Does your house have the comfortable feel of an old shoe? Are you embarrassed to have people over? Or if you do, are you constantly apologizing and wondering what your guests think?
Susie thinks: “check!” “check!” and “check!”
A little known technique to re-invent your house is to do what real estate agents do when we sell a house: Touch up the paint and window coverings. Then hire a stager.
While Martha Stewart offers tips for “staging” your house on your own, she also offers cookie decorating tips we humans can never accomplish quite as well.
Professionals have their time and place. Staging companies and interior designers can see your house with new eyes. Then transform your space into something truly beautiful using your existing furnishings — or at least give you tips and a plan to reimagine each room in a new light. It could be a few plants, a window cleaning, and a lot fewer things are all you need.
Why Hire a Staging Company or Interior Designer Instead of a DIY House Refresh?
First things first, what exactly do these professionals do? Whether you’re looking to spruce up your living room, revamp your kitchen, or completely makeover your entire home, staging companies and interior designers bring expertise and creativity to the table.
You’ve surfed Zillow or Instagram and admired the houses freshly decorated for buyers to feel at home.
Now imagine walking into a home (your home!) where every corner feels inviting and every room flows seamlessly into the next. That’s the magic of staging and design! These experts know how to rearrange furniture, use lighting effectively, and choose the right colors and decor to create a space that feels both cozy and sophisticated.
For instance, Oakland staging company Set Staging offers a “Stage to Stay” service. They might strategically place stylish furniture and accessories to highlight the best features of your home. They might add a fresh coat of paint, swap out outdated fixtures, or even suggest simple renovations that can significantly increase your home’s appeal.
Quick Tips For a DIY Staged Look
Decluttered, everything in its place
Let’s say your living room currently feels cluttered and lacks a cohesive style.
Here are some quick ideas for achieving that staged look:
- Declutter the space. Get rid of stuff you and your family will never ever want.
- Rearrange the furniture to create better flow
- Add some decorative pillows and throws
- Do a deep cleaning including windows
- Shed more light whether by lamps or other light sources
- Place potted plants of various sizes around your rooms (lots of ideas online!)
Your living room suddenly feels larger, more inviting, and ready for gatherings with friends and family.
Invite a trusted friend over for honest feedback. Then repeat the above!
Refresh Your Landscaping and Gardens
The “curb appeal “of your home plays a huge role in making a great first impression, meaning when looking at the house from the street curb. And you’re the most important person who needs to be impressed and feel good about coming home. A well-maintained garden and landscaped yard can give your home the look of a freshly staged house that’s ready to sell.
Painted window trim along with siding and any paint in good condition is a must. It’s amazing how hard those cobwebs are to chase away too. Imagine seeing your house for the first time, and attack any dirt, junk, and flaws with that perspective.
Consider planting colorful perennial flowers and drought-resistant, pollinator-friendly flowering plants of which California has many. Perhaps a low-maintenance, modern style succulent garden is the answer.
Nothing beats a good weeding with mulch on flower beds, along with trimming overgrown bushes and trees. If your budget allows, you could even hire a professional landscaper or Yardzen to design a simple but elegant garden layout. Don’t underestimate the impact of a neat and tidy lawn and garden.
Your hard work and investment will make your entire property feel more polished and inviting.
Breaking Down Your Home Staging Budget
You might be wondering about the cost. While hiring professionals can vary widely depending on the scope of work and your location in California, here are some ballpark figures to consider:
Staging Consultation: A basic consultation can start at around $200-$500. This typically includes a walk-through of your home and recommendations on how to improve its appeal.
Interior Design Services: For a more hands-on approach, expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 or more depending on the complexity of the project. This might include furniture rental, decor purchases, and installation fees.
Landscaping: Simple landscaping updates such as planting new shrubs and flowers can cost between $500 to $2,000, while a full garden redesign could range from $3,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the size of your yard and the materials used.
Remember, these are rough estimates and can vary greatly. Always get multiple quotes and ask for references before hiring any professional to work on your home.
Request a Berkeley / Oakland / Alameda Home Vendor List (Including Vendors Trusted By Local Realtors!)
Whether you’re preparing your home for sale or simply want to enjoy a more beautiful living space, investing in staging, design, and landscaping can make a world of difference. By choosing the right professionals and setting a realistic budget, you can reinvent your California home without spending a fortune.
Ready to transform your space? Reach out to me for a list of East Bay staging companies, interior designers, and landscapers to start exploring your options. Your dream home is just a mini-makeover away!
