Must-haves
Here is your list of the winning elements they use to get that effect:Leggy furniture that shows off square footage.
A sophisticated, but friendly, color palette.
Simple or strong graphics that offend no one.
Smooth and natural wood finishes. Often pieces are painted and distressed, creating rooms that feel lived in.
Crystals and mirrors that capture precious the light -- a real bonus for homestagers who want spaces to feel larger, brighter, and cleaner.
Textiles like smooth cottons, thick woolens, and nubby linens that lend a homey, touchable element -- that warm quality the Swedes call "hyyge."
Accessories where form follows function.
It's no wonder that Danish modern, Swedish, and other Scandinavian furniture pieces are ideal for home staging. Their lines and colors blend well with other decor styles. They are often affordable and they lend themselves to DIY projects.
I doubt that anyone will purchase all new furniture for staging, but if you own pieces that are Scandinavian-influenced, definitely keep them in the mix! If you are shopping for additional elements to stage your home, here's a look to imitate because it's a timeless, elegant and fresh look that makes people feel welcome and at home. That's exactly the look of a well-staged home.
Stylish nations
Scandinavian furniture and fabrics have a valid reputation for beautiful style. The countries of Scandinavia -- Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Greenland-- share those honors.From Sweden we get IKEA, Saab and Volvo, and the popular Gustavian style furniture (not to mention meatballs and Absolut vodka!).
From Denmark comes Danish modern furniture -- a style that's especially suitable for staging because it's handsome, lightweight, economical, and coincidentally scaled for most American homes.
Finland is home to famous Marimekko fabrics, loved by women from Jackie Kennedy's day to Carrie Bradshaw's time.
Are there any new ideas you can incorporate into your own home from the following collection of Scandinavian-influenced interiors?
Because there is scant natural lighting in winter months, Scandinavian design always welcomes sunshine. Surfaces are often reflective, windows are not covered in heavy treatments, and paint colors are light. Photo: TheSwedishFurniture.Com
Although it can look sparse, Scandinavian design is also charming because of its subtle combination of curves and straight lines. There is always a well-scrubbed feel to these classic rooms, a look worth aiming for in home staging. Photo: TheSwedishFurniture.com
Never have neutrals looked so inviting. What this kind of bedroom lacks in razzle-dazzle, it makes up for in serenity. Decorating with subtle variations of one color, such as this bedding, wallcovering, and Gustavian styled headboard, contribute to a seamless look. Photo: Country Swedish.
No discussion of Swedish design would be complete without mentioning the unique Gustavian clock. Although this photo shows a brick floor, I know there are homes out there with embossed brick vinyl floors that could be staged like this. Photo: Jon Monson and L. Langdon Ergmann.
The universal appeal of Scandinavian style makes it worth copying when you stage your home. If you just paint some of your dressers and tables soft gry or blue, hang some breezy white curtains, find some leggy seating to upholster in pastel checks, add a gilded mirror, and leave any wood floors bare, you've nailed it.
For more ideas and inspiration to help you prepare your home for the real estate market, download my eBook, DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and For Top Dollar. You'll get more than 150 pages of sound advice, including window treatments, pillows, mantel staging, budget baths, landscaping, organizing, furniture arranging, lighting, rugs, artwork, and so much more.