November 23, 2009

Staging your home on a shoe string....the bedroom

Posted to Julie Sarton

Since we theoretically spend 1/3 of our lives in our bedrooms, prospective buyers need to see a bedroom that’s not only peaceful and comfortable, but plush and luxurious. To review previous staging blogs in this series, staging the bedroom…or any room….takes place AFTER the important steps of de-cluttering, cleaning, and de-personalizing. An important note on cleaning: make sure you not only keep your sheets freshly laundered, but also your mattress pad, blankets, and spreads. Try tucking a “Bounce” dryer sheet between the blankets to keep them smelling clean, as odor is the #1 turn-off for a buyer. What other inexpensive tips can make your bedrooms invite people in?

LAYERING. Fabric layers add to the feeling of “plush” and “comfortable”, and since the bed is usually the focal point of the bedroom, layer it on! Try turning the bedspread halfway down, and laying a harmoniously colorful folded throw or blanket across the end of the bed or at an angle. Round up your extra bed pillows and buy some inexpensive pillow shams at Wal Mart so that you can place several layers of pillows at the head board; pillows not only add color, but softness. If you can afford an inexpensive new spread and bed ruffle, it dresses the room up and you can take it with you. You can also use the layering technique on chairs or benches in the room.

COLOR. If the bedroom is neutral tones, don’t be afraid to use some warm color here. When you introduce a new accent color, be sure to repeat it two or three times in the room; new red pillows on the bed, a red dried flower arrangement on the dresser, and a red candle on the night stand tie it all together.

As in other rooms, take all the “stuff” off of counter tops and surfaces, and replace it with a few selected decorative objects: flower arrangements, candles, an attractive book, all neatly arranged. If you can leave the lights on for the showing, use warm table lighting, not overhead, and make sure your window treatments let lots of light in. Review tips on staging other rooms in your home, and we’re almost done: Getting Started, The Front Door, The Living Room, and The Kitchen.

Posted by:Julie Sarton

Tagged With: bedroom tips, julie sarton, lake geneva and staging your home