Staying on Top of Updates
Trends in home furnishings, just as in fashion, come and go. Typically home furnishings and design, have a bit more staying power than those in fashion. Sometimes what’s in style can stick around for a full decade.
The vast majority of today’s home buyers want “Move in Ready”. Thanks to 24 hours networks like HGTV, today’s home buyers also know exactly what “Move in Ready” and up-to-date looks like.
As a real estate agent, I like to advise my clients to keep up with some of these elements so that when the time comes to list their homes, there won’t be an overwhelming amount of work to do. Managing the updates in small bites is a great way to proceed. This approach also allows you the homeowner to enjoy some of the updates as well.
So how do you know if what’s currently in your home is still in style? Here are a few ways to discover what is currently in style.
Watch HGTV
Seriously, there are so many shows that do a great job at staying on trend. However, make sure you are not watching episodes that aired 3-4 years ago!
PICK UP A MAGAZINE
Flip through current magazines for the latest looks.
WINDOW SHOP
Visit a really good HOME Furnishing showroom.
CALL Karen
Karen can let you know instantly what dates your house. Working with the very best stagers, and listing multiple properties, make her uniquely capable of advising you on what it’s time to let go of!
TOP Things That Make your House Look Dated
Heavy Drapes
Heavy drapes are the enemy of light, and a look that definitely dates your house. Take them down. This is painful if you have soaring windows and your fabric was expensive. Think of it as ripping off a band aid. Painful but completely necessary. Replace with floor-length, light-hued varieties hung high and wide. Sunlight comes in and instantly brings your house up to date.
Words & Phrases ART
These were everywhere over the last decade. If you want to hang something that is the written, make it personal to you and your family. Do not go for the “common phrases” that are on everything from wall art to coffee mugs to pillows.
Say No to Popcorn
Don’t think you will hold our long enough for these to make a comeback, cause they are NEVER coming back. It’s a complete and utter mess to take down a textured ceiling, but there are new techniques and there are professionals fully equipped to do it for you. It is a great investment. If you have budget to complete one major task, this is it!
White on White on White
This trend is making its way out. We completely get that once you’ve sunk big bucks into a kitchen remodel, it’s hard to bring yourself to spend more. But you may just need to warm it up slightly. A warm gray paint, painting an island a lovely dark blue or changing out your flooring or rugs. There are all kind of low cost additions to warm up the space a few degrees. Sterile is
out.
Check back next time for Part Two of this Blog! In the meantime, please contact Karen with any of your real estate questions or concerns! She’s happy to help.
