One of the most exciting things about owning a home is getting to make it your own. No home is going to be 100% perfect, even if it’s brand new. But getting it there may be easier than anticipated if all a house needs are cosmetic improvements.
Preparing to host open houses in San Diego can often be an overwhelming task, especially if you are trying to do it without the help of an experienced Realtor®. One of the most overlooked factors of open house preparation is home-staging. Not only does your house need to look presentable to its guests, but you need to arrange your home so that visitors can envision themselves living there. Here are a few home-staging tips to consider before hosting an open house:
Add a Fresh Coat of Paint
Nothing adds personality like color. A fresh coat of paint can give a room an instant facelift and help influence the mood of the space. Plus, painting is a bit tedious, but it’s a project that anyone can handle over the weekend.
If you don’t want to take on a full paint job, start with an accent wall. Another spot to consider painting is the front door. Using a bold accent color on the door can brighten up the front entry and add an interesting element.
Update the Light Fixtures
Lighting is an essential element of a home that can either blend in or stand out. The illumination itself can change the look and feel of a room, but the fixtures can also play a role. Lamps, sconces, pendant lights and chandeliers come in every style imaginable. Sometimes all it takes is changing out the lampshades to add a little personality.
Lighting can also affect functionality. For instance, LED lighting in the kitchen can provide more versatility in the multi-functional space. Placement of lights is another consideration that should be made based on what you plan to do in an area.
Add Artwork
All those bare walls are blank canvases just begging to be covered. Every art collection is unique, which makes it an easy way to express your personal style and taste. The way artwork is displayed can also influence how viewers connect with the piece. Here, lighting can play a big role.
Switch Out the Hardware
Another quick fix that can be made in a single afternoon is switching out the hardware around your new home. Small handles and knobs are used on a daily basis, so even though they’re tiny accents they get noticed.
Hardware can easily become outdated, which is why switching it out is a common project for new homeowners. Both the finish and the design of the hardware can influence the overall style of your cabinetry. But keep in mind what type of hardware is around the house so you can make sure things look cohesive.
Install Crown Molding
Crown molding gives a room more dimension and architectural intrigue without a huge price tag. It can even up the value of a home, making it a great investment of your time and money. Homeowners that haven’t tested their woodworking skills can still install crown molding on their own. New polystyrene foam crown molding is making it almost foolproof since the material cuts clean and can be affixed with a joint compound.
Use a Stair Runner and Rugs
You can protect hard floors and infuse a bit of personal style by using a stair runner and rugs around the home. For a couple hundred dollars you can get everything you need for this DIY project.
Pick New Window Treatments
Windows are a focal point in the home that could become an eyesore if the treatments are outdated. Depending on how many windows you have replacing all of the treatments could get expensive. If your remodeling budget is tight, focus first on the window treatments in the shared living spaces. In addition to the style, keep energy efficiency in mind when you’re making a selection.
Refinish the Kitchen Cabinets
The kitchen is the heart of the home, but it’s also one of the most expensive rooms to remodel. An easy and cost effective cosmetic fix is refinishing the cabinets. If your new home has structurally sound wood cabinets that are straight out of another era a coat of paint or stain could be all you need to freshen up the look. But before you paint or stain the cabinets, give them a good cleaning and sand the surface.
Freshen Up the Faucets
Another accent that can quickly age a home is the faucets in the kitchen and bathrooms. With so many interesting styles available today, there’s no reason to settle for faucets that don’t suit your personal style. If you’re allocating your budget start with the faucets in the kitchen and guest bathroom since they’ll get the most use.
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