Natural Colour Palettes

Inspiration surrounds us in nature. People respond instinctively to the array of colours we see outside. For example, fall leaves have many popular shades used in homes: greys, light browns and tans, soft greens with bluish shades, muted reds, and bolder ones with violet as well. The proportions in nature also give clues about design, with bold colours adding highlights, different shapes for variety, small areas of black and white for contrast, and a unique item (speckled leaf) for a focal point. When choosing a paint colour, consider where it is found in nature, the proportions of it you normally see, and other colours typically found with it.

Photography For Staging

Once staged, great photography makes a huge difference in the quality of your online photos. Most buyers today begin their search online, and use the pictures to narrow down the homes they will visit in person. The photo to the left was taken after dark with a 'point and shoot camera', and the flash is unable illuminate the room enough to show off the colors and dimensions. The photo below was taken with a digital SLR camera during the day. The lighting is better, the details are sharper, and a wide angle lens shows off more of this beautiful home.

Timely Touch Ups

Sometimes it is not practical to make all the repairs needed to a property, such as replacing a scratched door. Scratches can be unsightly, and very noticeable when they are lighter than the original finish. To minimize their appearance, furniture touch up products are reasonably priced, and available in common colors. A filler may also be needed for deep scratches, but for light ones simply apply the product like a marker, starting with the lightest shades and blending to darken if needed. The scratch will still exist, but will be less noticeable.

Before

After

Example of furniture touch up product.

Analogous Vs. Complementary Color Scheme

Analogous Colors

 

Analogous colors are near each other on the color wheel. In the photos above the blues, blue/greens and greens used are analogous colors. They produce a harmonious, rich, monochromatic look.

Below, the same room is shown in complementary colors (red and green), which are opposites on the color wheel. They look bright when placed next to each other, and may produce a more lively look.

To influence the feel of a room, keep in mind the affect different color schemes will have.

Complementary Colors

A Space Transformed - WOW!

The before and after pictures in this example illustrate how decorating and staging can differ. The first photo has a decorative approach, incorporating lively color and special belongings into the decor. Many changes were made to arrive at the new look in the "after" photo.  From a staging perspective, the renovated look would appeal to more buyers because neutral colours are used, complemented by modern fixtures and accessories.

Before

After

If Plants Could Talk...

Before

After

...They might tell what goes on in the room! But this one would probably just say "Dust me." It's easy to overlook plants we see everyday as they gradually grow. And while they clean the air, like anything else they also accumulate dust. A spritz of water and soft cloth is all that's needed to gently clean the leaves, and the shine will be extra noticeable if the leaves are large.

Doggone It!

This t-shirt came with a beautiful embroidered dog image. However, even though the large dog in the before picture has the detail, the lettering and smaller dog compete with it because they are in colour. So I painted the large dog to make it stand out. This sharpened the focal point, and the embroidery remains to give texture and detail. Notice how the camera now identifies the white from the gray better in the second photograph, shot in the same location.

Before

After
 (My apologies to papillon breeders for not defining the 'butterfly' markings distinctly)

Get A Handle On Things

Changes don't need to be expensive to make a noticeable difference. The area around handles and knobs can become worn or dirty, and fixtures themselves can date a property due to the materials and styles used. Simply changing the handles, and cleaning up fingerprints can give cupboards and closets a refreshed look. Changes like these deliver a good return for a small investment.

Before

After

Thing Are Looking Up!

Ceilings can be damaged by a number of causes. Buyers will be wary of damage because water stains could reveal structural problems with the roof, and unsightly cracking means work to repair it. Therefore it is best to address ceiling problems yourself so they are not an issue when selling. Special primer may be required to seal and kill areas if mold has grown. Here are before and after photos that show ceiling improvements from various conditions.

Before: Cracked paint on ceiling tile and a dirty, rusty fan cover.

After: Ceiling sanded, fan cover cleaned, and both repainted.

Before: Ceiling discoloured where cupboards
were removed.

After: Holes filled and ceiling repainted.

Before: Signs of water damage on the ceiling.
The roof was repaired, but this damage
could concern a buyer.

After: Repainted ceiling conceals signs of past water damage.

Say Cheese!

Family photos are very meaningful, and people display them to personalize their homes. A common question when selling is whether to leave family photos displayed. Will they add a positive personal touch? Buyers need to imagine themselves living in your home, and photos of unfamiliar people may make them feel like visitors. So to help them picture themselves in your place, prepack the family photos to enjoy in your next home.

Family photos can be fun, but are not usually for staging.

Curb Appeal Draws Buyers

Curb appeal refers to the way your house looks when you first arrive and view it from the "curb". This first impression is important because buyers draw conclusions from the minute they arrive. Paint is one way to change the exterior of a house, but it is a big investment. To help select colours, Little City Staging uses photo technology to preview how various changes improve the curb appeal of your home. Simple changes can make a huge difference through the use of colour and focal points, resulting in a faster, more profitable sale.

Before: It can be difficult to picture how a change will look.

After: A color change updates the exterior and the focal appeal of the door is improved.
Little City Staging shows in advance how changes could improve your curb appeal. 

Counterpoints

Space to work in a kitchen is essential. Buyers also want kitchens that are attractive and up to date. In the one shown, old countertops were replaced with new ones in a dark laminate for a more sophisticated look. A hammered metallic backsplash was added to unify the space, reflect in light, and feature chrome fixtures and appliances. Items were removed and staged to make counter space inviting. This relatively small investment (approx. $1100) makes this kitchen more saleable to reduce time on the market and potential markdowns.

Before

After

A Pane in the Glass

Windows are meant to be clear. However, sometimes the seals break and moisture seeps between the panes, like in the photo. It can look like a steamy buildup, or worse like a rainy day, and the amount of moisture can vary with the seasons. This may be quite noticeable, and will spell "work" to a potential buyer, so it is therefore worth replacing if you plan to sell.

Sell...ebrate Christmas!

Many people decorate for occasions like Christmas. When staging an occupied home, consider which takes precedence for the owner: to maintain traditions, or to sell? Their answer may depend on the urgency to move. Decorations are not forced on those who don't use them, but generally one wants to create an inviting atmosphere for the buyer, and a home totally void of decorations might seem a bit stark. Use tasteful, well-placed items such as a wreath, tree or accessory in main areas. Avoid overuse of lights and decorations so they do not distract from the property itself, and keep it simple so it is easy to un-stage after the holiday ends.

For What It's Worth

Most people own a few valuables, whether they are irreplaceable keepsakes or expensive belongings. Staging, showing, and selling your home results in a lot more rearranging and traffic than usual, which is important to consider for keeping your valuables safe. To reduce the risk of breakage, theft or loss during the selling process consider the following:

1. Store or remove valuables prior to staging to avoid damage when rearranging furniture.
2. Prepack them for the move so they are not displayed during open houses.
3. Ensure they are adequately insured. Jewelry, for example, may only have limited coverage under your regular homeowners' insurance.