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When shopping for a new home, whether renting or buying, people have similar reactions to houses that are bare of furniture and accessories -- they have trouble seeing themselves in the house. Buyers and renters feel more comfortable in a nicely furnished house where the floor plan is done for them. They look at the couch and picture their own couch there. It's just human nature. As a result, if you are renting or selling your house, and it is vacant, think about the art of property styling. Basically, this is decorating a house for sale or rent. The main purpose of decorating a house is to add your personality to the house, and make it your own. Property styling is the opposite of this. In order to help prospective renters/buyers, the house should be as generic as possible. The walls and floors are the foundation of the house. It's important that they are not too jarring. Stay away from vibrant tones on the walls, and colorful carpets on the floors. Even though it may not be your style, think about using white or beige for the walls. It's easy for people to visualize themselves in white or beige rooms. Keep the flooring simple, too. The point of property styling is to help each person visualize themselves, and their possessions, in the rooms. So the furniture is more of a place holder than a decorating element. Most houses lend themselves to one or two furniture floorplans. The couch is across from the fireplace or from the television. Pick a simple, contemporary couch that isn't ornate, or too starkly modern. The point is that the viewers see this couch, and mentally replace it with their own, or with one that they would like to buy. Add a couple of arm chairs in a neutral style and color, and a couple of end tables and a coffee table. Sure, you might think that an ottoman functions well as a coffee table and you would be right, if you were decorating the house. But you are keeping it simple and very traditional. Add a couple of lamps and a few knicknacks and the living room is done.
Do not include anything that looks too personal. No photographs, hobbies or avant garde art should be displayed. Your goal is to have a house that looks nice, and one that no one will actively dislike. |