My passion for interior design derives from helping people just like you solve design dilemmas. My hope is that I can inspire you through my own life journey and what I’ve learned along the way. Thank you for your support. -Tiffani

Tiffani Michalenko 4/2/24 Tiffani Michalenko 4/2/24

Charming Home in Birkdale Village Staged to Sell

Birkdale Village home staged to sell.

Lenko Design had the opportunity to stage a charming and quaint home in a thriving Birkdale Village located in Huntersville, North Carolina. While the seller had some key furniture pieces to utilize for staging, a few additional items were required to perfect the overall look.

Alluring Front Porch

On average, it takes 7 seconds for potential buyers to formulate a first impression. This is huge! People are viewing homes online so it is critical to show gorgeous listing photos that will allure potential buyers in.

This inviting front porch features custom wood window shutters, a well-manicured lawn, freshly planted flowers, new accent pillows that relate to the color scheme on the home's interior, and a new front door mat.

Buyers expect to be welcomed into a home that looks and smells clean and well taken care of. The entryway should be open, unobstructed, and inviting. The staging of an entryway establishes an emotional connection for buyers right from the beginning.

Simple decor items can be used to style an entryway. We hung a decorative mirror directly opposite the front door so that buyers would literally see themselves in the home.

HOT TIP: Hanging mirrors in the entryway is a great way for potential buyers to visualize themselves living in the home. Their reflection will be the first and last thing they see. Mirrors also reflect light and make a space feel bigger.

The Best Furniture Placement for a Corner Fireplace

It can be tricky placing furniture in front of a corner fireplace. We placed a sectional sofa perpendicular to the fireplace facing the room's entrance. This setup not only showcases the fireplace but also offers a pleasant view of the sofa. The area rug aligns with the sofa's direction, centered on both the focal point and the sectional.

Living room

Effective staging can eliminate uncertainties about arranging a room with a diagonal fireplace, transforming it into a desirable feature that enhances the overall attractiveness of the area.

Open Concept Spaces

Staging open-concept spaces takes a bit of finesse. We want potential buyers to have a clear distinction between spaces, yet the entire area needs to be cohesive.

The existing round dining table and chairs fit the dining area well. The kitchen was in spectacular condition. I asked the Seller to remove small appliances, the knife set, and other miscellaneous items that were unnecessary.

Dining Room and Kitchen

We relocated a console table from the office to the dining area to establish a coffee bar. Above the console table, I hung artwork that complements the colors of the living room and styled it with coffee-themed accessories.

The dining table now takes centerstage in this space with a beautiful vase and tall greenery.

The kitchen received minimal countertop accessories to not distract from the kitchen cabinet's wood stain or the window above the sink.

HOT TIP: Always highlight cleanliness and storage in a kitchen and pantry.

Creating a Home Office

In homes of all sizes, the trend of working from home continues to thrive, leading buyers to seek out dedicated office spaces for quiet work and privacy. Buyers aim to envision their future work setups clearly, yet not all homes come equipped with such spaces. When faced with a house lacking a designated home office area, think outside the box. Identify areas that can be repurposed into functional work-from-home spaces and make the most of the available space creatively!

Home Office

This home did have a designated spare bedroom that they were using as a home office as well as for storage. I asked them to completely clear out the room so that I could bring in a new desk to help clearly define this space.

An area rug adds depth and dimension to the space by anchoring the desk and chair. Proper placement of artwork and accessories is crucial for effective staging. The goal is to attract the viewer's attention to the focal point while enhancing the room's visual appeal.

Bedrooms and Bathrooms

The Primary Bedroom is critical for home staging as it is a top priority for potential buyers. They are interested in the room's size and envisioning their own layout and decor. I appreciated the furniture arrangement in this bedroom, but it seemed cramped with two nightstands. To create more space between the bed and closet door, we took out one nightstand.

I adore the window seat and architectural features in this primary suite. We enhanced these spaces with decorative pillows and crisp white bed linens and accents.

The bathroom has a tranquil spa atmosphere, complete with minimal countertop accessories. I enhanced it by including a bathtub tray with items that evoke a spa-like feel.

Guest Bedroom

The guest bedroom saw the most significant staging transformation. It was previously used for storage, craft projects, and various other purposes but has now been cleared to establish its identity as a bedroom.

The bed, artwork, and accessories breathe life into this room, showcasing its full potential.

Outdoor Spaces

In an age heavily influenced by technology, individuals are seeking solace in nature during their free time to detach from the digital realm. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 57% of homebuyers are investing in properties in suburban areas, while 16% are choosing small towns and 15% are favoring urban locations that provide convenient access to backyards, fresh air, and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Buyers often seek a combination of indoor and outdoor areas. Arrange seating in an appealing manner and incorporate vibrant splashes of color. This setup will attract buyers looking for an outdoor entertainment space.

Recipe for Sucess

Enhancing the room with details attracts attention to the space and enables potential buyers to form an emotional connection with the property. Taking this extra step will ensure buyers fall in love and feel at home!

If you are serious about selling your home, here are 3 ESSENTIAL KEY STEPS you must take into consideration to make your home stand out from the competition:

Marketing Your Home On the Inside – Professional Home Staging
Marketing Your Home to the Public – Online Marketing, brochures, open houses, etc...
Pricing the House Right – Reviewing comparable homes in your area, getting a good agent, and finessing your price.

These three key steps are what aided this quaint home to sell in less than a month for $5k over the asking price!