Update, Edit and Decorate. The key to staging a functional and welcoming living room is to keep decor and furniture neutral and simple. Making simple updates such as new paint, fixing any hardware or flooring that may be damaged or old, and updating lighting fixtures will help to increase the value of your home and make the space more appealing to the buyer. Editing furniture and decor to "depersonalize" and simplify will allow the buyer to see themselves in the space and envision growing into the room. Finally the fun part, decorating. Simple but beautiful decor adds personality and interest to your space. Here are some tips for how to stage your living room.
1. Update
Start by updating the base of your room to increase the value of your home.
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The easiest update with high impact is changing the paint in the space. If the paint in your living room is chipped or worn, a fresh coat of paint can brighten up the area and make things feel fresh and new. Stick to neutral colours with either warm or cool undertones to make a big impact.
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Next take a look at your flooring. Whether you have carpet, hardwood, or tile, the floors are an essential piece to your home that are constantly subject to wear and tear. Update any stained or worn carpeting, as well as any hardwood or laminate that is in need.
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Lighting is essential to every room. It sets the mood, and can be a striking statement piece in your space. Update overhead lighting to modernize and add interest to your living room. As well, add table or floor lamps in darker areas of the room to illuminate the space thoroughly.
2. Edit
Begin to edit your furniture, decor and the room itself.
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Start by editing the furniture in the living room to condense and simplify. Take out any smaller furniture to make the room feel larger and less cluttered. Create conversation areas by grouping furniture around a focal point. This will make the room feel welcoming and comfortable. Use the furniture to accentuate one feature. For example this could be a large fireplace.
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Next edit the decor and clutter that can often build up in a space. Put away personal items and mementos, declutter surfaces and bookshelves, and remove items that speak to your personal taste. Keep a few small accessories in similar styles or palettes to keep the space looking beautiful but clean.
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Clean everything. Start by washing any linens or fabrics in the room, cleaning the floors thoroughly and getting rid of any dust bunnies. Also pay attention to mirrors, windows and any other surfaces that may have collected dust over time.
3. Decorate
Time for the fun part!
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Start by placing objects and decor that are of similar style or palette in odd numbered groups on table tops, bookcases and mantles. If you have ten things on a shelf, make it three. Buyers want to be able to envision their own stuff in the space.
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Use books stacked both upright and on their side to make the bookcases both functional and beautiful
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Lay rugs that match your colour palette and are correctly scaled to your room.
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Add floral arrangements or large floor plants to add life and colour to the living room
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Hang generic art work, or leave your walls as an empty canvas
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Use throws and throw pillows to add texture and colours to the room. The comfier and more welcoming the space looks, the better for potential buyers.
All products shown above are available to be purchased through Amanda's House of Elegance.
