Why Wait To Move To Stage Your Place

August 31, 2019

You can’t deny the importance of styling a home before listing it on the market. After all, everyone knows that staged properties yield better returns on resale. This begs the question, why do most people wait until they’re on the verge of leaving their home before achieving that Instagram-worthy interior everyone wants (and will pay more for)?

Now, many of you might feel intimidated at the thought of styling your space, or you’re unsure of where to start. Relax, and keep reading. You’ve always got the option of bringing in some trained professional like myself for help.

Here are some of my simple styling tricks of the trade that you can try now, using your existing decor and without spending a single dime! Whether you’re styling a tabletop, a fireplace mantel or a corner of your home, follow these tips for instant styling success.

ODD ONE OUT

This is the famous rule of odd numbers. Have you ever noticed that displays just look better with groupings of odd numbers? It’s true. Sets of threes and fives are more pleasing to the eye. The arrangement appears centred and anchored. Your photos, glassware and accessories will never look better!

EVEN OUT

Okay, so this principle sounds like the exact opposite of what I just suggested above. In this case, think “even” in terms of your distribution. Ensure accessories are weighted evenly at each end of the table, bookcase or surface, to bring balance to the overall aesthetic.

MIX IT UP

Introduce colour, texture and shape into the mix. Look at items that you already have throughout your home and select ones that are complementary to each other, visually or thematically. A pile of books paired with a magnifying glass and a hefty paperweight are a great match. Think wood, aged metallics, chrome and organic elements to up the interest. Set it all on a tray, and you’ve just turned it into a mobile display perfect for a well-used spot, like the kitchen table or countertop.

THE RIGHT HEIGHT

Introduce one element into your arrangement that is taller than the rest. This is what decorators and designers call “tablescaping,” creating a line similar to a landscape or city skyline. The tallest piece becomes a beacon, attracting attention and anchoring the eye. If you’re in need of some more inspiration, take some cues for your favourite decor stores and interior decorating magazines.

LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT!

I have one final, no-fail styling tip that every professional designer and stylist swears by. Choose pieces that you really love, and be selective! It may be an item that evokes deep emotion, fond memories or brilliant inspiration. Choose pieces that speak to you, and express yourself. A home without accessories is like a shirt without buttons — it’s incomplete. But remember, like those shirt buttons, your accessories have to be in the right place, and arranged in the right way, to make the right impact.

You may need to arrange and rearrange your pieces a few times before you hit the right mark. Experiment and at the end of it all, if you love it, then it’s right.

RED BARRINUEVO

Toronto-based, award-winning Interior Stylist, Red Barrinuevo is an Interior Decorator and Principal of Redesign4more, servicing clients in Toronto and the GTA. The firm’s known for enhancing and creating stylish yet functional spaces through their creative home staging, interior styling services, and design services.  www.redesign4more.com.