Holiday Decor at my crib
It’s been a busy week of decorating, styling and tree trimming at Prep Home Staging but I’m ahead of the game with my own decor, which usually gets done in the last week before Christmas (if I’m lucky). I went all out this year with the glitter so I expect to be sparkling until about mid February 🙂
Here’s a mini tour of my home. Enjoy.
Ready for crisp,cold nights
How much is too much? Should you put up a Christmas tree? Is it PC to do so?
One thing to consider is who are your target buyers? Do your neighbors decorate their homes for the season? Do you live in a family oriented neighborhood?
If you do decide to decorate for the season while your home is on the market, this is not the year to turn your home into Santa’s grotto. You don’t want prospective buyers to concentrate on your collection of 75 nutcrackers or your village complete with train station, you can enjoy those next year in your new home.
Keeping festive dĂ©cor to a minimum will ensure buyers will still notice your home’s beautiful features and not be distracted by too much visual clutter, plus crowded spaces feel smaller.
When placing a tree be careful not to interfere with traffic flow in the room, remove a piece of furniture if need be and place in another room or storage. Choose your colour scheme wisely and try to coordinate with the rooms décor. Keep it subtle and sophisticated and save the macaroni ornaments made by your toddler and the paper chains for next year.
If you have a fireplace play this selling feature up and do a tasteful arrangement on the mantle to create a beautiful focal point in the room. One display in the centre of the dining room table and a few natural elements in the kitchen will carry the theme through.
Last but not least curb appeal. Leave those inflatable, flashy and cute items alone, much as the kids want you to put them out, just don’t. This is the time to really use restraint – less is more. A simple, lovely wreath on your front door and small evergreens in pots at either side of your door with twinkling white mini lights will say “welcome” and appeal to buyers without going overboard.
Almost halfway through November, where does the time go. Christmas decor has well and truly taken over in the stores, glitz and glitter as far as the eye can see. It seems a long way off but now is the time to start planning your Holiday tablescape. Here are a few ideas to get you inspired, whether you are planning a Maritime lobster boil on Christmas Eve, a local tradition in my neck of the woods, or a quiet New Year dinner for two. Forgo the matching china and mix it up.  Enjoy 🙂
The first thing your prospective buyers see is your entry way, so it has to set the scene for the rest of the home. Your family is busy, but when selling a home you have to find storage solutions for the usual collection of seasonal outerwear, sports equipment, pet toys, shoes and boots and all the other clutter that seems to accumulate at the front door. A cluttered and unorganized front entrance suggests to buyers that the home lacks storage, not a great first impression. De clutter by packing and storing seasonal outerwear and footwear and keep items to a minimum to make closets appear as spacious as possible. Never leave shoes and boots at the front door when showing your home. On an agent showing there are going to be at least 2 to 3 pairs of shoes or boots that need space, no need for more clutter. A boot tray inside your closet, or a basket or bench with a lid  and keep your footwear out of sight.
I have been in many clients homes where there is not a designated coat closet, especially in older homes. Adding a bench, some hooks and storage baskets gets around the idea of “no closet”. Attractive lined baskets are an inexpensive way to store hats, gloves and scarves and you can colour code one for each member of the family or attach name tags to simplify storage. A small console or table will act as a focal point and a place to drop keys in an attractive bowl or plate so they are easily found. A mirror above the console is a good idea to bring in some extra light and a good place to check hair and make up on the way out. If your space is tight and you don’t have room for a table use a narrow wall mounted shelf and hang an attractive piece of artwork above.
If space allows a bench or chair is a good idea for buyers to sit while removing or putting on shoes. If you have a rug at the front door that is starting to show its age replace it with a bound sisal or something in a neutral palette that will appeal to most buyers. If muddy boots and pets are an issue, keep your new rug for pictures and showings so it always looks fresh for buyers or use an indoor, outdoor rug. These are available in so many great colours and patterns now and a great solution for heavy traffic areas.
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Create a stunning entryway for a memorable first impression!
