Articles Tagged "staging tips"

Furniture really makes a room. Arrange the furniture one way, and you have a sleek and sophisticated look. Arrange it another way, and the same room looks cozy and inviting. Whether you're already in a home or still looking at Richmond homes for sale, the following furniture rearranging tips are sure to come in handy.

• Decide on a Focal Point
  Before you move anything, decide on a focal point for the room. The focal point is the place that you want the eyes to be drawn to. All of your other furnishings will be oriented towards the focal point. In a living room, common focal points are the television and a picture window. In a dining room, the focal point may be a china cabinet or a piece of art.
  
  
• Create Symmetry
  One way to make a room look balanced is to arrange your furniture symmetrically. In other words, you want there to be a clear dividing line between the room, and for furnishings on either side of that dividing line to match. For instance, you could put matching end tables on either side of the sofa and matching ottomans in front of the sofa on either side.
  
  
• Consider a Floating Furniture Arrangement
  People often put furnishings along the walls by default. However, you can give your space a whole new look by opting for a floating furniture arrangement instead. Move chairs and sofas off the wall, orienting them around an area rug or coffee table. Create little "islands" of furniture throughout the room — maybe a TV area in one corner and a reading nook in another.
  
  
• Measure First
  Regardless of how you arrange your furniture, make sure you measure it first. This will keep you from having to move heavy furniture more than once. With measurements in hand, you can measure your walls and spaces to ensure the furniture will fit in the area where you intend to place it.
  
  
• Use Graph Paper
  If you're struggling to decide on a layout, grab some graph paper. Measure your room and draw its outline on the graph paper, allowing each square to account for one foot. Then, start drawing in your furniture. Create a few different layouts. Then, compare and contrast them to decide which one you like best.
  
  
• Move the Big Items First
  You don't have to design the whole room at once if this feels overwhelming to you. Instead, start by putting your largest furnishings into place. In a living room, for example, this would typically be your sofa, entertainment center, and coffee table. Smaller items, like ottomans and end tables, are easier to move. So, you can experiment with a few different locations for these pieces until you find the one that feels right.
  
  
• Leave Room for Traffic
  No matter how you arrange your furniture, always consider how people will travel through the room. Make sure there is a clear footpath with enough room for people to fit through without bumping into anything.
  
  
• Use Light as an Accent
  Remember, lamps and portable lights are furniture, and they can also be used to accentuate other furniture. If you want to draw more attention to a certain table, put a small lamp on it. If a corner of the room looks dark, add a floor lamp. The right lights can transform a space.

At the end of the day, rearranging your furniture is about finding what works for you and your family. If you're still looking for the perfect home to refurnish, contact us soon. Our real estate agents are happy to help.

Interior design trends come and go. But one that has gained popularity in recent years is a modern twist on farmhouse style.

Our real estate agents see this style frequently in the homes they show, and many buyers love this look. Here are a few ways to create this look yourself by adding farmhouse details to your modern decor.

• Choose Neutral Colors
  Like many other popular styles, modern farmhouse decor tends to feature a lot of neutral colors. This doesn't mean everything has to be stark white, though. Look for softer neutrals such as off-white and beige. Don't feel like you have to make everything monochrome, though. You can mix and match neutrals and textures for a layered look.
  
  
• Opt for Natural, Weathered Finishes
  Cut through smooth modern lines with rustic-looking finishes. Weathered-looking wood cabinetry, trim, and furniture are perfect for achieving the farmhouse vibe. Shiplap and beadboard are popular for giving walls that quaint country look. If a little light remodeling is in your budget, consider removing plaster and drywall to expose the brick in the walls and the wooden rafters in the ceiling.
  
  
• Create a Gathering Place in Your Kitchen
  Farmhouses revolve around food and family, so to pick up that farmhouse vibe, so should your home. The kitchen is one of the top things that buyers focus on in Richmond homes for sale, so if you're planning on selling yours, pay close attention to how welcoming your kitchen looks. A central island with bar stools or a table with ample bench seating promotes the idea that the kitchen is the heart of your home.
  
  
• Install Sliding Barn Doors
  You may have seen the trend of installing "barn doors," sliding top-mounting doors with a country look. These doors are designed to look similar to the doors you see on a barn but more indoor-friendly. They can be installed as single or double doors, depending on space, and typically feature a farm-like construction with rustic hardware. If you've got the space, barn doors are easy to install and a great way to bring strong farmhouse vibes to your home.
  
  
• Repurpose and Reclaim
  Farmers save and reuse absolutely everything. You can too, and give your home a stronger farmhouse feel while you're at it. Turn glass jars into rustic light fixtures and soap dispensers, scour thrift and antique stores for vintage signs and other decor, and find ways to reuse old brick and wood in your renovations.
  
  
• Pull in Traditional Linens
  Don't forget to soften the rustic look by making your home cozy, too. Traditional linens and textiles are a great way to capture that farmhouse feel, plus they give you the opportunity to vary the texture and get away from the smoothness of everything modern. For instance, you can find a vintage or antique quilt at a thrift or antique store and use it either as a wall hanging or a bed covering. Knit and crocheted blankets are another option.

With the recent popularity of the modern farmhouse style, staging your home with some light but trendy rustic vibes can be a great way to attract interested buyers. For more ideas on effectively staging your home before you list, contact us today.

The importance of natural light in the home can't be overstated. Everyone loves bright, open rooms, and natural lighting really makes your home appear larger and more welcoming. Maximizing your home's natural lighting can also decrease your utility costs, and more importantly, it can actually improve your mood and mental health.

The best part is, increasing natural light exposure can be easy and cost-effective. While windows are your primary natural light source, there are many simple things you can do to maximize light throughout your house. Here are simple tips from our real estate agents:

• Focus On Light Colors
  Did you know that painting your walls bright colors or using bright colored wallpaper actually helps maximize natural light exposure throughout the room? This is because light coming in from your windows reflects or bounces off light-colored walls. Dark colors do the opposite - they absorb light which lessens its impact. Try different shades of off-white for the best impact. Choosing light-colored furniture can also create the same effect. For inspiration, check out the light colors in some of these beautiful Richmond homes for sale.
  
  
• Add Mirrors And Shiny Surfaces
  Mirrors, shiny surfaces, or anything with reflective properties are effective at helping natural light reach every nook and cranny of a room. Using mirrors and reflective surfaces is a great strategy, especially for rooms that don't see a lot of natural light, to begin with. Mirrors are especially effective at achieving this. Not only do they make for some great home decor, but they also can significantly increase lighting. The larger the mirror or reflective surface, the more light it will reflect. 
  
  
• Choose The Right Flooring
  While we're on the subject of reflective surfaces, think about how the floors in your home reflect light. Naturally shiny surfaces like light hardwood or ceramic will make a room appear much bigger and brighter. Carpet is much less reflective, especially if it's a darker color. Combining reflecting flooring with bright walls can really create a stunning effect.
  
  
• Pick A New Front Door With A Window
  Adding new windows frames to your home can be a fairly expensive home renovation project, but adding a front door with big open windows is much more affordable. If your living room doesn't receive much natural light, a door with a window can serve as an extra light source.
  
  
• Add A Skylight
  The best way to increase natural lighting in a room is by adding a skylight. A skylight is a fantastic addition, especially in the bathroom or kitchen. Since skylights are positioned directly upwards, they're likely to generate more natural light than a regular door or window. While it can be a bit of an expensive investment, skylights are truly a great option.

Whether you're planning to sell your home or are simply looking for ways to spruce up your interior, maximizing natural light is easy and cost-effective. For more tips on home staging techniques, contact us today.