Typically, 'trendy' is something to stay away from entirely when considering staging your home for sale. In fact, the general idea has been to make the space neutral so as to appeal to the imagination of the majority of potential buyers. With light remodeling focused on removing or minimizing features that date a home it doesn't feel natural to use trending features, but consider this: you're selling the home NOW. In this year. While these particular concepts are trending. You don't need to consider ten years down the road. You need only consider what is selling currently.
New interior design trends are going to shift the way homes should be staged to maximize their selling potential. Top trends for 2024 include the use of bolder colors, sustainability, smart-home features and individuality. Gone are the days (or at least should be gone) of standard staging that makes every home look the same. No more all cream/taupe furnishings with neutral wall hangings and standardized space use.
Smart Home Features
Consider adding smart thermostats, lighting, charging stations and keyless entries. Most of these features are relatively inexpensive to install and yet give your home the feeling of modernity and class.
Color Choice
Bright colored walls should still be avoided, but it's time to move beyond white and greige when painting the interior. Think comforting and nature inspired colors. According to color stylists at Farrow & Ball, clay tones that invoke serenity are gaining popularity. A shade that you may consider for an entire home repaint is Farrow & Ball's "Stirabout". Another great choice is Glidden's "Limitless", which is described as "anything but yellow, honey beige" and will brighten up a formerly plain or dreary space. If you're updating older kitchen cabinets, consider Behr's "Cracked Pepper"; a rich, deep color that can transform outdated honey oak and move the space towards a modern farmhouse or mid-century modern style. Colors such as Pantone's "Peach Fuzz" and Minwax's "Bay Blue" should be reserved (but definitely consider using!) for accent pillows, bedding and accent pieces.
Sustainability
Buyer's of all ages, but particularly Millenials, are seeking sustainabilty in their lives and homes. If you're installing new flooring consider marmoleum, cork, bamboo and wool carpet. Fireplaces are beautiful and inviting but wood burning fireplaces are intimidating to buyers unused to the labor involved in buying and stacking wood. They are also inefficient heat sources and draining on the environment. Converting wood burning fireplaces to natural gas is a cost worth incurring for resale value. Tankless water heaters, energy efficient appliances and water saving faucets, shower heads and toilets are another big plus in a home's appeal.
Individuality
A home is, in essence, a 'product'. As with all products, it is less about the item itself and more about how a customer feels when they are considering buying or imagining themselves using that product. Every space doesn't have to be portrayed in a typical/broad use manner. Don't be afraid to use playful (just make sure to keep it tasteful) artwork, bold statement piece furnishings, and unconventional use of spaces. There is a growing population of 'pet parents' for whom an adorable doghouse and water bowl may have a huge appeal! Use splashes of color and unique statement furniture to make sure your home sticks out in a buyer's mind after a long day of house hunting.
At Aspen Homes & Hardware, we're not afraid to step outside the box to make your home unique and memorable. Our stock contains traditional furnishings as well as unusual pieces you won't find in any other staged home. If you're ready to start the staging process (but not yet at the final decorating stage), consider our styling service package. After an on-site consultation, you'll receive a portfolio of suggestions (in-line with your budget) on how to proceed with staging your home for its maximum sale potential. Let's get it staged to get it sold in 2024!