Styled, Staged & Sold

Bringing you the latest home design and staging trends. From REALTOR® Magazine.

How to Select the Right Accessories to Dress Up Your Listings

If sellers want to get their home noticed in today’s competitive real estate market, they must create a “show ready” property so buyers will feel at home and want to move right in.  After first taking the time to declutter, depersonalize, and streamline your home, it’s important to then add the right accessories to create a lifestyle and mood that will engage buyers.

The following tips will help you choose which accessories are best for adding a welcoming touch.

The First Impression

A great way to attract buyers past the front door is to give the front porch a facelift with bright accents such as a beautiful welcome mat, potted flowers and plants in urns, colorful accent pillows placed on a bench and updated lighting if needed.

Once the buyer steps into the home, the entry should feel just as inviting by adding a modern area rug or runner paired with a console table and mirror to create a simple vignette.

PattiStern_1
Family Room Staged by PJ & Company Staging and Interior Decorating

 

Accent Pillows and Throws

Our staging team always uses these two key items to add color and style to family rooms, living rooms, and bedrooms. Carefully arranged accent pillows paired with a soft, faux fur throw draped on sofas, chairs and beds can bring a room with a neutral backdrop to life. We also enjoy mixing and matching pillows in different fabrics, colors and patterns of the season to add texture and provide a fresh, custom look.

Area Rugs 

Rugs are one of our favorite accessories because they have multiple functions for staging a room —anchoring furniture, creating a focal point, adding texture and depth, hiding flaws as well as showcasing beautiful hardwood floors. Try layering and using neutral colors for the greatest impact.

PattiStern_2
Living Room Staged by PJ & Company Staging and Interior Decorating

 

Wall Decor

When considering wall art size and color, it should be large enough to fill a space but neutral in style.  Wall art should complement the decor of the room and enhance the color theme.

In the above photo, we filled the large wall with six black and white framed prints arranged in a gallery style that adds dimension and contrasts well with the gray wall, neutral sofa, and rug. Mirrors placed above mantels or an entry console are also a great tool for adding style and elegance as well as making a room appear larger and brighter.

PattiStern
Decorated by PJ & Company Staging and Interior Decorating

  

PattiStern_4

Model Home Bathrooms Decorated by PJ & Company Staging and Interior Decorating

To create a spa-like ambience that evokes relaxation and tranquility, try folding and layering bright white or colorful fluffy towels on countertops and towel bars. Lightly scented candles, soaps, and lotions with attractive packaging will provide a feeling of self-indulgence.

We love adding a touch of nature with faux organic elements such as white silk florals or green topiaries and grassy arrangements to add to the mood.

 

Patti
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Patti Stern, principal, interior decorator and professional stager of PJ & Company Staging and Interior Decorating, has been decorating and staging homes since 2005. She and her team provide turnkey, full service home-staging and interior decorating to clients across Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts. She also developed an award-winning staging program for luxury homebuilder, Toll Brothers. Stern has been featured in Connecticut Magazine, the Hartford Courant, Danbury News-Times and on NBC Connecticut and FOX TV.  She is a regular contributor to Style, Staged and Sold.

Advertisement

Meet Our Bloggers

Styled, Staged & Sold, created by NAR and REALTOR® Magazine, is produced by professional home staging and style experts around the country.

All Past Issues

Historical issues archive from the official magazine of the National Association of REALTORS®: the business tool for real estate professionals.

Subscribe

Email icon

Sign up to receive blog posts via email or via RSS