Staging Small Spaces

Home Staging is increasingly more important to get top dollar on your investment.  This is especially true now that the real estate market has quickly turned into a buyers market here in the GTA.  Even more important, is to stage small spaces.  Not only do people struggle to visualize the layout of a great room that has to incorporate the dining area, living room, and office space, but small spaces that are empty, look smaller than furnished ones.

Here are some Tips on Staging Small Spaces:

1) Add décor pieces that are silver, brass, metal, mirrored, and/or glass to reflect the light throughout the rooms.

2) Add large scale mirrors throughout the space.  Mirrors reflect the light throughout and increase the visual space in the room.  Mirrors can be tastefully added to dining areas, above console tables & dressers, in the foyer, and in bathrooms.

3) Use Multi-Functional Furniture Pieces.  Things like ottomans are perfect.  They can be visualized as additional seating as a bench or as a stool, footrest, and can even be used as end tables.  Ottoman with storage is ideal as you can store or tuck away your magazines, pillows, throws, books, etc. 

4) Use Condo/Small Scale Furniture.  Things like oversized arm rests on large couches just clutter the space and weigh it down.  Opt for thin, tailored, and streamlined pieces to keep the space as open as possible.  With the exception in bedrooms.  Remember if rooms are empty, they actually look smaller than furnished ones.  If a Queen Bed can fit, especially in condo master bedrooms, add one.  If buyers are questioning if a Queen Bed can actually fit in there, you have lost potential buyers.  

5) Add glass wherever possible.  When staging small spaces, select a couple glass pieces like dining tables, end tables, coffee tables, consoles, etc.  These pieces don't take away from the visual space in the room and can greatly open up the space while allowing you to place décor pieces and table lamps throughout.

6) Paint the space in a light paint colour like light grey or light taupe and in small spaces, use the same colour throughout.  This makes the space more uniform and appear larger.  

Best of luck with the sale of your property!  For any additional staging advice and/or if you have any questions, don't hesitate to call us at (416)262-0609.

Staging to Sell

Check out the video clip below for some home staging tips by Karen Wardell of Stylicious Living.  Full episode available on TV Cogeco.

As seen on "From Selling to Sold" on TV Cogeco.

Home Staging is increasingly more important to create that edge in the market place.  Your home is one of the largest investments you will have and preparing it for sale is not only smart but a great return on your investment.  Recent studies have shown that staged homes sell faster and for more money than homes that are not staged.  At Stylicious Living we understand the importance of showing off your home's best features to attract the masses and help secure the best possible offer for your home.  We also have a trained keen eye to point out the smallest of details that might detour a potential buyer from your home.  Our goal is eliminate potential buyers offering you less than your asking price by pointing out these flaws and offering solutions to fix them before you list your home.  Finally, our main objective is to help you display your home in its best possible condition to secure that ideal asking price.

Contact us today for all of your staging needs and/or questions at (416)262-0609

Stylicious Staging Tips

Home Staging is increasingly more important to create that edge in the market place. Recent studies have shown that staged homes sell faster and for more money. Follow these simple staging tips to ensure your home is prepared for sale:


1) Clean, Clean, Clean – every item in your home (including floors, appliances, windows, etc.) should be spotless and sparkle.

2) Declutter – take the opportunity to get your packing started and declutter all areas in your home especially closets, cabinets, floor space, etc.

3) Depersonalize – home buyers want to walk into a home and be able to visualize their stuff and their family fitting into the space. Having family photos, trophies, degrees, etc. hinder the potential home buyer visualizing the space as their own.

4) Lighting – your home should be bright and have as much natural light as possible. Clean all windows inside and out, turn on all lights for showings, and add décor pieces like glass, silver, mirrored to reflect the light throughout the room.

5) Be Religion Neutral – put away all religious items and figurines for all showings and open houses.

6) Curb Appeal – you only have one chance to make a lasting first impression. Pay extra attention to the details of your curb appeal. Your gardens should be well edged, clear of any debris and weeds, and add flowers where possible to add a splash of colour. Ensure doors, trim, and siding have a fresh coat of paint (choose a neutral colour). Ensure all paths to your home are clear.

7) Paint – painting is one of the cheapest and greatest return on investment. Paint interior and exterior in neutral colours and avoid dark accent colours like red, blue, etc.

8) MLS Photos – ensure they are taken during the day and have all lights turned on. Most home buyers now search for homes on-line before heading out to the area to view homes. Be sure your photos are inviting, in focus, and bright. Inquire about our Stylicious Retouch service for any photos that need colour correction, brightening, etc.

At Stylicious Living we provide a full room by room evaluation including curb appeal to ensure each home is prepared for sale using our Stylicious Staging Selling and Strategies Guide. Our consultations start at $195 + HST. We also offer showcasing services for open houses and furniture rental for vacant homes. Contact us today at (416)262-0609 to book an in-home staging consultation.

Staging for the Holidays

Selling your home throughout the holidays is often intimidating due to the weather conditions and hectic schedules. However, if staged correctly, the holidays can be a great time to showcase your home. Keeping in mind that one of the most important things while selling a home is to create an emotional connection with the potential buyer and the home, the holiday season can provide the perfect opportunity to do so. Here are some stylicious recommendations to stage your home and ensure the best possible offer throughout the holiday season:

• Colour Scheme – The colour scheme should be simple and classic.  Our rule of thumb is that 80% should be a neutral such as silver, while 20% should be an accent colour such as red. 
• Decorations – Keep all accent pieces tasteful and stylish, while staying religion neutral and avoiding figurines. Be careful not to over decorate or clutter.
• Baking – Just because your house is on the market doesn’t mean that you have to give up on family activities and traditions throughout the holidays. Get the family involved and bake some of your favourite treats before any open houses which will fill the house with a nice aroma. Lay out a tray of the baked goods for the guests to eat while viewing the home.
• Front Entrance – Flank festive urns on either side of the front door in the same colour scheme as your home.  Hang a simple wreath on your front door and be sure to keep all walkways to your home clear of ice and snow.
• Lighting – Exterior and Interior lighting should be all one colour tone and provide good ambiance without being overbearing. 
• Family Activities – Take advantage of the open house schedule to take the kids out for holiday activities and enjoy the holiday spirit.

The holidays can be an excellent time to sell your home since it’s a great time to display your home in a festive way that allows potential buyers to envision future family traditions in years to come.