Staging is a good idea no matter the season, but each season brings its own staging strategy. In winter months, your staging goal is to create visual appeal and warmth. Think cozy, inviting and an escape from the cold. If you’re selling your home this winter, try a few of these ideas to welcome prospective buyers in from the cold.
Accentuate Your Fireplace
If you have a wood burning fireplace, or even a gas one, place a bin of logs on the hearth. In wood burning fireplaces, prepare the logs in the fireplace, as well. Drape a quilt or blanket over the other edge of the hearth, and you’ve got a spot that just radiates warmth.
Strategically Place Throws
Nothing makes people feel cozier than cuddling up under a warm blanket. Help their imaginations create that comfort in your home by placing throws throughout. Try one over the back of an armchair in a reading nook or by the fireplace. Each end of the couch offers two more good spots. And don’t forget the bedrooms; quilts or throws folded at the ends of beds are another nice touch.
Find Some Glow
You know how you miss the glow of the Christmas tree each year after you take it down? There’s something soothing about the soft glow of white lights. Don’t put them away this year. Dress a dark corner with a tree with white lights, or create a unique lit arrangement on your mantle or by the hearth.
Transform Your Bathroom
Turn your bathroom into a spa escape. For minimal expense, you can add plush towels, hang thick, luxurious robes and upgrade your mats. Place fancy soaps and rolled towels in a basket on the sink.
Focus on Lighting
While not a staging project in a specific spot, lighting is important everywhere. Turn on all appropriate lights, and raise all blinds and shades for showings. Make sure you’ve recently cleaned your windows to let that bright light stream in. And check each and every bulb in the house and change as necessary. Light sells; dark and dreary doesn’t!
Play to Their Senses
I don’t advise my clients to go overboard with air fresheners and such, but there are other ways to create a lovely sensory experience for guests. How about a warm winter soup in the crock pot? Set the table and encourage them to stay a bit and envision themselves in your home. A carafe of coffee or pot of tea are also nice touches. Consider putting on some light classical music at a low volume to set a mood within your home.
Warm Them Up
Your smart staging projects will create visual warmth, but go ahead and warm prospective buyers literally, too. Raise your thermostat’s temperature a degree or two during showings to really create that oasis from the winter cold.
If buyers venture out into the cold to see your home this winter, these ideas will provide them with a warm welcome into their future home!
Contact me for more staging tips or help with buying or selling a home in Gainesville, Haymarket, Warrenton, Middleburg, and throughout Prince William and Fauquier County, VA. When you list with me, I stage for free!
Warmly,
~ Marcia
Looking to buy or sell a home in Gainesville, Haymarket and Manassas? Call Realtor® Marcia Goodman at Samson Properties at 703-819-4776.
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