Greetings!
What have you told your sellers - should they decorate for the holidays.......or not?
While there is some debate over the issue, I personally do believe moderate Christmas or Hanukah decorations are helpful to make homes stand out even more during the "most wonderful time of the year."
Because there is such an emotional component in selecting a home for personal use, the holidays are an excellent opportunity to spark fond memories using sights, smells, colors and lights. However, there are definitely some caveats:
1) All things in moderation. This is not the time to empty all the storage boxes. Decorations should be tasteful & fairly low-key. Any lights should be of one color, whether interior or exterior. Don't cover every available surface - selections should not be overwhelming or distracting. Staging should always be about highlighting the best of what the home has to offer.
A Christmas tree should be moderate in size so as not to take up too much floor space. Keeping a fairly monochromatic color scene will also help to keep it as an accent that is not too distracting from the architecture of the home (it may even highlight that same architecture!).
2) Keep your curb appeal. Using a lovely large wreath on the door (fresh is best) makes a good impression. No plastic inflatables on the lawn of course, but some single-color lights on the trees might be used as highlights. Bright red pointsetties along the sidewalk or porch say "Welcome!"
Front windows can be dressed up with hanging wreaths or LED candles.
3) Enhance entertaining areas. Since most people have holiday parties on their mind, it's a great time to set a table, either with place-settings or buffet-style with a beautiful centerpiece and some candles. Try a basket or bowl of cinnamon-scented pine cones or orange Clementines with a bit of ribbon. Wide red ribbons tied over white slipcovers update dining room chairs in a festive way.
4) Focus on focal points in each room. For instance, a fireplace mantle is an excellent place to decorate with some garland and pine cones, or pepper tree trimmings, crystal candleholders, miniature white lights, etc. Having a fire going is always a plus when safely possible.
An easy item to make is to take a single glass block, place a short set of Christmas lights up through the opening; set it down and tie a sheer ribbon around it with a bow.
Keep reading for Tip #5.
If you know a client or realtor who might be interested in getting this newsletter, please forward them a copy here:
(If you have been forwarded this newsletter, please take a moment to email me to be put on my monthly informational e-newsletter list - beth@homestagingdesignsca.com).
5) Smell good.....but not too good! There are many ways to bring holiday scents in a home -vanilla pods in the fireplace, scented candles burning in the bathroom or kitchen (my favorites are Yankee Candles), or hang clove oranges. Of course, baking pies or simmering spices is always good! However, again, keep those aromas in moderation - have only 1-2 light scents in the entire home.
And very important, decorations must be put back into storage in a timely manner - New Year's Day is a good time to do that. What was fresh and dated before Christmas quickly becomes "old" as soon as the holiday is over.
If you need any help, our hourly holiday decorating services are being offered at 20% off this season. Call immediately to reserve your appointment time.
Inexpensive consultations are a great way to help your sellers present their best "face" any time of year. We make you, the realtor, look great as well.
Until next month,
Beth Lester
Home Staging Designs of California
(310) 809-7467
P.S. I greatly appreciate my clients & will treat your referrals with great care.
|
