How to Stage an Exterior...And make a lasting impression
We all can recall those particular homes from our house-hunting years that made us stop and stare with pure wonder. We had no idea what the inside looked like, and in that moment, we didn't care. The exterior of the home — from the front door color to the landscaping — had us at hello.
Today, we're going to teach you how to make your home that home. Whether you are getting ready to sell or you just want a refresh, you'll be delighted with the results.
The exterior makes an impression, giving visitors (or potential buyers) a taste of what is to come. Not only that, but having an awe-inspiring exterior will further improve their opinions of the interior.
To recreate this wow factor, follow these easy tips...
Inspect your front door. Is it full of dings and scratches? Does the weather sealing need to be replaced? Is the screen/storm door looking worn? Remove, repair, replace and repaint anything that makes you hesitate. If you don't like it, no one else will either.
Update the house numbers. Any local home improvement store will offer a variety of elegant upgrades for your house numbers. This simple fix is a design detail that will get noticed.
Add / replace the exterior lights. Keep your entry well-lit and welcoming with clean and polished fixtures.
Add potted plants. Greenery breathes life into an entry, soothes the psyche, and makes your entry appear curated.
Choose a tasteful welcome mat. Go for something classic and understated rather than clever or cartoony.
The exterior and landscaping as a whole will go far in attracting the right buyers, increasing the perceived value of the listing, or — if you're just updating your own home — making you proud of where you live.
Remove the shutters if your home has small windows, is a single-story, or seems "heavy" to the eye.
Wash the siding / whitewash the bricks as needed. These things are often forgotten over the years and make a world of impact on the aesthetic.
Ensure the landscaping doesn't block the view of the home. While bushes and flowering plants are attractive, they don't work well if they end up competing with the home. Let each have their space, and downplay the plant life if it's overbearing.
STAGING TIP
Don't over de-personalize
While we all know that family pictures and intimate belongings should be stowed away during home staging, don't err on the side of creating a home that feels vacant. Throw pillows, blankets, and framed art go a long way in making a house feel personable without being too personal.
STAGING FAQ
Should everything be beige?
Home staging professionals once relied on neutral palettes to appeal to the masses but are now transitioning to adding pops of color through decor and accessories.
Only Need Window
Treatments?
Contact our sister company, Draped. Draped is an Austin-based, award-winning, full-service, turn-key window covering company specializing in custom drapery, bedding and shades, as well as high quality hard window coverings and shutters.
Robin Bond is a multi-award winning Austin-based interior designer. She is best known for her transitional and contemporary design aesthetic, which she brings to life through incorporating edgy elements into each of her unique, luxury designs.
Robin has been practicing interior design since 2003. Her training and experience include a Diploma from The Interior Design Institute, and the Sustainable Furnishing Council’s Green AP designation, and she is an HSR Certified Professional Home Stager and Redesigner. She is a member of ASID and WCAA, where she received her Certified Window Treatment Consultant designation.
Robin is a native Texan with strong family ties all over central Texas. She married her husband, Darren, in 1998 and they are proud parents of their son, Shelton. Their Ragdoll cat, Rocco, completes the family. Robin feels blessed to practice what she lives, loves and breathes as a career. When not designing, Robin stays involved at her local church, Antioch. She is a foodie and loves to cook. Robin believes in mind, body and soul wellness, so she spends free time exercising, watching movies, riding bikes and has a passion for the water. The greatest love of her life is building rich relationships with friends and family.
Custom Homes Require
Custom Interiors
After you make that luxury home sale, recommend us to your client who needs help dressing their space with high-end furnishings. We are a turn-key interior design firm selling quality interior furniture and decor…from the sofa all the way to that last lamp. (Did we mention we have been featured on many magazine covers and features.)
