LIVING ROOMS
Create a Focal Point
"Pick
out the most visible corner and put a large plant—I've found that silk trees
work best. Set up a spotlight behind it so it lights up the leaves and throws
an interesting shadow on another wall. It really makes a difference in a
person's perception of the space, especially if it's a large room without too
much natural lighting."
Set Up a Chat Room
"Be
sure that the living room furniture is positioned for conversation as well as
entertainment. Potential buyers should be able to easily envision sitting in a
space where they can easily talk without having to move a chair or turn
completely around."
Get Rid of Carpet Dents
"Furniture
often leaves indentations in the carpet. When a piece of furniture is moved, I
tell my clients to put medium-sized ice cubes in the imprints. As the ice
melts, it causes the compacted carpet to expand and erase those imprints."
Accent Special Features
"Place
an accent by a home's feature, such as an attractive plant near a fireplace to
draw the eye to it or a tall palm or two in place that directs the buyer toward
another part of the home or suggests a separation of areas. This also ensures
that someone often enters the home to care for it."
Invoke the Outdoors
"Use
a little nature in each room. I create a flow throughout the home using
cuttings, flowers, dried flowers, whatever will work. Simple things, such
as twigs to spell out a word or a small cutting tied with raffia around a
pillow on a bed, draw the eye into the room but don't overpower it. I have even
used a branch cutting to make a 'tree' in an empty corner. I try to use
one piece of nature in each room to create an ongoing theme throughout the
home. It works with any type of decor, whether it's modern or traditional. One
important note: Always check for insects!"
