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The Art Of Staging

   

   

When it comes to Staging, what kind of wall art should you use? Since it is all about neutralizing, how can you choose a painting, a print or a picture that is not taste specific?

Well, first of all, try to stay away from flashy colors. Then, I would say that your choice will depend on the room you are staging. For example, in the kitchen, you should play with shapes for your art. Who said that every “chef d’oeuvre“needed to be presented in a frame? Be creative…

Depending on your color scheme, you could play with different shades and use pictures of drinks, food (such as spices), bottles…something really appropriate for the kitchen. Recipes can be really eye catching as well if nicely presented.

In the dining-room, wall art could be plates or placemats, but if you want to keep it simple, a landscape is great too. Landscapes are used the most in Staging because they pretty much go in every room throughout the house. Abstract is a genre of Art that suit the needs of a staged home. And, since Staging doesn’t mean boring, you have a lot more options than still-lives and landscapes. Just remember to keep it simple and to avoid portraits; they are just too personal and taste specific.

The purpose of putting Art on walls when staging a house is not only to look good and appealing. It’s also to anchor a piece of furniture or to create a vignette. (For example: a couple of paintings above the sofa).
Remember that to fill up empty walls; Art is not the only solution: think outside the box. You can also find some great architectural wall art and iron candleholders. Just shop around and you will find endless possibilities.

Good Luck!
Virginie Gill
Certified Staging Expert
Owner of Voilà Design

For a Realtor near you.
Tulsa Realtors
Broken Arrow Realtors
Bixby Realtors
Owasso Realtors
Skiatook Realtors

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Low Cost Headboard

When you stage a room as a bedroom, a headboard is always a good idea. It makes a big statement. Although they make a big impression, headboards can be very costly so, try to be creative and work with what you have.

  • For example, you can use a piece of art on top of the bed. It will look great, especially if it’s the same width as the bed itself.
  • Wallpaper is one of my favorites when it comes to staging a bedroom. Use it to create an accent wall (usually where the bed is located). That way, the entire wall becomes the headboard and it gives an amazing visual interest to the room.
  • If your bed is located under a window, try to use that window, include it in your design. Frame it with drapes or curtains so it looks wider.
  • If your bedroom is large enough, be creative and hang bookshelves on both side of the window. That will make a big statement in the room and it will become the main focus. Bookshelves on each side of the bed can be a great storage solution as well.
  • You can make a headboard that suits your style with almost nothing: plywood, batting, fabric, a few staples and you’re done!
  • A nice way to showcase your bed is to add a screen behind it. Again, use your imagination, think outside the box.
  • You can make a mirror framed with decorative molding. This is sure to bring the WOW factor to your house! But if this solution seems a little too bold, forget about the mirror and use fabric instead. This will be as delightful to look at!

For a symmetrical look (especially in the master bedroom), use two side lamps or two sconces. During an open house, with the lights on, your headboard will be showcased just like art in a gallery.

See…just a hint of imagination and Voilà!

Good luck!

Virginie Gill

Certified Staging Expert

Owner of Voilà Design

For a Realtor near you.
Tulsa Realtors
Broken Arrow Realtors
Bixby Realtors
Owasso Realtors
Skiatook Realtors

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From “Blah” To “Wow”! (Part 2)

Last week was about how to get your kitchen ready before the open house; this week, we will talk about the second most important room in your house: the bathroom.

This is a list of some tips you will need:

• Carpets, mats and toilet seat need to go. They simply don’t look clean and they are sometimes responsible for bad smells.

• “Let the sunshine in”. If there is a window in your bathroom, you need to pull up the blinds or shades and if you have any privacy issue, you might want to frost the glass with a film or with a can of paint.

• Tile and grout MUST be spotless; so clean, clean and clean again! If the grout is old, it might be discolored in some places. No need to worry, I have a quick fix for that! Go to your hardware store and ask for a “grout pen”, this thing is magic! But remember, it’s just for touch ups; if you need to re-grout everything, do it. It will pay off in the end.

Buyers are looking for a spa-like bathroom, the kind of bathroom where they will be able to relax after a long day at work.

• Accessorizing is the key to a well-staged bathroom:

  1. Buy a couple of fresh fluffy bath and hand towels.
  2. A candle or two displayed on the shelves, tub or vanity will create a relaxing atmosphere.
  3. You need a clean shower curtain, but try not to get anything too overwhelming for the space. A nice neutral with a simple pattern will do the job.

• Also, clear out the clutter; it will distract buyers. Again, less is more in this case; especially in one of the smallest spaces in the house.

And for the last touch, add freshly-cut, colorful flowers in a simple glass vase and Voilà, your bathroom is ready to impress potential buyers!

Staging tips of the week:
If you have a mirror without a frame in your bathroom, don’t replace it. Just work with it. Did you know that you could buy molding at the hardware store and ask them to cut it to size? Then, apply some heavy duty glue and you got yourself a custom-framed mirror for a fraction of the cost!

Good luck!
Virginie Gill, Certified Staging Expert
Owner of Voila Design

For a Realtor near you.
Tulsa Realtors
Broken Arrow Realtors
Bixby Realtors
Owasso Realtors
Skiatook Realtors

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From “Blah” To “Wow”!

There are 2 rooms in which we know that investing your money won’t be a waste. These 2 rooms are the bathroom and the kitchen, and here are a few tips to bring the “wow” factor in. This week, we will focus on the kitchen.

Make sure everything works well: cabinet doors, pulls and knobs, no leaking faucets.
New hardware for the cabinets is not very costly and it makes a huge impact. Preferably, everything should match in your kitchen (all glass, all stainless steel, all chrome or all oil rubbed brass).

Appliances need to be spotless.

Countertops are one of the most expansive upgrades for your kitchen, but for those of us on a budget, here is a simple fix. If you have laminate countertops, you can freshen it up with paint. Go to your local hardware store and ask for laminate countertops paint.

If you have butcher block countertops, oil them. A small can of oil or wax will do the trick.

If you have a bar, you need to emphasize it. It needs to be defined as an eating area, so stage it with a couple of bar stools and a few accessories. Every counter space counts and it is a great selling feature. If there is a breakfast nook in your kitchen, stage it with a small table and 2 or 4 chairs (depending on the size of the nook). Don’t forget to set the table to create a welcoming atmosphere so buyers can picture themselves living in your house.

It is very important that you de-clutter the countertops; you MUST show off the space. There is no better example of less is more. Pick ONE (yes just one!) small electric appliance (it should be the one you can’t live without and it should look clean): this one can stay! The rest MUST go. Then, use your imagination: wooden or stainless steel bowls with apples or lemons, fresh flowers, a kettle on the stove and you’re good to go.

But no, wait! Remember to bake cookies or a pie before you start your open house. There is nothing better than the smell of baked sweets to attract potential buyers!

There are many more things you can do to stage your kitchen but these solutions should help you get a better idea of what a staged kitchen should look like.

Staging tip of the week:
To clean stainless steel appliances, use a smooth cloth with a few drops of olive oil. Wipe gently and Voilà!

Good luck!
Virginie Gill, Certified Staging Expert
Owner of Voila Design

For a Realtor near you.
Tulsa Realtors
Broken Arrow Realtors
Bixby Realtors
Owasso Realtors
Skiatook Realtors