David Cieslak is the owner and principal stylist of Signature Staging.
The holidays are a festive time – family gatherings, celebrating the end of another year, and a time to reflect and appreciate all that we have. Many homes continue to be on the market throughout the holiday season, and those buyers that are serious about buying will continue to look throughout this time. In keeping with the general principals of preparing your home for market and home staging, here are some simple guidelines to follow that will not only present a festive environment, but also continue to show off the best features of your house.
Tip 1: Choose simple decorations in both color and quantity.
Showing off the best features of your home is still an important variable when it comes to decorating for the holidays while your home is on the market. Choose beautiful neutral ornaments for your tree – silver and gold is always classic and rich. If you do use color, make sure the colors flow with the space. For instance, if your walls are pale grey, don’t put a rainbow of colors on the tree (this will then become the focal point of the room rather than that amazing fireplace), but use the classic colors mentioned above. Another item to keep in mind is the size of your tree – don’t let it overwhelm the room.
Tip 2: Use lighting and outdoor décor the showcase the features of your home.
This year is not a competition with the neighbors for the biggest display. Use white lights around the architectural features such as windows and doors. Hang a welcoming wreath on the front door, or place greenery and holly berries in your summer planters on the front landing. You may also want to consider putting your outdoor lights on timers so if a buyer drives by after dark, the home still looks festive and illuminated. Please keep the inflatable snow globe in storage this year!
Tip 3: Create a feeling of holiday coziness.
From a tasteful holiday centerpiece, to the smells of the season, little touches can go a long way. Tasteful, non-overpowering touches can create the connection to a buyer of a warm and inviting home that, in 2013, they will have their first Christmas in. And one smaller reminder – keep those sidewalks and driveways clear of snow and ice!
While you may have to edit what you and your family normally do for holiday decorating, if you keep the basic principles of staging in mind during the season, chances are you and your family will be in your brand new home next year and can get that snow globe out of storage!
From myself and everyone at Signature Staging, have a safe and happy holiday season and a Happy New Year!
The owner and principal stylist of Signature Staging, David Cieslak is known for his excellence in taste, service and efficiency, and gives Realtors and their clients’ homes a competitive edge. A Certified Staging Professional, Cieslak is also the vice president of the Chicago Chapter of the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA), and his work has been featured on LX.TV OpenHouse, which airs on NBC. He was also a RESA Stager of the Year Nominee for the Midwest in 2012. In addition, Signature Staging has staged over $20 million in sold Chicago real estate so far in 2012.