By Melissa Colabella
This is a quote I use to explain the difference between interior design and staging. Take a look at the two photos above.
The kitchen on the left belonged to John Legend and Chrissy Teigen and was designed by Desiderata Design (photo courtesy of Architectural Digest). I personally love everything about this kitchen – the chess piece brass stools, the dark and moody colors, the eclectic mélange of cabinet doors and the unique backsplash make this my favorite kitchen of all time. However, I’m not shocked when I show this to people and their natural response is, “Not for me.”
“No one truly interesting is universally liked”
The photo on the right is a builder’s development project. You can find all of the materials included in this kitchen at your local big box hardware retailer. It’s not the most creative kitchen you’ve ever seen. However, the natural response from buyers is that the space is light, bright, new and clean.
Is it interesting? If your goal is to sell, does it matter? I doubt John and Chrissy had trouble selling their East Village apartment, especially after their glossy cover feature, but you get the point. This post is for those somewhere in between.
I’m not dissuading anyone from designing their interior to their specific taste. In fact I encourage it! But what happens when you don’t plan on living in that space anymore?
- What are your buyers thinking when your agent brings them to your home?
- Can they envision themselves living in the space or are they distracted by personal memorabilia and clutter?
- Does your clutter imply that there is not enough storage in the home?
- Does your clutter imply that you’re still very settled and not ready to move?
- Is your interior out-dated or distracting? Your new construction home that was built in the 1990’s may not appeal to today’s buyer.
- Most buyers cannot envision a transformed space. If there was a carbon copy of your home painted in colors that made the space feel larger, do you think the buyers would buy yours or the other?
- Does the furniture in your home enhance or retract from the architecture in the house? Disproportionate floor plans can throw off perception of scale.
- Wallpaper, statement light fixtures, bold colors, trends and wall to wall carpet – all items that can make a design fun, bold, personal and vibrant can also turn off discretionary buyers who like to play it safe.
- Is your furniture placement showing the buyer the best way to use the space?
My staging services are full service. Clients may need new furniture floor plans and furniture rental, paint color consultations, or simply a list of “to do” items to get a home ready for sale. All of my listings are provided with complimentary staging consultations.
Services and consultations are charged on a fee basis for all other projects.
