Are You Attached to an Ugly House? Six Tips to Set Yourself Free
This week I had a design consultation that gave me a lot of insights into why people have ugly houses.
Attachment, attachment, attachment! Let it all go.
I have learned that attachment to people, things, outcomes, etc. is the cause of most of our suffering. We stress over outcomes and how people behave. We try to control things because we get “attached” to an end result we want. We expect people to behave a certain way because we are attached to our beliefs of how they should act.
We get attached to outcomes because we are afraid of the unknown.
Attachment steals our well-being. Letting go of attachment to certain outcomes, and of trying to control everything can make us feel so much better.
Control is just an illusion anyway. When it comes right down to it, we do not have control over anything or anyone. Things can happen in an instant to take away whatever control we thought we had.
Attachment can also affect the way our house looks and feels, and how likely we are to be able to create that perfect space we wish we had.
How to Release Attachment
Think about your own home. Are you attached to any of these things?
Let Go of Your Pain
During the design consultation, I realized that attachment would likely stop my client from getting the end result she really wanted.
She told me she had never liked the house and had been pressured to buy it by her partner. She described its many issues and that it never looked the way she wanted it to.
Every room was filled with clutter, furniture covered with unattractive and mismatched covers to protect it from the dogs, furniture barriers created to keep the dog away from the cat.
Rooms, instead of being used for their intended purposes, were used for many purposes. For example, the living room also served as a playroom and an office. The separate office was also a craft room and a TV room.
For every suggestion I gave, there were ten reasons why nothing could change. She was attached to her “pain”.
We took the pet covers off the living room furniture and re-arranged a bit, creating an amazing transformation. Sadly, I think after I left it will likely go back to looking the way it did previously.
Instead of thinking of ten reasons you can’t make changes in your home, think of one reason you can. Your home will look more beautiful for it.
Let Go of Fear
All attachment stems from fear, mainly of the unknown. Are you afraid of making changes with color, flooring, furniture, and more?
The unknown can be much better than what you have now. Embrace it and see what beauty might stem from it. Making changes requires taking risks. Beauty could be on the other side of that scary door.
Let Go of the Past
You have probably grown and changed over time. Embrace that. No need to hang on to a style from a bygone era just because you are used to it.
Let Go of the Status Quo
Just because it has always been that way, doesn’t mean it needs to stay that way. Let it go. The pile of things in the corner has been there for years. Does that mean it should remain there forever? We fear change. There is that word again. Fear.
Let go of Control
Feeling the need to control everything is just another aspect of fear of the unknown. The unknown might just be the most beautiful room you have ever seen! Take a chance.
Let Go of Clutter
I know, if you get rid of it, you might need it next week. If you haven’t used it or worn it in 10 years, that probably won’t happen. Everyone I know, including me, has too much stuff.
It NEVER looks good in a room.
Set it free so it can go to someone who really needs it and will love it.
Are You Ready to Let Go?
I know. Sounds hard.
It’s really not though. Hire a designer. They have your best interest at heart and can take a lot of the risk of making a mistake out of the process. They know what looks good and what works. It is a lot less risky enlisting the help of a pro and listening to them than going it alone.
Hire someone with good reviews. Listen to them. Let go of fear and control. Enjoy the ride and see what joy is on the other side.
And if you really don’t like the end result, there is no law that says you can’t change your mind and make adjustments.
Set Yourself Free
My Aligned Design philosophy aligns Art, Science, and Energy to make magic happen in your home and life.
I believe in creating beautiful, colorful homes that look and feel great and energetically enhance your life.
When your space is better, you are better. When you are better, the world is better.
Now that you more tips to creating your perfect space, are you ready to take action to make it happen in your home? If you knew absolutely for certain that creating a perfect space would create a better life for you, you would do it, wouldn’t you?
I assume if you have read this far, you are serious about making a change you know will make you happy.
Let me help you take that trip to your perfect space in a Ferrari instead of a stagecoach. Try my Aligned Design consultation and let’s get started.
Curious about your Interior Design style? Take the quiz and find out.
Birds provide endless inspiration for creating beautiful designs with the intricate patterns, colors, and textures of their feathers!
Flat Lay #1- The Forest
In my article Birds of a Feather- What Birds Can Teach Us About Designing the Perfect Room, I shared a design for the first flat lay, inspired by realistic photo art of Pintail duck and eagle feathers. I designed a room with a calm and earthy feeling that reminds me of being in the forest using the feather art and colors of nature.
Flat lay and Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
Flat Lay #2- Bohemian Meets Hollywood Glam
The second flat lay, evoked a much more glamorous style and feeling, like a cross between Modern Global Style and Hollywood Glam. I developed several ideas capturing the drama and glamour with different color walls.
Flat lay and Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design. Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design. Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
Flat Lay #3- A Time for Whimsy- Let’s Fly
The third flat lay to me evoked a sense of whimsy and playfulness, filled with color and the sense that you can take flight and soar to any place you want to go.
As in Flat Lay #2, the feathers are stylized rather than realistic, and more colorful and playful than the gold and black feathers. Even though it has a sense of fun and whimsy, it also feels calm and relaxing with the blues and greens.
I designed two living rooms. One uses wallpaper and is more light and airy yet has texture. The deep blue wall adds more drama with the darker, rich blue.
Which is your favorite?
Bird Feathers Are a Great Source of Inspiration!
As you can see, you can use natural elements like bird feathers to inspire earthy, glamorous, and dramatic, or whimsical and playful designs!
Bird feathers can inspire many design styles and are fun to work with. There is a huge amount of variety.
Did you know you can often identify a bird just by the feathers? That is how unique they are. Mother Nature provides endless inspiration. Try your own flat lay and see what it inspires.
Are You Ready to Create Your Perfect Space?
Are you ready to create your perfect space? I assume you are since you are reading my blog post. Let’s tell your unique story and find the alignment of art, science, and energy that makes you happy. Let me help you take that trip to your perfect space in a Ferrari instead of a stagecoach. Try my Aligned Design consultation and let’s get started.
I Learned to Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing-Light Transforms Ordinary to Extraordinary
Light isn’t merely an illuminating force—it’s a storyteller, a guide, and an artist. In the intricate dance between shadow and glow, there lies the potential to transform any space into an evocative sanctuary of feelings and experiences.
As in my philosophy of Aligned Design, the combination of artistry, science, and energectic connection captivates the power of light.and its ability to spotligh the unique facets of your environment and create an atmosphere of enchantment.
Light Makes the Magic Happen.
I have a love for many forms of art, including one of my favorites, dance. I am always noticing the similarities between what is important in the different art forms I explore.
I had the privilege of attending a dance workshop titled “From Practice to Professional Presentation,” led by the renowned dancer and instructor, Helia Bandeh. This immersive experience delved deep into the nuances of creating a visually captivating stage or backdrop for dance performances, whether live or on video. Helia shed light on crucial aspects such as décor, lighting, and costuming.
It’s astonishing how much it intersects with the principles of Interior Design! In this article, we’ll zoom in on the magic of lighting.
According to Helia, “light is the most important element in your visual presentation and can totally transform the performance or the space”. I agree, whether it is dance or Interior Design.
Edesign and “Deep Purple” fractal art by Mary Ann Benoit. Deep Purple Fractal Art by Mary Ann Benoit
Light Shapes Perception
The power of light extends beyond mere illumination. It serves as a director, guiding one’s gaze. Whether illuminating an entire auditorium – encompassing both audience and stage – or narrowing down to a singular performer, light dictates where our attention lies.
In our homes and workplaces, strategic lighting can accentuate a piece of art, create a cozy reading nook, illuminate a kitchen countertop, or guide a path. The right play of light can alter our perception of space, both in terms of size and ambiance.
For instance, during a performance, when a specific area is spotlighted, it not only commands focus but can also transform the vastness of a stage or room into a cozy, intimate setting, allowing external distractions to fade into obscurity.
Edesign and “Heart of Turkey” energy art by Mary Ann Benoit. Heart of Turkey energy art by Mary Ann Benoit Heart of Turkey #4 energy art by Mary Ann Benoit
Light is the Master of Color
In the realm of the stage, light serves as a masterful tool for manipulating color, all without altering the physical aspects of the set. Consider, for instance, the transformative effect of various lights on a dancer adorned in a white dress. Colored lighting has the capacity to envelop the backdrop, intensify the hues enveloping the performer, or instill a distinct mood.
Within your interior spaces, the presence of colored light can profoundly impact the perceived warmth or coolness of the surroundings, thereby orchestrating the very essence of your colors. Here, light reigns supreme as it can effortlessly usher in a festive ambiance, as exemplified by the twinkling charm of Christmas lights.
Edesign and “Deep Purple” fractal art by Mary Ann Benoit. Notice color difference between night lighting in this picture and day light in the picture below.Edesign and “Deep Purple” fractal art by Mary Ann Benoit.
Light is the Maestro of Drama
Sharp, hard light, characterized by its pronounced contrast between luminosity and shadow, isn’t just a source of illumination; it’s a storytelling tool. By carving out a space with stark differences between light and dark, hard light can evoke intense emotions, channel focus, and create a cinematic atmosphere.
Imagine a room bathed in soft, uniform light. Now, introduce a singular beam of hard light, spotlighting a piece of art on the wall or a vintage table in the center. Instantly, that object becomes the room’s protagonist, drawing eyes and sparking intrigue. This interplay isn’t merely about visibility, but about imbuing significance.
Similarly, in the realm of theater and dance, hard lighting can elevate a scene or movement, turning a simple gesture into a moment of raw, emotional power. The way it carves shadows and highlights can echo the intricacies of the human condition – our vulnerabilities, our strengths, our moments of introspection.
In essence, light doesn’t just illuminate; it punctuates, intensifies, and narrates, shaping our experience of any given space or moment.
Lighting creates drama.
Light- The Ultimate Designer’s Tool
In the realm of design, light isn’t just an element; it’s the alchemy that metamorphoses a space. “Light stands as the cornerstone of design, wielding the power to wholly redefine an environment.”
As I journey through life, my appreciation deepens for the interwoven tapestry of artistic disciplines. The parallels between Interior Design and other artistic endeavors are striking. At their core, they share foundational principles that breathe life into masterpieces. It requires a keen sense of observation, a discerning ear, and a heart that resonates with the ambient energy to truly discern these connections.
The artistry (innate creativity), melded with the precision of science (understanding of colors), and the profoundness of energy (the emotive connection), orchestrates a harmonious ballet of elements. This trinity of alignment is my guiding compass, allowing me to choreograph exquisite dance performances and craft evocative interior spaces.
Light highlights the energy of the art and it’sobvious and subliminal messages as well as the flowers. “Heart of Turkey #3” energy art by Mary Ann Benoit
Light- The Unspoken Director
Within the canvas of your interior, light is the artist’s brush, poised to highlight key facets of your environment. It possesses the remarkable ability to draw the viewer’s focus with pinpoint precision – whether it’s accentuating a cherished piece of art, carving out a serene reading alcove, illuminating a workspace in your kitchen or office, or gently guiding you along a well-defined pathway.
Moreover, the art of spotlighting and dimming is akin to wielding a magician’s wand. It bestows the power to sculpt how we perceive space, deftly crafting an atmosphere of intimacy and charm. Envision yourself nestled before a flickering fireplace, with the remainder of the room bathed in a soft, subdued glow. Or picture a cozy reading nook or a captivating game corner, bathed in the gentle embrace of selectively dimmed lighting, beckoning you to unwind and lose yourself in the moment. These are the artful manipulations of light that transform mere spaces into immersive experiences.
Light- The Master of Energy
Light directs your attention to what you want to highlight such as the art sculpture on the table, and the elements of the celebration on the other tables. Edesign by Mary Ann Benoit.
The energy of lighting profoundly influences the energy, or ambiance, of a space through how it affects our senses, emotions, and perceptions:
Emotional Resonance: Different lighting can evoke different feelings. Warm, soft lighting often feels cozy and inviting, evoking feelings of relaxation and warmth. In contrast, cool, bright lighting can energize and invigorate a space, making it feel active and alert.
Focus and Perception: Lighting can be used to draw attention to specific elements of a room, guiding one’s gaze and perceptions. By spotlighting a particular object or area, it becomes a focal point, altering how the space is experienced. Conversely, shadows can be used to create depth and mystery, lending a room an air of intimacy or contemplation.
Spatial Dynamics: The way light spreads throughout a space can make it feel larger or smaller. Bright, evenly distributed light gives the sensation of openness, making a space feel larger. Dim lighting or selectively illuminated areas can make a space feel cozy, intimate, and more segmented.
Temporal Ambiance: The changing nature of lighting, especially natural light, sets the rhythm of our day. Morning light can feel fresh and invigorating, while evening light is often warm and settling. By mimicking these natural transitions, artificial lighting can set the mood or change the energy of a room to align with our circadian rhythms.
Color Interaction: Light affects the way we perceive colors. The hue and intensity of light can enhance or mute the colors in a room, thereby changing its overall energy. A room bathed in golden hour light will feel vastly different from the same room illuminated by the bluish light of a cloudy day.
Cultural and Personal Associations: Different cultures, and even individuals, might have varying associations with light based on experiences and upbringing. For example, candlelight might evoke feelings of romance, spirituality, or introspection depending on one’s personal experiences.
Energetic Flow: In metaphysical terms, light is often associated with positive energy flow. A well-lit space is considered to have good ‘Chi’, encouraging vitality, clarity, and well-being.
In essence, the energy of lighting is intrinsically linked with the energy of a space. It’s more than just visibility; the beauty it creates or its effects on color, it’s about creating an ambiance, invoking emotions, and influencing the very essence of a space’s character.
Edesign of a Mexican style dining table with beuutiful outdoor amd indoor lighting by Mary Ann Benoit.
Learn More
Learn more about some of the unique lessons I have learned about creating great interiors from dance and music in some of my other blog posts below.
Light isn’t merely an illuminating force—it’s a storyteller, a guide, and an artist. In the intricate dance between shadow and glow, there lies the potential to metamorphose any space into an evocative sanctuary of feelings and experiences.
Drawing on the sacred triad of artistry, science, and connection, we invite you to embark on an Aligned Design journey with us. Together, we’ll harness the captivating power of light, spotlighting the unique facets of your environment and crafting an atmosphere of intimacy and enchantment.
Imagine your cherished art pieces bathed in precise illumination, a serene reading nook beckoning you to lose yourself in a book, or a workspace radiant with just the right balance of light, enhancing both functionality and ambiance.
Dive into the transformative world of lighting with our specialized consultation, and let’s co-create spaces that don’t just look good, but feel magical
Curious about your Interior Design style? Take the quiz and find out.
Birds provide endless inspiration for creating beautiful designs with the intricate patterns, colors, and textures of their feathers!
In my article Birds of a Feather- What Birds Can Teach Us About Designing the Perfect Room, I shared some ideas for one of those flat lays inspired by realistic photo art of Pintail duck and eagle feathers. I designed a room with a calm and earthy feeling that reminds me of being in the forest using the feather art and colors of nature.
Flat lay and Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
This second flat lay, to me, evoked a much more glamorous style and feeling, like a cross between Modern Global Style and Hollywood Glam.
Flat lay and Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
I am not sure what bird the feathers in the photo came from, but the art is less realistic and more stylized. The black and gold color combination felt very luxurious, and like a great place to add a variety of metallic finishes.
The natural theme of bird feathers still evoked a sense of nature, inviting wood, stone, and natural materials such as velvet, leather, and cotton. I selected green, which is a wonderful color of nature, for the fabrics and added plants.
I decided to create a living room, that was dark and moody, with black or deep chocolate walls, and lots of different gold-tone metals. Dramatic lighting enhances the art and brings out the shine of the various brass and gold-toned lights and accessories.
Instead of the photo in the flat lay, I found several other art prints of feathers in black and gold that I used as inspiration.
I could see this combination in a living room, master bedroom, master bathroom, or powder room. How about you?
I decided to try a living room. A flat lay can first evolve into a drawing or floor plan to get a feel for how the room will work spatially.
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
To get the feeling of drama and glamour, I decided to try the idea of a black wall. I love it! It beautifully highlights the feather art and sets off the beautiful greens in the furniture. Of course, lighting, strategically placed and lots of it, is important when using black.
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design. Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design. Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
For variety, I tried a textured light-colored wallpaper similar in color to the feathers to give the room a more light and airy feeling. I think I like the black better for a glamorous feeling.
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
And here is it in a shade of off-white. While still pretty, I like the black walls best, and the feeling of dimension the textured wallpaper gives over the white walls. How about you?
The moral of this flat lay tale is that you can use natural elements like bird feathers to inspire glamorous, dramatic, modern, and sleek designs while still bringing the outdoors in. And, don’t be scared to use black!
Bird feathers can inspire many design styles. Look for my next article on the design for my third flat lay inspired by bird feathers.
Are You Ready to Create Your Perfect Space?
Are you ready to create your perfect space? I assume you are since you are reading my blog post. Let’s tell your unique story and find the alignment of art, science, and energy that makes you happy. Try my Aligned Design consultation and let’s get started
Create an Exotic Global Style Living Room with a Gorgeous Blue Rug
Bohemian style celebrates warm earthy colors, metals and jewel tones. Bohemian decor often uses deep browns, greens, grays or other neutral colors for base colors, then accessorizes with saturated purple, fiery orange, and electric blue and other jewel tones.
Bohemian style lovers are often carefree, dislike rules and want to follow their heart’s desire!
Do you like vintage furniture and light fixtures, globally inspired textiles and rugs, and love displaying your collections of cool things found at markets. thrift stores and in your travels?
I bet you like glamorous fabrics, lighting and accessories with well-worn items, antiques or cool pieces from other styles. Anything goes if it makes you happy. More is more!
Bohemian style is a global design style. Global styles are all about your worldly adventures and telling your story! They are usually very colorful, rich in bold designs and natural textures, patterns, colors, and arts and crafts of various cultures.
Get the Look and Celebrate Your Favorite Color- Blue!
A great way to get the look of Bohemian style is with a beautiful area rug. It can become a focal point for your room and help guide the color scheme and your choices for accents and accessories such as throw pillows, art, lighting, and more.
Celebrate your favorite color by picking a rug that highlights it and build the rest of your room around the work of art you picked for your floor.
One of my favorite colors is blue, so here are some examples of my favorite blue Bohemian or global style rugs.
My Favorite Blue Global Style Rugs
I changed the look of the following living room by changing the rug and sometimes the paint color. See how the room changes its look and feeling just by changing the pattern of the rug and shades of blue in the room, while still using the same art, furniture and accessories.
CRAIL AREA RUG
I love the colors and the abstract modern watercolor design of this rug.
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
BARN AREA RUG
This rug has a Transitional, Bohemian, Vintage vibe.
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
THOUSANDSTICKS AREA RUG
Love the rich teal colors in this Bohemian, Vintage rug made in Turkey.
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
BEVERLY AREA RUG
Love the colors and the textured look of this more contemporary design.
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
KENMARE AREA RUG
One of my favorites, I just love the design and colors of this Bohemian, Vintage rug.
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
And for those of you a little scared of so much color, you can still get your blue fix with the rugs, furnishings and art and go neutral on the walls.
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
LIMESTONE AREA RUG
I love the vintage look of this area rug, and it is a great rug if you love darker blues.
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
KAI Area Rug
Here is a beautiful Bohemian-style rug that you could use with a dramatic blue room or a more neutral room. I have also used some of my fractal art, called Bioluminescence in this design.
Bohemian Style Living Room Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design. Bioluninescence Framed Fractal Art Print by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design. Bioluninescence #2 Framed Fractal Art Print by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design. Bioluninescence #3 Framed Fractal Art Print by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design. Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
Let’s Create Your Global Style Design
Are you ready for your house to go to the next level where your house looks great, feels great, and supports you to be great?Imagine that.
What’s it like when you are living in the perfect space for you?
My philosophy of great Interior Design, which I call Aligned Design, considers three key factors; art, science and energy. The intersection of the three is where the magic happens.
Creating a space that envelops you in your vision of beauty and color, while fine-tuning the energy of your space to promote wealth, health, love, and perfect self-expression aligns you with the universe, allowing you to live your best life so you can make a positive impact on the world.
Global style Interior Design is part of the art of great design and one of the things you are really going to love about creating the perfect space for yourself. Are you ready to immerse yourself in rich beautiful colors and truly tell your story?
Curious about your Interior Design style? Take the quiz and find out.
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
Virtual Home Staging and Design- The Pros and Cons
When it is time to sell our home, we all want to sell fast and for the highest price. One of the best ways to make that happen is to stage your home. Home staging uses decorating to highlight the home’s best features and helps buyers visualize how they can use the space while making an emotional connection with them so they can see themselves living there happily.
When it comes to home staging, there are several ways to go about it. You can:
Get a consultation with a professional home stager and get advice on everything you need to know to successfully stage it yourself.
Hire a pro to do the staging for you or with you, either working with what you already have if you will be living there while on the market, or bringing in everything and staging a vacant house.
You can virtually stage the space to show buyers the “potential of the home” and “what it could look like” if it was furnished in a particular style.
You can also use ” virtual design” to show how it could look if it were remodeled to have different paint colors, lighting, flooring and more.
What is Virtual Home Staging?
Virtual home staging is a computer rendering of what a vacant space might look like if it was staged with furniture and accessories.
Here are two examples of virtual staging where good quality photos of a vacant home were virtually staged to show the potential of a vacant property for sale. These examples could be used on the MLS for your listing if allowed in your state and should be clearly disclosed that they are virtual photos. A good way to do this is to show both the vacant photo and staged photo together so buyers know what to expect when they see the property in person. Notice in both cases, the condition of the walls and carpeting looked in very nice shape, so the staging was not covering up any obvious “problem areas”.
Before Virtual Home Staging
After Virtual Home Staging by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
Before Virtual Home Staging
After Virtual Home Staging by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
Virtual staging could even be used to advertise rental properties that the renter is expected to bring their own furniture to show them the potential of the space and give them a sense of scale and how furniture could fit in the space.
What is Virtual Design?
Sometimes a seller or realtor wants to show the potential of a space. Below is an example of one of the rooms above where the paint color was changed, the lighting updated and flooring was changed. The area rug was changed to work with the new paint color.
Example of Virtual Design by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
This type of rendering entails more work because in addition to adding things, you are also changing items such as color, lighting and flooring so would be more expensive. This type of rendering that shows cosmetic changes is more an example of “virtual design” than “virtual staging”.
Virtual design can help if the property for sale will need work such as repainting, new flooring and lighting and the seller is willing to sell for a lower price and allow the buyer to do the work and make their own selections for those items. This would be a nice addition to materials you are showing buyers at an open house. It is not recommended for use on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) because the cosmetic conditions of the home have been changed and you do not want to mislead buyers about the actual condition.
In addition, virtual staging or design should never show changes of things that cannot be changed (such as removing powerlines or highways from the view). Check to see what is allowed on the MLS in your state. Even if allowed, you may be opening the door to having buyers feeling ‘misled” by the listing when they see it in person, especially if they do not read all the “fine print” on the listing.
Sometimes, you may not have good photographs to work with due to the lighting or angles they were taken at, or the photos are filled with furniture or other items that need to be removed. In those cases, a 3D render can be created from scratch from room measurements. This type of render takes longer so is more expensive. Because these do not use actual photos, I would consider this “virtual design”, and it is critical to make it clear to buyers that this is a virtual rendering so they are not surprised.
Virtual Design- Before
After- Virtual Design from measurements by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
The Pros of Virtual Staging and Design
Virtual home staging usually costs less (often half the cost or less) than physical home staging because it takes less time and there are no rental fees for furniture and accessories.
If the seller cannot afford in person staging, virtual staging can still help buyers or renters visualize the possibilities of a vacant space.
Virtual home staging is better than no home staging, because it helps the buyer to visualize how big the space is, how furniture can fit in the rooms and the purpose of each room.
Some homes may need a lot of remodeling, updates or exterior or interior painting and the seller may not be able to afford to do it, or may choose to leave that to the buyer so they can do it their way and sell at a lower price point. Helping the buyers see the possibilities at an open house with “virtual design” is a great advantage as the majority of people can not visualize how the space could look with major or even minor changes.
Virtual staging can show higher quality furniture and accessories, or specific styles to attract the target buyer that might not be available for in person staging. This might be beneficial for high end properties.
Virtual staging could be used to advertise rental properties where the renter is expected to bring their own furniture.
Virtual design can be used in combination with regular home staging. For example, if you have a home that needs exterior painting due to the color or condition but cannot afford to do that before selling, you could show a render of the house with a new paint color and still physically stage the interior.
The Cons of Virtual Staging and Design
I always recommend in person staging over virtual staging so buyers can make an emotional connection and envision themselves living there. The emotional connection is what causes buyers to make an offer. Buyers will never make the same emotional connection with a computer or paper image of a space as they will when seeing a beautifully staged home in person.
When using virtually staged images on an MLS listing, it is critical to make sure it is allowed in your state, and make it clear to buyers that this is a representation of the space. Buyers may get angry or be very disappointed when they visit the home in person and it looks nothing like the advertised image. Some buyers buy online and do not get to see the home in person. Be sure you are not mis-representing the space to buyers that cannot visit it in person. Showing a photo of the real space next to the virtual space with a detailed description can help make that clear.
If the rendering is not done accurately and to scale, it may give a false impression of how big the space is and how furniture could really fit in the rooms. Be sure to have your renders done by professionals that will make it to scale.
Be Sure to Disclose
Home staging, virtual staging and design are great tools to help you sell your property faster and for more, or help you rent a property and attract your ideal renter.
Be truthful with buyers on the condition of the house. Check with the MLS for your state to know what is allowed before listing. And remember that all buyers do not read all the details or fine print. Things to consider:
For realtors and home sellers, be clear and disclose that the photos you are showing are virtually staged and the property is actually vacant.
For those creating the virtual renders, be sure not to cover problem areas with staging items.
Be clear if the photos have made cosmetic changes and show the “design possibilities” rather than what the house actually looks like now.
One of the best ways to disclose are to show the actual photos side by side with the virtual photos. You do not want buyers to be surprised or angry when they see the actual property.
Photos should be realistic and not cropping out or changing things that cannot be changed, like power lines or other actual physical features surrounding the property.
Photos should represent the actual scale or size of the space in relation to the furniture and accessories added.
Need Help?
If you would like help selling your home faster and for more, I can help you with an in person home staging consultation or staging of a vacant or occupied home, an online home staging consultation for your home or vacation rental property and virtual home staging and virtual design.
Click on the pictures to learn more about my online services and give me a call for a quote for in person staging in my service area (south-central Alaska).
Virtual Staging and Remodeling Services
I always recommend in person staging over virtual staging so buyers can make an emotional connection and envision themselves living there. Sometimes though, a space may need a lot of remodeling or updates and the seller chooses to leave that to the buyer so they can do it their way. Or the seller can not afford in person staging. Virtual staging can help buyers see the possibilities of the remodeled space or visualize the possibilities in a vacant space. Learn more about the Pros and Cons of Virtual Staging in my blog article. Drop in renders use your well lit great photo of the vacant space. 3D renders use measurements of your vacant space with a suitable photograph for guidance. I also offer your buyers 10% off an Interior Design consultation for their new home that you can give them as a gift. See examples and Learn More.
Drop In Render- $100 per room photo. 2 Photo Minimum
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3D Render- $210 per room
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Floor Plan Added to either Package above. $30.00 per room
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What is the Cheapest Way to Successfully Stage Your House? Get a Home Staging Consultation
How Much Does it Cost?
Usually the first question I get when a home owner or realtor calls about home staging is “How much does it cost?”
To get the best possible results from home staging, it is worth spending the money to hire a professional home stager with experience and great reviews. See my interview on Helpful Tips for Finding a Great Home Stager to learn what to look for.
Benefits of Home Staging
The benefits include getting the highest possible price for your home in the price range of similar houses, and selling fast so you save money by reducing owner expenses while on the market and losses from price reductions. Home staging always costs less than your first price reduction.
The Cost of Taking Shortcuts
Taking shortcuts such as hiring untrained stagers or realtors to stage your home because it is cheaper, listing first and staging later if it does not sell, using “Lite” or “Vignette” staging of minimal rooms or areas, or not staging at all will cost you more money in a lower final sales price or losses from price reductions as your home is on the market longer.
A better question might be, “How much does it cost not to professionally stage my home?” The higher initial investment will pay off and put more money in your pocket in the end.
What if You Can’t Invest in Home Staging?
Sometimes, however, a home seller is unable to make the full investment in home staging. What is the cheapest way to get results that can pay off in a higher sales price when the budget is tight? Here is my advice if you are going to be living in the home while it is on the market.
Get a home staging consultation with a professional stager, follow their advice, do the staging yourself, and have them do a final check-up before taking photos.
Every home, no matter how big or small, regardless of the price range or condition can benefit from a professional consultation.
Before Home Staging.After Home Staging by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.-This Office/Catch all room turned into a bonus room or part of a Mother in Law Suite to help increase value.
What is involved in a professional home staging consultation?
The home stager will come to your house and walk through the interior and exterior. They will give you expert objective advice on:
How buyers will see your home and what changes you can make to get the highest final sales price. It is impossible for home sellers to see their own home objectively as a buyer seeing it for the first time will see it.
The most cost effective ways to market your property to your target buyer.
What things to repair, paint, update, remove, add, keep and re-arrange to highlight the best features of the home and downplay the flaws.
Paint and décor colors that appeal to buyers.
Working with the décor you have to highlight the homes features and will give you recommendations for purchases if needed for bedding, art, accessories, furniture rentals, etc.
Prioritizing the most important things to do if time or budget constraints exist.
Improving your curb appeal.
Trusted resources such as contractors, painters, and cleaners etc. to use.
How to live in your staged home and keep things looking great while it is on the market.
Most consultations last about 2 hours and cost an average of $300 providing a huge amount of value in just a few hours. Your home stager can come back for a check-up after you have done the work to do final adjustments before photos for an hourly fee. The check-up can add great value to make sure your furniture is properly arranged to highlight space, your bookshelves and accessories are styled to look great, your bedding is arranged perfectly, art is hung correctly and all the little things that will make the photos look wonderful and have buyers loving your house are done.
What if your house is Vacant?
A consultation can still provide great value in prioritizing the things to do to get the most bang for your buck. And it will be important….since there will be no furniture etc. to look at, buyers will be focusing on the flaws which will be more obvious. You are better off investing in a consultation or full staging than trying to do ”vignette” or “Lite staging”. These silly staging tricks where a couple rooms have minimal furniture or have small areas staged in an otherwise empty house look weird and distracting. Better to not waste money on that and leave it empty. During the home staging consultation, the stager can tell you what the most important things are you can do to get the best return on your investment with the money you have available to spend.
A great home stager will make all the difference in a successful home sale for you. Pick their brains! They want to help you!
Ready for your Home Staging Consultation?
Start with a home staging consultation, either in person or online. From there, you can take the information and stage it yourself, or we can work together or I can do it all for you. Whether you will be living in the home while it is for sale or it will be a vacant property that needs everything, I can help.
Some other services you may find helpful are a color consultation if your staging consultation highlights the need for re-painting the interior or exterior. Virtual staging is an option if in person staging will not work for your vacant property. And vacation rental staging can help you increase your income, bookings and attract your ideal customer.
The right paint colors can help you sell for more. The wrong colors can decrease your sales price. Get this report, normally valued at $5 for free when you sign up to receive monthly color, design and staging tips.
