A home on the market needs to acknowledge current trends to some degree or risk looking out of step.
When you include some carefully curated trends as part of your home staging, you're signaling that your house has kept up with the times.
Staging with some on-trend colors or furnishings implies that the home is well maintained, that money and energy have been spent caring for it. Buyers are more likely to get the message that the entire home, including systems like HVAC, electrical systems, and plumbing are all up to the latest standards.
Your trendy touches might be a certain paint color, the latest style coffeemaker, that backyard amenity people are talking about, or the newest look in bedding. Don't assume that buying into the latest styles is going to be expensive. Avoid fads. Upcycle what you have. And get smart about what today's home buyers crave.
These times are unusual
Especially now, because of COVID-19 we're seeing a return to styles of the past. People are spending more time at home. They're craving a sense of normalcy. They might even be sentimental about how things used to be. |
| Relaxing colors and comfortable seating should be part of your home staging plan. Photo: Giannetti Home |
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| More people prefer solid surface counters over granite now, and classic cabinets over open shelving. Photo: Bob Vila |
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| Luxury touches like this alcove staged as a makeup station are impressive, especially to women buyers.Photo: Courtney Hill |
Mix old and new
Aim for a layered look rather than the boring, formula staging of 20 years ago. You can do this by mixing old, traditional objects with brand new furnishings.That skirted round table shown in the photo at the top of this post was popular decades ago, but now it's sitting beside a bed with today's style padded headboard and luxury linens.
Think about mixing textures, too. If you have faux fur rugs and wicker or rattan furniture, put them together for an inviting juxtaposition.
Don't be afraid to toss in some happy colors and frisky accessories, as long as you balance them with traditional settings. Sew up chartreuse pillow covers to decorate your duvet-covered bed. Stage grandma's china cabinet with a collection of seashells, cookbooks, or DIY Mercury glass vases -- something other than ho-hum china.
If the home you are staging has features like a tin ceiling, wainscoting in the bath, a free-standing tub, a breakfast nook, a kitchen pantry, a large front porch, or mid-century furniture, ...well, you're in luck! These nostalgic touches make a house feel like a generous helping of comfort food right now.
Reflect the present lifestyles
The pandemic has affected every area of our lives. And real estate preferences reflect the changes. More people are working from home and will continue to do that as businesses opt into remote workforces when it makes sense to do so.Families want accommodating spaces where they can congregate for Netflix and meals, but they also need places for privacy, homework, and office work. The open floor plan is not a high priority now. We could see more multi-generational families buying homes as younger career builders might be moving in with parents and grandparents might be needed for childcare. Suburban and rural homes have gained in popularity as people reassess their needs to live in urban areas.
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| This room looks fresh and contemporary, even though it's decorated with an assortment of what can be called traditional elements like the collection of books, classic textile patterns, houseplants, a sunburst mirror over the fireplace, and a slipcovered, retro chair. Photo: Meyer Interiors |
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| The leggy, molded plastic 50s chair is an interesting companion to an old painted desk. Together, they create a charming corner workstation. Photo: Fine Furnished |
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| Comfort is more important than ever. But it can't look sloppy. An old wingback chair upholstered in fuchsia velvet, the fluffy pillow, primitive art, and a modern side table balance the old-style iron bed and plain white quilt. Photo: Meyer Interiors |
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| Stage indoor and outdoor spaces with throwback pieces of wicker and rattan. They are easily available, economical, lighthearted, and low-maintenance. Photo: Gumtree |
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| Older furniture pieces can take on a new life that fits today's more casual styles, like this china cabinet, painted and staged as a bookcase. Photo: Pencil Shavings Studio |
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| A bamboo bar cart like this one is right at home in today's staged home. Be sure that there are no actual alcoholic drinks accessible. Photo: Serena & Lily |
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| Botanicals and florals are now more popular than geometric patterns that seem hard-edged. If you can't be bothered with caring for houseplants in a bath, a shower curtain like this adds that lush vibe. Spa-like additions are fluffy towels, soaps, and sponges. Photo: Apartment Therapy |
Get the look, get the book
I hope I've given you fresh ideas to help you get your home ready for the lively real estate market. It's never too soon to begin planning your staging.
It's rare that any one property checks all the boxes on a home buyer's wish list. You may not have the perfect house that satisfies the majority of buyers. But home staging can bridge the gap, encouraging buyers to value your property as a good fit.
It's rare that any one property checks all the boxes on a home buyer's wish list. You may not have the perfect house that satisfies the majority of buyers. But home staging can bridge the gap, encouraging buyers to value your property as a good fit.
You can learn more about timeless methods to stage your own home in my eBooks for home stagers. You're just two clicks away from reading how you can start today to prep your home for the real estate market. Follow me on Twitter (now X) for news, tips, and inspiration about home staging.
Top Photo: Rita Konig