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We made it to 2021!! The House Dressings Team (plus virtual members) sends you warm wishes for a new year filled with promise, hope, peace and good health! We’re looking forward to connecting and partnering with our agents and sellers to “dress” your 2021 listings for selling success!
There’s no need to be shy this Thanksgiving when it comes to tablescapes, even in the era of face masks! From tips for outdoor dining, to glowing it up with copper hues, using more pumpkins – big and small, and mixing in a hearty serving of treasured family pieces, our HD team has the scoop on how to make your 2020 Thanksgiving table the best ever!
HD 2020 Fall Tablescape Tips:
1) It's 2020 -- so bring your Thanksgiving dinner outside, complete with festive lighting, fire pits and fur blankets! The best way to set the scene? A gorgeous fall tablescape, featuring festive seasonal centerpieces and traditional fall place settings. Dining outside doesn’t mean you have to forego the fun and flair of indoor dining.
– Rebecca B., Operations Coordinator
2) I love anything Fall (especially cooler temperatures!) Pumpkins are my favorite and so fun to use in your fall table settings – and they’re such an easy and inexpensive way to add that pop of color to your holiday table. Now you’re ready to enjoy this wonderful season with your family and friends!
– Barbara G., ASP Stager
3) With touches of copper and greyish blues, “rustic modern” is my favorite for fall tables. Pair these delicious fall colors with trending accessories and fresh flowers for a tablescape that’s sure to receives lots of applause. Since the holidays are on a smaller scale this year, there’s no need to hold back on your table styling – why not go all out and really make your table shine?!
– Lizzie B., Social Media Coordinator
4) My favorite fall table setting? It always starts with a “table-full” of memories! Mixing treasured family china, silver and crystal with trending linens and styling touches brings a warm and happy glow to every Thanksgiving table. I never get tired of blue and white china – and classic Blue Danube, Blue Willow or cobalt blue Lomonosov often have huge starring roles!
– Molly K., Business Founder, Owner and ASP Stager
5) Family-style – that’s definitely my favorite way to serve Thanksgiving dinner as our family gathers around the formal dining table. I keep my décor simple with varied shades of neutrals accented by white pumpkins. It’s modern, with a strong hint of traditional, and includes lots of layering of beautiful elements.
– Jennifer Z., ASP Stager
6) Do you talk green? Me too! I love incorporating fresh, natural greenery in my Thanksgiving holiday table settings. Eucalyptus stems, magnolia branches or sprigs of fresh rosemary all make great choices for the table. My next go-to is classic white china styled with rattan elements and woven textured linens.
– Caitlin G., Design Director
Excited for fall? Us, too! Hurricanes, heat, humidity and COVID worries have made all of us more than a bit weary and ready for a change of pace. As the days cool and the leaves pile up, who isn’t “playing the field” to find their new fall crush?! House Dressings has been on the prowl for the best fall 2020 design trends and we can’t wait to share!
This season the House Dressings team is falling for . . .
1) Caramel lattes aren’t just for sippin’: Fall means pumpkins, cinnamon spice and caramel! Fall is one of my favorite times of year and I’m excited to welcome the changing colors – inside and out. The color caramel is making a big impact this fall. Touches of this soothing color throughout your home will add that warmth and coziness that we’re all craving this time of year. Go ahead and grab a Caramel Latte and enjoy this beautiful weather!
– Barbara G., ASP Stager
2) Rockin’ that rattan: I love all things rattan -- especially rattan accent chairs in all shapes and sizes! They bring extra texture, design, and a natural look to any room. You can also add fall accent pillows and/or cushions and throws in trending greens, rusts, blues and deep grays for some seasonal spice. If you’re feeling extra festive, why not change out your pillows and throws to match every season?!
- Lizzie B., Social Media Coordinator
3) Singing the blues: My favorite trend for fall - all hues of blue! As the days shorten and the nights grow longer this time of year, blue is a natural choice for fall decorating. I’m especially loving blue velvet and vintage accents in the dining and living rooms. Who can resist a taste of navy-blue velvet chairs in the dining room paired with gorgeous hardwood floors and stylish wallpaper?!
- Jennifer Z., ASP Stager
4) Oldies + newbies: What’s old is new - we’re talking about “grand-millenial” style! Described by one interior designer, Ariel Orkin, a grand-millenial is someone who is really a “new traditionalist” — someone who has an appreciation for the past. Think mixed prints like gingham or toile with fresh, layered color for a new take on old-school style. This works great for fall staging because many sellers have beautiful old furniture that can be made new with a pop of autumn-colored gingham or toile. I’ve always loved that eclectic mix of old and new, and fall is the perfect time to usher the grand-millenial style into our homes.
– Caitlin G., Design Director
5) It’s cuddle time: Fall is here, and I love spending evenings on my back patio, sitting next to the fire pit, watching the red birds and squirrels. Cozy fur throws evoke a sense of luxury, warmth, and sophistication, a perfect match for crisp fall nights. Add leather pillows and you’ll never want to go back inside!
– Rebecca B., Operations Coordinator
6) Four-paw prints: Can you guess what Halloween black cats have in common with this fall trend? There’s no better time than now for a little Meow! Yep, a small splash of animal print is that just-right ingredient to welcome fall 2020. We’ve definitely seen animal prints come and go through the years, but 2020 welcomed the critter-patterned fabric back – in very small doses. So go ahead and add some subtle safari to your fall home décor (I sure did!), because all we have is Meow!
– Molly K., Business Founder, Owner and ASP stager
Our Top 10 All-Time Favorite "Staged for Selling Success" Tips
1. Kissable curb appeal! Remember – first impressions sell. Make sure you capture your buyers’ interest and excitement right from the curb. Well-maintained yards, squeaky clean driveways and porches, and seasonal color in the beds and pots near the front door will get buyers to say YES to that first date!
2. Foyers that whisper “welcome” offer a warm visual greeting to buyers. What does this space say about the rest of your house? House Dressings’perfect ingredients include a foyer table or chest, large vertical mirror, sophisticated rug or runner, edgy lamp, and fresh flowers or green plant.
3. Dinner is . . . sold! Let’s sell that amazing dining room/gathering space to buyers, inviting them to imagine sharing a holiday meal with family or hosting a festive dinner party for a happy crowd. To create interest and drama, we suggest foregoing a fussy and formally set table. Casual and comfortable work best for “dinner is sold” tables.
4. Seal. The. Deal. Living Rooms. The anchor space of the house not only needs to turn heads, but also tempt buyers to say – “I can see myself living here.” Keep furniture pieces to a balanced minimum – one sofa, two chairs, plus a smallish coffee table, and end tables. Trending accents are the key – pillows, lamps, art and a vibrant rug. And the real star of the show?! The fireplace!
5. Just say no to kitschy kitchens! Pack up collectibles, store small appliances and cooking knives and hide those dirty dishes and paper clutter. Kitchen are a great space to sell “lifestyle” as buyers imagine themselves entertaining, cooking meals and cozying up to a cup of coffee in your home’s “cuisine gallery”. Desirable features such as islands, spacious counters and updated sinks deserve those extra-special styling touches to make sure buyers take note.
6. What’s up with those mudrooms?! Besides being the organizational hub of the home, mudrooms are hugely popular with today’s buyers. From hanging coats, umbrellas, and backpacks to shoe and boot storage, this “transition” space facilitates busy lives as families come and go. Sure they’re practical spaces, but don’t miss the chance to make mudrooms super cute, too.
7. Laundry roomsnot your jam? Not a problem with a few simple House Dressingstips! One of the most overlooked spaces in the home when it comes to selling, laundry rooms have emerged from the dark, dull and boring dungeons of the 1980s. Think clean, tidy, clutter-free zones with lots of natural/enhanced light, sprinkled with a few charming accents. A colorful rug or inspirational framed quote on the wall, and a neatly folded stack of matching white towels placed on top of the dryer are the right-sized accessories to sell a room used daily by most families.
8. How many bedroomsdoes your house have? Did you know that’s one of the top searches when buyers are looking for a new home? Our favorite advice for getting top dollar for your home: make the bedrooms “hotel ready,” especially the master. House Dressingssuggests neutral color schemes with a few pops of color to create a serene, stress-free mood. Natural fabrics and textures, a minimalist approach to furniture and art, and fresh flowers or live plants will be sure wins with potential buyers.
9. Top-notch hotels have a bunch to teach us about hospitality and how best to present our bathrooms– fresh white towels, white shower curtains, simple but elegant decorative accents, and essential toiletries (fresh bars of soap, lotion, Qtips and cotton balls). It’s the little thoughtful and intentional touches that make all the difference to buyers when it comes to creating that spa-like “gotta-have” vibe. Above all, keep it simple - clean, neat, tidy – and clutter-free!
10. “Stage to amaze” those outdoor living spaces! Staging your outdoor patio and kitchen will create coveted extra living spaces that invite buyers to “come and sit a spell” outside. We love neutral patio furniture and cushions mixed with pops of color and patterns using accent pillows and accessories. Consider adding an outdoor rug for even more color and to help define your patio area. How to get started? Pretend you are having people over for an outdoor BBQ or pool party and visualize all the key ingredients to make your outdoor space energetic and fun.
Looking for a “game changer” asset when it comes to selling your home? According to Trulia.com, updated master bathrooms can dramatically increase the value of your home. No worries if you’re short on time and budget – House Dressingshas got those just-right tips to win approving nods from buyers without all the remodel stress for you.
Houzz.com says the best “bang for your buck updates” include great options like painting walls and cabinets, replacing leaking and worn plumbing fixtures, updating cabinet hardware, installing new light fixtures and adding trending towel hooks. In higher priced homes, it’s also worth considering a change to the flooring tile (large white tiles always make a bathroom feel more spacious and contemporary), replacing shower glass and investing in new countertops.
Here's a peekat some of House Dressingsfavorite emerging trendsfor bathroom updates:
Cabinets - natural wood cabinetry, pop of color cabinetry - (i.e. – soft grays and blues are popular - and so are dark blues). White cabinets are still a staple trend in bathrooms, creating a calming, relaxing environment.
Hardware - GOLD is in, as well as black modern hardware. Simple, sleek and modern shapes are on trend.
Color palette - soft neutrals with pops of color or texture (as seen on cabinets, countertops, flooring, etc.). For walls, we love Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray. For cabinets, how about a fun gray green like Sherwin Williams Acacia Haze?
Freestanding tubs and showers - different shapes, materials and even colors. So nice to relax in after a long day, freestanding tubs add an architectural design element to the space and are sure to catch potential buyers’ attention.
Statement light fixtures over tubs - adding this to a bathroom creates a spa-like luxurious feel and can also encourage the sense of added value. Be sure to check with your electrician regarding current codes.
Zones – more is more! You can create mini “zones” in your bathroom and maximize appeal by using a glassed off shower area, a textured wall, statement wallpaper, large mirrors, or a linen cabinet painted to match the wall color in contrast to your vanity cabinets.
Once you’ve successfully made those “right-sized” updates based on your home’s price and market, how about a few finish styling strokes that will get those buyers to pull out their pens and make you an offer?!
HD stress-free styling for bathrooms:
Baskets! Baskets! Baskets! Large or small, for rolled up towels and plants. Wooden ladders for hanging your towels are popular, too, adding great vertical interest to the space.
Fresh or trending artificial plants sitting on countertops, a small garden stool next to a tub, or on a window ledge can all give some extra “life” to the bathroom.
Artwork - simple abstracts or water scenes are our favorites!
Try a bathtub book holder or caddy tray – it’s a great accessory to create that spa-like feel for stressed buyers.
Rugs – either a trending colorful or neutral style depending on your color palette and vibe. And don’t go too small – how about a runner in front of that fancy tub?
Suds it up with soap dispensers and/or bars of soap displayed with decorative hand towels on accent trays or baskets.
The summer months always seem to bring their share of sweet gatherings that include hosting cherished overnight guests. And while COVID precautions have paused the flow of in-person visits, we’ll soon be back to sending out fancy invitations to out-of-town family and friends to join us in our homes (or short-term rentals) to linger and savor special moments together.
Whether your guest space is a private bedroom and bath in your home, a small cottage on your property, or an Airbnb business enterprise nearby, practicing intentionality is the key to creating a truly welcoming experience for your visitors. For sellers, thoughtfully staged guest suites not only add value to your listing price but also help to sell lifestyle to buyers with frequent sleepover company.
This month House Dressings is sharing a few of our special ingredients that are sure to whisper “delighted you’re here” without saying a word.
Time to take a short trip down memory lane – what made your favorite vacation destination so special? Top-notch hotels have a bunch to teach us about hospitality and how best to present our guest spaces – fresh white towels, decorative accents, essential toiletries (soaps, shampoos, lotion, Qtips), a staged tray on the bed with TV remote and Wi-Fi logins, elegant glassware, water bottles, books and current trending magazines.
Nothing speaks welcome like fresh flowers in a vase. It’s the little thoughtful and intentional touches that make all the difference to guests. And who can resist chocolate, temptingly placed bedside for that final “ready to turn out the light” treat? What about a bottle of wine or champagne with a personal note welcoming or thanking guests for their stay?
Above all, keep it simple - clean, neat, tidy – and clutter-free! Even for guest spaces, House Dressings suggests neutral color schemes with pops of color and live plants as the best path for creating a serene, stress-free vibe. It’s okay to show some personality, but please skip using your own personal items and photos.
What makes your Airbnb or guest suite super special and unique? Especially key for short-term rentals, HDadvises selling “experiences” that make your space a standout. From coffee on the balcony, to a relaxing hammock on the porch, scenic views, poolside cocktails, nearby attractions and a well-stocked snack basket, let your amenities say “stay here!”
Guests will love hearing about your recommendations for things to do in the area, including outdoor activities, restaurants, shopping and touristy attractions. Intentionally placing a binder filled with brochures and a map, or an iPad prepared with a list of your local choices within the guest space is always appreciated. Want to kick it up a notch? Investigate Pearlshare, a free app for iPhone and iPad users designed especially for AirBnB hosts to share their favorites – customized to each guest’s preferences.
Do visitors still sign guest books? Absolutely! A custom journal personalized for your property will become a favorite for all who stay at your guest space. Framed wall maps are another fun way for visitors to say “I’ve been here” and initial their home towns.
Lastly, put your marketing cap on and find a space that promotes your AirBnB or guest cottage for Instagram pictures – try creating a decorative feature wall indoors or suggest a fun outdoor backdrop. Encourage visitors to take and post pictures during their stay (of course tagging you!).
