Home Office Staging: The Art Of Selling Space

Home stagers employ a variety of strategies to make a house more appealing to potential buyers. They may rearrange furniture, add plants, improve the landscaping, and make subtle changes to the interior design to showcase the home's best features. One of the main goals of home staging is to depersonalize the space so that prospective buyers can envision themselves living there. This involves removing personal items such as family photos, monogrammed towels, and refrigerator art. Stagers also recommend cleaning and decluttering to create a more inviting and spacious environment.

Neutral-coloured paint

Painting your home office with neutral colours is an effective way to increase your home's value and make it more appealing to potential buyers.

Neutral colours such as shades of white, beige, taupe, and grey are often recommended by realtors and stylists as they create a blank canvas that helps buyers visualise themselves living in the property. These colours are also more likely to reflect light and make the room appear larger, which is a top priority for most buyers.

When choosing a shade of neutral paint, it is important to consider factors such as the age of your property, the colour of the flooring, and the amount of natural light the room receives. For example, some shades of white can appear harsh in spaces with a lot of natural sunlight, while others can make rooms seem dated and dark if there is not enough light.

Neutral colours can also be used strategically to complement the architectural features of your home office. For instance, cooler tones tend to pair well with the grey/blue schemes found in newer properties, while warmer tones complement the earthier colours often seen in older homes with cedar window frames or terracotta tiles.

By opting for neutral-coloured paint in your home office, you can create a calm and inviting space that appeals to a wider range of buyers, from young people searching for their first home to retirees looking to downsize.

Plants

Firstly, it is important to consider the lighting in the home office. If the room has low light, opt for plants such as peace lilies, snake plants, Chinese evergreens, ZZ plants, nerve plants, and corn plants. These plants can tolerate low-light conditions and will thrive with only indirect sunlight. Peace lilies, for example, are great choices for indoor gardening because they are easy to grow and have tropical-looking leaves. They grow happily in low light and should be kept in moist but not soggy soil. Snake plants, also known as mother-in-law tongues, are another low-maintenance option with sharp-pointed leaves. They should be kept away from drafts and their roots should not be overwatered.

If the home office has bright, indirect sunlight, consider plants such as the Chinese Money Plant, which has rounded, green leaves and only needs to be watered once a week. Cacti and succulents are also excellent choices for bright spaces and are extremely trendy. The prickly pear cactus, in particular, is ideal for neglectful homeowners as it can go weeks without attention.

For a statement plant that will impress potential buyers, consider a rubber plant. These plants have large, glossy leaves that add structure to any room and give a covetable "home jungle" look. They do, however, need bright indirect sunlight and should only be watered when the soil is dry.

Another super-trendy plant that will appeal to younger buyers is the String of Hearts. This evergreen, trailing vine has heart-shaped, grey-green foliage with a marbled pattern. It is perfect for a bookcase or shelf and is easy to care for.

For a tropical look in the home office, consider the Draceana or Madagascar Dragon Tree. This palm-like tree is easy to care for and has green sword-like leaves edged with red. It will make a statement in the room and create a relaxing atmosphere.

Finally, a classic and ever-popular plant is the Peace Lily. These lilies are familiar to many and are said to have air-purifying properties. They have dark green leaves and bright white flowers that will create a striking display. They thrive in medium to low light and should only be watered when the soil is dry.

When choosing plants for a home office, it is essential to consider the lighting and care requirements of each plant. By selecting plants that thrive in the given conditions, you can ensure they look their best when potential buyers view the property.

Depersonalisation

The goal of home staging is to make a house more appealing to potential buyers, allowing them to envision themselves living in the space. This involves depersonalising the home, removing personal items and photographs, and creating a clean, neutral environment. This process is essential to help buyers imagine their own personal touches in the home.

When it comes to a home office, the same principles apply. A home stager will aim to create a space that is free of clutter and personal effects, presenting a clean, organised, and functional workspace. Here are some specific strategies they might employ:

• Removing personal items: Any personal items, such as family photos, memorabilia, and documents, should be removed or stored away. This includes items typically found on a desk, such as pens, notebooks, and other office supplies, which may be too specific to the current owner's taste or work style.
• Creating a neutral space: The home office should have neutral colours on the walls, such as warm, muted tones, rather than bright or custom colours. This creates a blank canvas for potential buyers to project their own style onto.
• Adding aspirational decor: While keeping the space neutral, stagers might add simple, elegant decor to the home office, such as a vase of flowers, a potted plant, or some non-descript artwork.
• Ensuring functionality: The layout of the furniture should showcase the functionality of the space. For example, a desk, chair, and bookshelf might be arranged to highlight the room's potential as a productive workspace.
• Maximising light: Curtains or blinds should be opened to maximise natural light, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere.
• Highlighting storage: If the home office has built-in storage, such as shelves or cabinets, stagers might emphasise this feature by styling the shelves with neutral, decorative items, such as books or plants.
• Adding simple accessories: The stager might include simple, tasteful accessories, such as a desk lamp, a small rug, or a clock, ensuring these items are not too personalised or unique.
• Creating a welcoming atmosphere: The overall goal is to make the home office feel welcoming and inviting. This might involve adding soft furnishings, such as cushions or a throw blanket, or including a comfortable armchair to create a relaxing reading nook.

By following these strategies, a home stager can effectively depersonalise a home office, making it more appealing to a wider range of buyers and increasing the likelihood of a quick sale.

It is worth noting that, while depersonalisation is a critical aspect of home staging, it is also important to ensure the space still feels warm and inviting. Striking a balance between a neutral, clean space and a welcoming atmosphere is key to successful home staging.

Cleanliness

Deep Clean:

Go beyond the regular dusting and vacuuming. Make sure to clean every nook and cranny of the home office, including windowsills, closet interiors, and under countertops. Wipe down all surfaces, including appliances, electronics, and furniture. Don't forget to clean the grout between tiles, scrub the bathroom, and steam clean the carpets. Ensure the bathroom sparkles, paying attention to often-neglected areas like behind the toilet and the sink drain.

Declutter:

A cluttered space can be distracting and make the room appear smaller. Remove any unnecessary items from the home office, such as piles of papers, knick-knacks, and personal items like photos and memorabilia. Clear off countertops and desks, putting away items like appliances and stationery. Use storage solutions or rent a storage unit to keep the space tidy and organised.

Highlight the Architecture:

Arrange furniture and decor to showcase the room's best features, such as a fireplace or built-in bookshelves. Ensure the room feels spacious and easy to navigate. Remove any furniture that obstructs views or architectural details.

Update and Repair:

Fix any broken or damaged items in the home office. A fresh coat of paint, especially in a neutral colour, can instantly update the space and make it more appealing. Replace outdated furniture or appliances if possible, or consider renting more contemporary pieces to stage the room.

Depersonalise:

Remove any personal items that may distract potential buyers and prevent them from envisioning themselves in the space. This includes personal photos, unique artwork, and items that reflect your hobbies or interests.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your home office is clean, tidy, and ready to impress potential buyers.

Lighting

Firstly, it is crucial to maximise the use of natural light. Open the blinds or curtains to let in as much natural light as possible. If the windows are small or there is limited natural light, consider hanging a mirror directly across from the largest window to reflect light and create the illusion of a brighter, more open space.

In addition to natural light, it is essential to have good artificial lighting. Ensure that all light fixtures are clean and functional, replacing any outdated or broken ones. Use see-through curtains or take the curtains off the windows completely to highlight large windows and let in more light. If the room has a focal point, such as a fireplace or a window with a view, centre the furniture around it to draw attention and create a conversation area.

To make the space feel more spacious, pull the furniture away from the walls. Symmetrical arrangements can also help to create a sense of balance and harmony in the room. Ensure that the pathways between furniture are easy to navigate, allowing potential buyers to move around the room without obstruction.

Finally, consider the colour palette of the room. Light, neutral colours on the walls and furniture can help to reflect light and make the space feel brighter and more airy. Accentuate the neutral backdrop with pops of colour using accessories such as pillows, pottery, or fresh flowers.

Frequently asked questions