Home Staging Top Tips for Homeowners
Creating a welcoming and aesthetically pleasing environment for a property photoshoot is essential for capturing the best aspects of your space for the AirBNB/VRBO, holiday rental market. Here are my 10 top tips:
- Declutter and Depersonalise: Remove personal items and clutter. This helps potential renters/holiday clients envision themselves in the space.
- Maximise Natural Light: Open curtains and blinds. Natural light makes spaces look bigger and more inviting.
- Neutral Colour Palette: Use neutral colours for walls and major furniture pieces. They are universally appealing and make spaces look clean and bright.
- Strategic Lighting: Use a mix of overhead, ambient, and task lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
- Highlight Key Features: If your property has unique features like a fireplace or a stunning view, make sure they are clean and prominently featured.
- Add Greenery: Place healthy plants or fresh flowers around the property. They add life and color to any room.
- Arrange Furniture for Flow: Position furniture to maximise space and create an easy flow through rooms.
- Accessorise Wisely: Use cushions, throws, and artwork to add colour and character, but avoid overcrowding spaces.
- Clean and Repair: Ensure the property is spotless. Fix any noticeable damage like chipped paint or loose handles.
- Set the Scene: For kitchens, set up a bowl of fresh fruit or a vase of flowers. In dining areas, consider a set table. These touches can make the space feel lived-in and welcoming.
Dive deeper into the details..
Lounge
Art and Plants: Use simple art and a few plants to add colour and life.
Highlight a Focal Point: Emphasise a unique feature, like a fireplace or large window.
Minimise Clutter: Keep personal items and excess décor to a minimum for a clean look. Organise that bookcase for a sleek look.
Comfort Elements: Incorporate items like magazines or a tea tray for a relaxed vibe.
Strategic Furniture Layout: Arrange furniture for a welcoming, open feel with clear paths. Use neutral tones for large pieces; add warmth with throws and cushions.
Kitchen
Declutter Surfaces: Clean tops of cabinets and keep worktops mostly clear, showing only key appliances.
Colourful Touches: Add interest with a bowl of fresh fruit or green herbs.
Remove Everyday Items: Hide washing-up bowls, draining racks, detergents, sponges, fridge magnets, and pet bowls.
Organise Notice Boards: Tidy any pinboards for a neater appearance.
Scene Setting: Set a small area with lifestyle elements like a coffee setup or an open cookbook to invite potential guests to envision themselves in the kitchen.
Bedrooms
Cosy Touches: Add throws and scatter cushions for a welcoming feel.
Symmetry with Bedside Lamps: Ensure matching lamps for a balanced look.
Neutral Bed Linen: Use neutral or white linen to enhance space and calm.
Declutter Top and Bottom: Clear wardrobe tops and check beneath the bed.
Simplify Surfaces: Reduce items on dressing tables and sills; consider a breakfast tray for that luxurious touch.
Bathrooms
Deep Clean: Ensure the bathroom is immaculate, especially mirrors, glass, and chrome.
Declutter and Neutralise: Remove personal items and use neutral-coloured towels and mats. Keep countertops mostly clear.
Add Luxury Elements: Place fluffy white towels, high-quality soap in a stylish dispenser, and maybe a bathrobe to create a sense of luxury.
Maintenance Check: Repair any damages and consider updating old fixtures to modernise the look.
Simple Accessories: A small plant or flowers and a scented candle can add a spa-like feel without overcrowding the space.
Outside
Enhance Curb Appeal: Make a great first impression by tidying up the front area. Clean the front door and sweep the entrance for a welcoming look.
Clear Unnecessary Items: On photo day, park cars and wheelie bins out of sight. Also, hide washing lines, watering cans, hose pipes, and compost bins.
Lawn and Garden Maintenance: Mow the grass and do some light weeding to present a well-cared-for garden.
Garden Furniture Preparation: Uncover and clean garden furniture. Style it with cushions and a parasol, and consider setting the table as if ready for a BBQ or alfresco dining.
General Tidiness: Ensure the entire outdoor area is neat and inviting, reinforcing the property's appeal for potential renters.
Hallway
Emphasise the Entrance: Make the first space guests encounter inviting and positive.
Minimise Clutter: Keep surfaces in the hallway clear and tidy.
Curate Outerwear Display: Neatly arrange a limited selection of coats and shoes, if any.
Add Welcoming Artwork: Use art to create an inviting focal point in the hallway.
Brighten with Lighting: Ensure good lighting to open up the space and highlight its features.
And finally..
When it comes to photographing homes, I understand that every space is lived in and unique, so not everyone can follow an extensive preparation list to the letter. Don't stress if you can't tick off every suggestion I make. The main goal is to make the most of our photo session together.
I hope the list I've provided offers some handy tips and sparks ideas for presenting your property in a way you might not have considered before. It's all about showcasing your home at its best!