When it comes to real estate, the kitchen is often regarded as one of the most important rooms in the house.
In fact, it’s often said that a kitchen can sell a house. The kitchen has a tremendous influence on a prospective buyer’s decision, with the size, style, and layout all factoring into their final decision.
If you are selling your home, it’s worth spending some time to ensure that your kitchen is looking its best. Staging your kitchen doesn’t necessarily mean a complete overhaul. Often, a few simple upgrades and minor improvements can drastically transform the look of a kitchen. While you may still want to update old appliances and outdated features, in some cases a few simple upgrades are enough to spruce up a kitchen.
If you’re looking for ideas to get your home into sell-ready shape, here are three tips to help you stage your kitchen.
Clean and Clear
The most important part of staging is to ensure that everything is cleared and cleaned. While you will want to leave out a few decorative items, like a few vases or a bowl, clear away everything that doesn’t help the kitchen to look its absolute best. You may also want to consider having your kitchen professionally cleaned. A clean, open kitchen will allow potential buyers to visualize their own items there, and will give the kitchen a fresh feel.
Keep It Open and Light
Don’t underestimate the power of natural lighting. If your kitchen has a window, be sure to take advantage of the light and use minimal window coverings, or remove them altogether. Consider the lighting in the room. Is there adequate task lighting under the cupboards? What about the main light, is it time for an updated fixture? Lighting can have a significant impact on the overall feel of the room.
Make It Fresh
Finally, freshen things up. A fresh new coat of paint can work wonders in a kitchen. You may also want to display some fresh fruit or flowers in a nice bowl or vase to bring some color and light in. Also be aware of odors, few things can turn a buyer away faster than an unpleasant smell. If fixtures or features are outdated, consider upgrading –a new backsplash, for example, or a new faucet are relatively simple ways to update a kitchen.
When staging your kitchen, remember to keep in mind the prospective buyers, and try to think through their perspective. Your goal is to create an environment that they can visualize themselves in, one that makes them feel at home.
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Image: Home Depot
Original Post: Cathy Hobbs Design Recipes
