Looking at the year ahead, Metro Detroit homebuyers are not just looking for four walls and a roof; they’re seeking an experience when they are home shopping. Gone are the days of just showcasing materials and appliances (sometimes, lack thereof). Today’s serious and savvy buyers crave spaces that make them feel something, evoke emotion, inspire a lifestyle, and resonate with their best life forward.
The shift in this newfound focus calls for a “new” approach to home staging. Instead of simply filling a room with “stuff,” stagers must now prioritize creating an ambiance. While this may be making its way to the public, this is what we have always strived for. Simple is simply better! When you request a quote from Impact Home Staging Experts, we will always make it well known that we will only recommend what is needed to help the home sell better, faster, and for more.
So, what is our approach anyways? And what have we been doing for the last 20+ years in our line of expertise? We stage for the senses, of course!
How to Stage for the Senses:
Mood is Key:
Before we even pick and place a piece of furniture that is stored in our enormous warehouse located in Troy, we do a preview and get a sense of the mood, and who exactly are the sellers trying to attract? Getting our eyes on the property acts as the visual guide that will help define the desired atmosphere.
We are always staging for the buyer in mind, not the seller. When you sell your home, it is very important to detach from the property, allowing others to emotionally connect with the possibilities of this being their new home.
- A few questions we consider after viewing a vacant property are:
- What emotions are we wanting to draw out in this space? (Relaxation, energy, creativity, etc.) This can all be done with a color scheme that flows from room to room, or even the accessories and art that we bring into the space.
- What kind of lifestyle do we want to represent and what kind of buyer is looking? A home that is more family forward and growing would demand brighter colors, and more casual. Whereas a busy professional might look for a more sophisticated look with even a touch of glam.
- What colors and decor will best achieve the desired ambiance? Yellows and oranges scream cheery and fun, where the more neutral tones tends to lean a bit more towards a relaxing vibe.
- Focus on Furniture Arrangement:
- Furniture placement plays a crucial role in creating flow and defining distinct areas within a space. We want the buyers to walk in and picture themselves entertaining, or having holiday dinners at the dining room table. If they can picture themselves in this property, it will keep this option top of mind when they decide what home they choose to purchase.
- Experiment with different layouts to encourage movement and conversation. The way we live in our home is not how we sell our home. The day to day furniture arrangements make sense to us, but when listing your home, that is not the case. We have a keen eye bringing the property up a level or two, and much of this has to do with how we place the furniture.
- We like to create cozy conversation nooks or inviting reading corners, whenever we can. This shows potential buyers that the odd nooks and corners that could be viewed as wasted space serve a purpose and function. Maximizing every square inch is crucial in adding value to the property.
We are not a fan of clutter. It is distracting and takes away from the elements of the home. Everyone has their own taste when it comes to interior styling, so there is a fine line with the pieces we might pick out for our own space and what we decide to use for staging purposes.
Decorate with Intention: Our rule of thumb when it comes to décor:
- Every decorative element should serve a purpose beyond simply filling space.
- Incorporate items that tell a story and reflect the desired lifestyle.
- Don’t go too heavy on trends. A nice mix of trendy and classic is best when trying to appeal to the largest pool of likely buyers.
- Use soft, inviting textures like plush rugs and cozy throws.
- Incorporate natural elements like flowers or plants.
- Engage all the senses!
By prioritizing the buyer in mind when we stage and intent of an immersive and emotionally resonant experience, our professional home staging experts can help sellers attract discerning buyers and achieve top dollar for their properties.
In a world increasingly dominated by the digital, the power of a truly felt experience is more valuable than ever. Impact Home Staging Experts understands the importance of staging for the senses. Contact us today to learn how we can help you create a captivating and unforgettable experience for potential buyers.