paint – clean up any chipped or faded paint on your shutters, doors, and particularly your trim. Your house should look well-taken care of. If it looks dingy, buyers might not even get past your front door. (Source: Home Buying Institute)
73. Wash Those Windows – take the time to wash your windows inside and out, including the screens. You don’t want any mold or hand prints marring your window. (Source: Home Buying Institute)
74. Hide Recycling – the last thing you need is to have piles of cardboard or recycling boxes hanging out outside of your house. Get them out of site in your garage or shed. If they smell, clean ’em! (Source: Style At Home)
75. Add Some Porch Seating – a porch is a great spot for some seating, like a bench swing or some rocking chairs. Even if you don’t plan to use them, a small, intimate seating area is a welcoming site. (Source: Style At Home)
Kid’s Rooms
This child’s room is delicately feminine without changing too many large details. The walls are a bright neutral white, the French doors are a rich gray, and more feminine colors are restricted to curtains and other accessories. See more of this home here. Designed by SVOYA Studio.
76. Create a Theme – while this might seem a little contrary to other tips, since we’ve been telling you to go neutral, coordinated and themed kid’s rooms are a big draw for parents looking for a family-friendly domicile. Of course, don’t go overboard. Wall murals or stenciling can indicate work to be done, but themed furniture and accessories are perfect. (Source: Freshome)
77. Utilize Clever, Attractive Storage Options – it’s hard to pack up your child’s toys, so if you can’t convince them to pare down enough, find storage solutions to keep them organized and uncluttered. A cube storage unit with canvas baskets is a great way to quickly put away toys before a showing. (Source: Staging Diva)
Laundry Room
This spacious laundry room is devoid of any clutter and totally clean, highlighting the massive amount of storage available in the area. There are enough counters for folding space. See more of this home here. Designed by Canny.
78. Add Storage Wherever Possible – there are tons of options to create storage in a laundry room from cabinets to shelves, or even a countertop over the washer and dryer (that only works of course, if you have front-loading appliances). Create places for future homeowners to store supplies out of sight. (Source: Styled, Staged, Sold)
79. Create a Folding Station – find a spot for a dedicated countertop where you can set clean, folded items. If your laundry room is large enough, a mobile island could work great! Either way, create an area dedicated to folding clothes or those pesky fitted sheets. (Source: Styled, Staged & Sold)
80. Organize, Organize, Organize – canvas bins and baskets will make a huge difference visually when they’re used to store detergents and other laundry supplies on shelves above the washer and dryer. Otherwise, it just looks like clutter. (Source: Eye 4 Design)
81. Create a Sorting Station – create some low shelving where you can store laundry baskets; one for each load! Just be sure those baskets are empty when you have a showing! (Source: Sand & Sisal)
Pets
Contemporary Hall by Covington General Contractors Maison de Reve Builders LLC
A built-in dog kennel can be a nice bonus for buyers with pets. This one is neatly tucked away out of sight and all dog toys are hidden.
82. Spruce it Up – if you can’t hide your pets entirely, make sure the area they sleep in is clean and undamaged. Built-in dog beds are neat, memorable features.
83. Temporarily Relocate Pets – if your family is staying elsewhere during the showing, this won’t be a problem, but if you’re still living in the place, you might consider having your pets stay with friends or family for a little while. It’s much easier to keep a house clean and smelling fresh when pets aren’t in the mix. Be sure to talk to your vet first. Older pets might not do well with a change of scenery!(Source: Maximum Exposure Real Estate)
84. Remove Pets During Showings – you love your pets, but having them around during showings is distracting and reinforces that your residence has pets; which might reduce it’s value. When you vamoose to have a showing, take your pets with you for a day out! (Source: Maximum Exposure Real Estate)
85. Clean Up – remove pet odors and stains any way you can. There’s nothing like the smell of cats or dogs hitting a buyer in the face like a ton of bricks to turn them off. Remember, just because you can’t smell it doesn’t mean they can’t! (Source: Maximum Exposure Real Estate)
86. Remove Pet Items – this includes toys, food bowls, and litterboxes. If you take the time to remove your pet from the house, you should also put away all their toys. The point is to make it look as though you don’t have pets. (Source: Maximum Exposure Real Estate)
Garage
This garage is painted in light colors and a large workspace has been set up with simple cabinetry, a pegboard, and lots of lighting. Source: Zillow Digs™
87. Build a Workshop Area – garages are usually empty or crammed full of clutter, but very rarely do they have clean, organized and dedicated areas for outdoor hobbies. Build a workshop area with plenty of storage and space to appeal to buyers who are looking for this kind of area. (Source: Redesign 4 More)
88. Paint – if the floors and walls look dingy, give them a fresh coat of paint. Avoid painting a concrete floor gray; warm up the space with a darker neutral. Choose a complimentary neutral for the walls. (Source: Redesign 4 More)
89. Utilize Pegboards – keep gardening and workshop tools organized by installing pegboards on the wall near workspaces. This is a super easy DIY project that adds lots of usable space to walls that are otherwise bare. (Source: Styled, Staged, & Sold)
90. Boost Lighting – lighting is important in garages. From workshop lights to recessed lights, make sure that when you turn on your lights, the garage looks as bright as the interior. (Source: Styled, Staged, & Sold)
91. Ensure Your Garage Door Works – make sure your garage door is working properly, particularly the safety stop feature. (Source: Stage My Own Home)
Closet
This incredible walk-in closet still has lots of clothes in it, but all the hangers match, purses and shoes are in designated areas, and only a few neat accessories are sitting out on the “island.” See more of this collection here. Designed by Lisa Adams Closet Design.
92. Use Matching Hangers – get rid of those old wire hangers and invest in matching white plastic hangers. That will help get rid of that thrown-together look your closet tends to get. (Source: Lighter Side of Real Estate)
93. Paint – is there anything paint can’t fix? A fresh coat of white paint can really brighten up a closet. (Source: DIY Home Staging Tips)
94. Utilize Opaque Boxes and Totes – while it’s best to totally declutter, if you really can’t pack everything up, organize it in totes. Choose opaque totes so you can easily see exactly what’s in them. Everyone loves function! (Source: DIY Home Staging Tips)
95. Organize by Style and Color – don’t totally purge your clothes from your closet. Keep seasonal clothes organized by style and color for a cohesive and strangely satisfying closet. (Source: Staging and Redesign)
The Basement
This walk-out basement features a tray ceiling with a projection system along with a billiards table to the other side. The space is neatly divided into different areas, each with a purpose.
96. Declutter – as in all things, declutter your basement. Most people look at their basement the way they look at their garage: as a place to store extra furniture and items that we want to keep, but keep out of sight. Get rid of what you don’t want to lug to your new house, and the rest store in neat totes out of sight in storage areas. (Source: Redesign 4 More)
97. Give it Purpose – don’t let your basement be a random space. Whether it’s as a family room, exercise space, or home office, make sure it’s clearly obvious what you use the space for. (Source: Redesign 4 More)
98. Highlight Basement Entrances – if you happen to have a walk-out basement, highlight that feature and make sure you can easily get in and out. (Source: Home Staging: A Practical Guide to Real Estate Marketing)
Theatre and Media Room
Cozy sofas and loveseats are seating in this theatre, which is decorated with only a few movie posters. Dark walls help enhance the movie theatre feel. See more of this home here. Designed by Nordby Design Studio.
99. Don’t be Kitschy – avoid themes that are too taste specific. The room should be casual and comfortable, without any ridiculous theatre furnishings. (Source: Home Staging: A Practical Guide to Real Estate Marketing)
100. Electronics Should Be Up-to-Date – as electronics are the heart of this room, make sure it’s cutting-edge. A theatre with a tube TV probably isn’t going to be very impressive. (Source: Home Staging: A Practical Guide to Real Estate Marketing)
Pool and Hot Tub
The water in this pool is crystal clear, all pool toys and accessories have been put away. Running the fountains shows that each one is functional and in good working order. See more of this home here. Designed by Garrison Hullinger Interior Design.
101. Add Lighting – outdoor lighting can provide some serious mood lighting and can compliment the design of your pool or any surrounding landscaping. (Source: Home Staging: A Practical Guide to Real Estate Marketing)
102. Make Sure it’s Crystal Clear – the pool will be the focal point of your backyard; its crowning glory. Make sure that it’s totally pristine. Skim, vacuum, and filter away until that water is crystal clear. (Source: Swim University)
103. Safety First – all ladders, steps, and diving boards are in good working order and are safe. Anything that’s chipped, peeled, or otherwise in poor repair should be fixed or replaced. (Source: Active Rain)
104. Other Entertaining Options – consider the other ways the pool area can be used for entertaining aside from swimming. You might create a dining area or a grilling area. (Source: Active Rain)
105. Buy a New Cover – pool or hot tub covers can take some abuse over the years, so invest in a new one before you sell. A faded or torn pool cover may indicate to buyers that the pool hasn’t been well-maintained, and they may think they’ll need to put in a lot of money. And that will effect the offers you get. (Source: Olympic Hot Tub)
Outdoor Playscape
A Victorian style playhouse is freshly painted and the landscaping spruced up. A large structure like this needs to be kept looking good. Buyers might look at a dilapidated structure and see only money spent to demolish it.
106. Appeal to Multiple Ages – regardless of how old your kids are, make sure the play equipment will appeal to a wide variety of ages. Treehouses and volleyball areas are great spots to highlight with fresh paint, flowers, or sand. (Source: Palm Beach Home Staging)
107. Put Away Small Toys – clutter is actually an outdoor concern too. Put away small outdoor toys in neat bins in the garage or in the shed. (Source: Palm Beach Home Staging)
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