Home Staging is alot about removing things. Don't get me wrong, it is WAY more than that such as bringing things in, furniture placement, paint colors, traffic flow, focal points and on and on.
But most times furniture pieces need to be removed....they just do. Many homeowners struggle with why certain pieces of furntiure need to be taken out, especially if they are using them on a daily basis.
There are times when a piece of furniture is so important to how your family lives that it just cannot come out. But, sometimes you just have to live with some inconveniences to get the house sold. Let's face it, selling your home is plain and simple a pain in the 'you know what'. But if it sells quickly you can get back to a normal routine!
Here are a couple examples of my asking "Can you live without that piece of furniture?"
This formal Dining Room had alot of pieces of furniture in it. All perfectly okay for living. However...that hutch takes up alot of visual space plus it is a little outdated.
BEFORE:
In the photo below we removed the hutch completely, moved the console table over where the hutch had been, moved all the chairs up to the table instead of being in the corners, and added a lamp and artwork. The room appears warmer and more spacious because it is simplified. Better for selling.
AFTER:
Here is an office. I had been inside this office door three times and had NO idea there was a fireplace in here. Buyers are not necessarily going to walk all the way into and around the room. If they don't see anything of interest they will just keep on walking.
BEFORE:
Ahhh....much better. The desk was repositioned, the large furniture piece inside the door removed, and a cozy chair added by the fireplace. Yes....there is a fireplace in the room. Surprise!!
AFTER:
Here is a wonderful HUGE bedroom. Large enough for many large pieces of furniture. But, there isn't any visual space, evervything is closed in on you.
BEFORE:
To further show how big this bedroom is, look at the wonderful sitting area in it! But....again, "Can we remove that piece of furniture?"
BEFORE:
Here is the Master Bedroom now simplified a bit.
AFTER:
And the sitting area. Calm, peaceful, restful.
AFTER:
Yes staging is different than living. You can live with as many pieces of furniture as you want or need.
However, when it comes to selling that may need to change. It is best to use a professionally trained Home Stager who knows the difference and will gently ask "Can you live without that piece of furniture??
Shar Sitter, owner Rooms With Style Home Staging and Redesign Minneapolis MN.
CHSE and APSD Home Stager Pro Trainer
952-567-1124
