When you’re getting ready to sell your home, first impressions matter. How your home looks in listing photos and during open houses can make a huge difference in how quickly it sells and how much buyers are willing to pay. To make your home most appealing to potential buyers, thoughtful styling and staging can highlight its best features.
Here are decorating tips to ensure your home stands out in the market.
Declutter and Depersonalize
Decluttering is one of the most important steps in preparing your home for sale. Buyers want to envision themselves living in the space, and too much personal decor can make that difficult. Remove excess furniture, knickknacks, and family photos. To make rooms appear more spacious, clear countertops, bookshelves, and closets. A minimalist approach lets buyers focus on the home’s features rather than distractions.
Neutralize Your Color Palette
Bold colors can be off-putting to potential buyers, so consider repainting walls in neutral tones like whites, grays, or beiges. A neutral color palette creates a fresh and inviting atmosphere and allows buyers to imagine their own furnishings in the space. If repainting isn’t an option, add neutral decor elements like throw pillows, rugs, and curtains to tone down vibrant colors.
Boost Curb Appeal
Before a potential buyer enters your home, they will take in the exterior. To ensure it’s inviting, you’ll want to focus on your landscape, like trimming hedges, mowing the lawn, and planting seasonal flowers for a welcoming touch. A fresh coat of paint on the front door, new modern house numbers, and a clean doormat can also make a big difference. Even minor upgrades like replacing outdated outdoor lighting can boost your home’s appeal.
Let There Be Light
Good lighting makes a home feel warm and inviting. Open all curtains and blinds to let in natural light, and replace dim bulbs with brighter, more energy-efficient options. Consider adding lamps in darker corners to brighten up rooms. If possible, opt for warm white LED bulbs, which mimic natural daylight and create a cozy ambiance.
Arrange Furniture for Flow
A well-arranged space can make a room feel larger and more functional. In living rooms, create conversational areas by positioning seating around a focal point like a fireplace or coffee table, says an interior designer in McLean. In bedrooms, make sure the bed is the main focus, with nightstands and lamps adding balance. Avoid pushing furniture against walls—floating pieces slightly away from the walls can make the space feel more open.
Stage Key Areas
While every room in your home should be clean and tidy, certain spaces should receive extra attention. The living room, kitchen, and primary bedroom are key areas that buyers focus on. In the kitchen, clear countertops of clutter, add a bowl of fresh fruit, and display a few stylish cookbooks. In the bedroom, use crisp white bedding, fluffed pillows, and soft lighting to create a serene retreat.
Highlight Unique Features
If your home has standout features like built-in shelving, a fireplace, or high ceilings, highlight them. Arrange decor to draw attention to these areas, like placing a stylish mirror over a fireplace, adding tasteful decor to shelves, or using floor-length curtains to emphasize tall windows.
Final Touches Before Showings
Before listing photos or an open house, do a final walkthrough to ensure everything is in place. Open blinds, fluff pillows, turn on all lights, and add fresh flowers in the dining or living room. Small touches like a neatly arranged coffee table book and a cozy throw on the couch can make the home feel warm and inviting.
Following these decorating tips can make your home more appealing to buyers. That’s because a well-styled home not only photographs beautifully but also makes a lasting impression during showings.