“Dawna Johnson, an experienced stager with 14 years in the field and the founder of Sacramento Staging Solutions, asserts that a vacant home lacks character. Empty spaces exude an uninviting, desolate atmosphere—far from the warm embrace prospective buyers seek when envisioning their new abode.
Your real estate agent might suggest staging as a strategy to expedite the sale of your minimalist property. In fact, surveys show that 77% of Realtors believe that a well-staged home, thoughtfully arranged with select furnishings and tasteful decor, allows potential buyers to better imagine themselves living there.
However, traditional staging methods for an empty house can be quite costly, ranging from $750 to over $2,000 each month, depending on factors like the size, location, and value of the home. Fortunately, there’s a more economical alternative.
Christie Cannon, a leading real estate agent in Frisco, Texas, with two decades of experience, explains, “In vacant homes, we focus on ‘warming them up.’ We won’t leave them entirely bare, yet we also won’t furnish them completely.”
Curious? Let’s explore how to effectively stage an unfurnished home using subtle techniques and inventive budget-friendly strategies recommended by industry experts.”
Use area rugs to define spaces and show where furniture would theoretically go
Selling a house requires you to clearly demonstrate the unique function of each space, preventing potential buyers from feeling confused about how to utilize unconventional areas during viewings.
When prospective owners enter your open-concept kitchen-dining-family area, it should evoke thoughts of cozy movie nights rather than a cry for help. Moreover, a room consisting merely of four walls and a ceiling can often appear smaller than its actual size, which can deter buyers who appreciate the illusion of spaciousness.
If you lack furniture to create an inviting living space, what can you do?
Cannon suggests, “Let’s use a 13×13 area rug in the main area to help define the space.” Clever idea!
Crucially, ensure that the rug’s dimensions are appropriate for the area—this can be challenging if you’re not considering furniture placement. A helpful guideline is to leave 12-24 inches of floor visible around the rug in larger rooms like living areas, while reducing that to 6-8 inches in smaller spaces such as hallways and entryways.
Regarding colors and designs, choose a rug that harmonizes with the overall aesthetic of the home. For example, staging a sleek, contemporary space with an elaborate rug wouldn’t make much sense. However, geometric or abstract patterned rugs would blend beautifully in a modern setting.
Conversely, vintage Oriental rugs might shine in a charming older home brimming with character. Additionally, plush rugs can introduce warmth and texture to an otherwise stark environment.
Add a fresh coat of neutral paint to boldly colored rooms
“Even without furniture, your walls are still there, and they deserve a fresh coat of paint! If they’re not in a pleasing neutral shade, they might deter potential buyers.
According to HomeLight’s 2016 Top Agent Insights Survey, every leading agent we consulted emphasized the importance of refreshing those walls before any showings.
Among the 100+ agents surveyed, a significant 78% recommended beige as their preferred color, with white being a close second at around 30%, and gray trailing behind at 15%. To help you choose, check out our curated list of the best home staging paint colors, featuring a selection of stunning beiges, clean whites, and versatile greiges.”
Small tables and lamp accessories create warmth
Cannon proposes that instead of dragging in a whole living room set, you can create a warm and inviting vibe with just a couple of end tables and lamps. This strategy not only defines the space but also showcases its purpose to potential buyers without straining your budget. Your real estate agent may have furniture on hand or can partner with a home staging professional who can provide these essential items.
If you prefer a hands-on approach, check out budget-friendly tables from Wayfair that come in styles from timeless to trendy. Adding a lamp will enhance the ambiance and brighten the space. For inspiration, take a look at Houzz’s 2018 selection of top table lamps. A classic option is the Hamilton Antique Brass, while the Geometric Chrome offers a sleek, modern flair.
Choose light bulbs that fall within the 2000K-3000K range on the Kelvin scale. These warmer tones will help foster a cozy, tranquil, and welcoming environment.
Add a few light staging touches to the bathroom
Transforming the stark, frigid surfaces of a bathroom into a more inviting space can be achieved with a few budget-friendly touches. Consider draping or neatly arranging some plush white hand towels—the thicker, the more luxurious they’ll feel—infusing the area with a touch of hotel elegance.
For a splash of color, opt for a neutral towel set accented with vibrant trim, like the Signature Banded White Fuchsia towels from Pine Cone Hill.
Additionally, incorporating shower curtains can introduce another layer of texture. A white waffle weave shower curtain from Target will suffice for staging needs, as will a timeless gray option.
Hang up mirrors for more natural light
Mirrors have the ability to enhance the perception of space, making a room appear larger while simultaneously bouncing light around to create a brighter, more welcoming atmosphere. When arranged thoughtfully, a set of mirrors can add captivating visual appeal; consider exploring these budget-friendly options for full-length, quirky shapes, rectangular designs, and starburst styles available at At Home. Traditional placements for mirrors often include the foyer, the lounge area, and above the fireplace.
Arrange accessories on the kitchen countertop
For optimal kitchen staging, focus on subtle yet stylish embellishments. What potential buyers truly appreciate is an abundance of counter space. Therefore, aim to keep surfaces largely uncluttered, incorporating only a handful of vibrant accessories to infuse some personality and avoid a cold, lifeless atmosphere.
Design experts suggest drawing inspiration from hues like blue or coral found in adjacent rooms and integrating those shades throughout your kitchen decor. Remember, there’s no need for your kitchen accents to revolve solely around food themes. Here are a few suggestions:
– A chic vase filled with fresh blooms
– Cozy throw pillows in the breakfast area
– An eye-catching decorative kettle
– Charming small succulents
– Elegant wooden bowls
– A striking piece of wall art
– A Hand woven rugs on an unadorned floor
Don’t let your curb appeal slide
Selling an unoccupied house can lead to a neglected lawn and exterior since you may not be there regularly to maintain it. However, the visual appeal from the street is crucial; it significantly shapes a potential buyer’s initial reaction to your property, making it vital to keep up appearances. Moreover, studies indicate that enhancing your landscaping could boost your home’s market value by as much as 10-12%.
Beyond just mowing the grass and keeping the shrubs well-groomed, consider sprucing up the exterior with straightforward enhancements. A neutral welcome mat, a fresh paint job on the front door, updated house numbers, and a stylish mailbox can make a notable difference. For ideas on budget-friendly improvements to elevate your curb appeal, check out our shopping guide.
Funnel your staging efforts into the money rooms
Johnson emphasizes that certain spaces are fundamental to every home: “Concentrate your staging efforts on these key areas.” We’ve compiled do-it-yourself staging manuals for the essential rooms highlighted by the National Association of Realtors.
Explore further for a wealth of inspiration tailored to the areas that resonate most with potential buyers. Discover valuable tips that will revitalize the living room, transform the master bedroom into a serene getaway, celebrate the kitchen as the home’s core, and maintain the elegance of a traditional dining room.
