
Do you feel like your decor is a mishmash of different styles? Or have you not really given much thought to your decor at all until now? Whether you're staging your home for sale or just looking to upgrade your decor, you'll be surprised at the difference it can make to settle on a specific style. Here are a few suggestions from our real estate agents for pulling together a winning style.
- Browse photos for ideas.
Home decor photos are a great place to start when you're trying to settle on a decor style. You can find plenty of ideas online, on Pinterest as well as home decor and home improvement websites. If you're looking for something you can clip and save, hit the newsstand at your local bookstore and spend some time browsing through home magazines. Pay attention to what catches your eye, and look for recurring themes in the things you like.
- Check your closet.
This may seem like strange advice, but if you're having a hard time figuring out your own personal decor style, you may need to look no further than your own closet. Do you tend to go for classic clothing styles, or are you always keeping up with the latest trends? Are there certain colors you gravitate to? Your ideal home decor will likely reflect some of these same themes.
- Go window shopping.
Leave the credit card at home and head out to local furniture and decor styles. Depending on your interests, you might even hit some thrift stores or antique malls. Consider this trip your reconnaissance: you're just there to gather information about what you like. You can make your purchases later once you figure out what you want to do. Take pictures of what you like and especially of anything you think you might want to come back for later.
- Pay attention to other people's houses.
What looks pretty in a stock photo isn't always realistic, so any time you're at a friend's or a neighbor's house, take a look around and see what works for real people with real lives. Checking out the list of South Bend homes for sale and visiting open houses is another way to get ideas from your neighbors. Especially if you're planning on listing your house soon, this can be helpful, as it'll give you ideas for how to decorate and stage your home for a successful sale.
- Consider your current style.
As you browse other people's decor, think about what you already have in your home that could serve the same purpose or strike the same tone. Most likely your current decor already reflects your interests, even if you didn't recognize the style at the time. Browsing a variety of styles can help you identify what you like and settle on a cohesive style.
- Find focus.
As you hone in on a decor style that works for you, remember that less is often more, especially if you're staging a home for sale. Start with a simple, uncluttered decor style, and think about how you can add in organization and leave space for your day-to-day life.
Decorating your home can be a very personal decision, but don't forget that if you're staging your home to sell, the goal is to take the personal touch out. An attractive but impersonal decor style is best because it allows potential buyers to imagine their own personal touches filling in the gaps. For more information on how to stage your home for a successful sale, contact us today.