Effective space planning is key to making a property feel spacious, inviting, and ready for prospective buyers.
Here are the golden rules to follow:
- Determine Three Main Colors
Choosing a cohesive color scheme is essential for creating a unified and appealing look. Select three main colors to be used throughout the home. For example, you might choose beige, navy, and charcoal, or gray, sage green, and ivory. This consistent palette helps tie different rooms together and creates a harmonious flow.
- Incorporate Up to Five Wood Tones
A mix of wood tones can add warmth and texture to a space, but too many can be distracting. Limit the variety to five different wood tones throughout the home. This includes flooring, furniture legs, end tables, and other wood elements. Keeping it simple ensures a cohesive and visually appealing environment.
- Hang Artwork at the Right Height
Properly hung artwork can greatly enhance a room’s aesthetic. The midpoint of artwork should be 60 inches from the floor. If hanging above a piece of furniture like a dresser, console table, or credenza, ensure the bottom of the frame is six to seven inches above the furniture. This placement ensures the artwork is at eye level and adds to the overall balance of the room.
- Use Area Rugs to Anchor Spaces
Area rugs are fundamental in defining and anchoring spaces. We use the rug size guidelines for our staging and design clients:
- Family room
Rugs should be no smaller than 8′ x 10′ at the smallest, with larger rooms requiring 10′ x 14′ rugs
- Dining room
8′ x 10′ or 9′ x 12′ rugs are common
- Office
5′ x 7′ or 6′ x 9′ rugs are appropriate, depending on the room size
Avoid undersized rugs, as they can make the room feel disjointed. A well-sized rug ties the furniture together and enhances the room’s layout.
- Maintain Clear Walkways
Ensure at least 36 inches of walkway space through hallways and between rooms. This three-foot clearance is important for an open house and provides a comfortable flow for potential buyers as they walk through the property. Clear walkways make the home feel spacious and easy to navigate.
- Create Vignettes with Three Items
Vignettes add visual interest and depth to a space. When creating vignettes, use three items of varying heights: a tall vase, a medium-sized plant, and a small decorative bowl or candle, for example. This combination creates a balanced look and draws the eye. Mixing and matching items from different sources can also add a personal touch.
By following these golden rules, you can create a well-staged home that appeals to a broad range of buyers, highlights the property’s best features, and makes it feel welcoming and spacious.