Lighting Up the New Year!

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Lighting within your home is very important, especially in a vacant home with no overhead ceiling lights.  The most important element to lighting is that it is balanced and casts no shadows.  Using a 60 watt bulb is usually best, but a 75 watt may be better in a really dark or extra large room.  After Furniture placement, make sure the lights are kitty-corner from each other and not all on one side.  If they must be on one side, then consider placing a floor lamp across from them to create the desired balance.

It is much darker during the winter months so light your home as much as possible.  It will create welcomeness and warmth, instead of feeling scary and unfamiliar.  Some rooms may have just one dim ceiling light, this could be a good opportunity to add table or floor lamps.

Lighting is also important for photos.  Walk through each room to see if the light looks balanced.  Does it feel warm and inviting?  Take a picture with your phone to see if there are shadows.  If the light is unbalanced, it will show a flash to one side of the room.  Have you noticed in homes online that are not lit properly look dark and dingy.  You may not be able to see in a corner, or distinguish room from room.  You want to highlight each room so the potential buyer can see everything that your home has to offer.

Final Thought…  “A good intention, with a bad approach, often leads to a poor result.”  Thomas A. Edison

Foyers, by Susan Adair

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Whether large or small, grand or modest, the entry to your home says “Welcome! Please come in!” It’s the introduction to all good things to come.

When I was teaching little kids, I would get down on my knees or sit in a small chair and look around my classroom so I could gain a better perspective into how things might look to my students. Was there too much stuff on the walls? Were there zones for different activities? Were there calm spaces? You get the idea.

I think it’s a good idea to do the same thing as you enter your house. You certainly do not have to get down on your knees, but try looking at the foyer, actually the whole house, through your buyer’s eyes. What does it say? Does it invite you in?

The entry may be just a small wall space inside the front door, just enough room for a few hooks to hang a cool hat, a scarf or umbrella and a small mirror to reflect light and let you check out your look when coming or going. It may include a grand stair case with space for a chair(s) or settee and a beautiful table or chest. Or it may be something in between. Whatever the size or style, the message is the same. “Welcome!”

Here’s one idea for foyer table dressing:

  1. Start with a mirror or a piece of art and lean it against the wall or hang it above the table top.
  2. Add a lamp toward one side, preferably the side farthest from the door so it doesn’t interfere with your sight line.
  3. Place a couple of books on their sides next to the lamp
  4. Top the books with a container of branches or flowers.

What does your foyer say?

If you have a great idea, I would love to hear it!

Your friendly staging consultant, Susan