~NEW POST ~ How to Stage your house for the Spring Market

As I look out my garden doors, I see snow, still... but I also see patches of green, YES! This means spring is just around the corner, which also means  Spring Market is near if you're looking to sell your house.  After a long winter, staging your house  may feel like a daunting task, but with a few quick tips and tricks, you can DIY more painlessly than you might think. 
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In a nutshell,  start by decluttering and deep cleaning, which you probably already knew. Make sure to get rid of any items that you don't need (donation time) and give your house a good once over. Next, focus on making small improvements and repairs.

​Consider painting walls and cabinets a fresh coat of neutral, but don't bite off more than you can chew, maybe if time is of the essence, settle for a good scrub and spot refresh instead.  Replacing light fixtures from the builder basic to an upgraded look can be an affordable way to elevate the appeal.  Larger renovations can take time and money and may not be necessary.  Before taking on such a task, consider if the R.O.I. is worthwhile, you can always defer to your realtor or certified stager for expert advice.  

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How to Transition from Winter to Spring 

​After all the grunt work is complete, it's time for the fun stuff...adding in all the inviting touches for the new season.  Start by bringing in some lighter colors and fabrics to your home, such as soft neutrals and pastels, also add texture and pattern.  Consider changing out your winterthrows for lighter, breathable fabrics like cottons and linens. Fresh towels, shower curtains andbedding will all create that fresh hotel vibe buyer's love to see. ​Bring in some potted plants, like blooming flowers and succulents, to give your space a fresh and vibrant feel. If you have heavier curtains, swap them out for some sheers that will let more light in and give your room a brighter atmosphere.   ​
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Keep in mind, investing in these home decor pieces now, serves double duty, 1- staging your home for amazing presentation and 2- fresh items to bring with you to your new home.
It's a win-win!

TIP- If you love pillows like I do, then shopping for new ones is a treat. However another option is to look for just the COVERS  to go over your existing throw pillows...can save you money and storage space.

How to make your house smell nice after winter​ 

​Making your house smell nice after winter can be tricky, especially if you live with boys like I do! Depending on the size of your home and the weather, there are several steps you can take to freshen up the air. First, open all your windows and doors to let in some fresh air.  I usually advise against  adding smelly candles, artificial scented plug ins and sprays to the air, however  essential oil diffusers can add a pleasant scent to your house, without overdoing it. Replace the heavy winter scents like cinnamon and spice with lighter, more natural fragrances such as lavender and rose.You can also use baking soda to help absorb odours or use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove dust, dirt, and other particles from the air. Finally, you can use air purifiers to circulate clean air and help prevent odors from developing. I personally have this Blueair Bedroom Air Purifier, I move it to different rooms and spaces in the house when needed, it's cool looking and quiet. 
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5 tips at a glance for spring staging

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1. Use lighter colors and fabrics to create a fresh, stylish spring atmosphere – Add netrauls, soft pastels, textures and layers.
2. Take advantage of natural light – Days are getting a little longer.  Open up the curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. This will help the home feel brighter and more spacious
3. Create a great first impression - Make sure the entryway and front porch look inviting. Remove winter and holiday planters and decor, change out welcome mat if it's looking a little worn
4. Clean and declutter - Remove any unused and extra items, dated furniture, and anything else that makes the house look cluttered. A clean, organized space will make the house look more appealing.
5. Bring the outdoors in - use plants such as tropicals and succulents in decorative planter pots and baskets. This will help create a fresh and comforting atmosphere.

Not sure what to buy and where? Check out Shop-my-Looks for affordable shopping inspiration for all your staging needs.  I've curated easy to shop groupings that make it simple and fast to get the things you need to stage and style your home. Always adding new "done for you" looks so check back often.
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Have fun and good luck this spring market!