Outdated Staging Trends You Can Drop Now

Staging your home can make a world of difference in the outcome of your home sale. Staging is a proven technique that can home your home sell fast and may even help you net a higher sale price. However, staging isn't always an easy process, especially if you're not experienced. A bad staging job can actually make your home appear less appealing to buyers.

To further complicate things, some of the home staging trends that worked ten or twenty years ago no longer resonate in today's market. In fact, one of the most common mistakes we see is sellers using outdated staging trends. Successfully staging your home often requires sellers to be in-tune with the latest design trends, which is why we always recommend working closely with your real estate agent.

Below are some outdated staging trends you should be sure to avoid when listing your home this year:

• Get Rid Of The Fake Plants
  Fake plastic plants have been used as a decorative element for decades; however, today they may do more harm than good. Fake greenery, flowers, or fruit can give your home a dated look. Use living greenery, fresh flowers, and real fruit instead. It will not only freshen up the space, but it will also add an authentic, natural appearance to your home.
  
  
• Peel Off The Wallpaper
  Wallpaper has been out of style for a while. Wallpaper patterns can reflect personal tastes and contain very distracting patterns, both of which can be potential turn offers for buyers. We recommend removing wallpaper prior to listing your home and adding a fresh coat of a neutral-colored paint. Remember, buyers don't want to imagine themselves peeling off the wallpaper after they move in.
  
  
• Depersonalize The Home
  While your family photos and knick-knacks may serve as some nice decor in your home, you should put them away during the staging process. In today's market, the goal is to make it as easy as possible for buyers to see themselves living in the space and your personal items can be distracting. Keep things as neutral as possible.
  
  
• Avoid The All White Kitchen
  An all-white kitchen, which consists of white walls, cabinets, and appliances, was once a stylish interior trend. However, this look is a bit outdated. Buyers today like to see a warm kitchen with the right balance of light and dark tones. Try to mix up your color scheme a bit to create a compelling look.
  
  
• Lose The Formal Living Room
  Many people still draw a distinction between the den or family room and the actual "living room," the latter which is generally kept stuffy, well-kept, and less functional. This is often where the decorative, less comfortable furniture is stored. In today's market, you don't need to stage a pristine living room. If you have multiple living room spaces on the first floor, try to make them both functional or turn one into an office.

Staging is a technique that ultimately helps the buyer visualize the space. Outdated staging trends, personal items, or loud decor can ultimately complicate that mission. If you're struggling to stage your home, don't forget to check out some other local listings for inspiration.

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