Tips for Staging in Autumn

When preparing your home for sale, there are many tasks that can help increase the success of your real estate sale. And why wouldn't you want to ensure one of the biggest decisions you make runs smoothly and in a way that maximizes your return on investment? One of the tasks we don't always realize can have one of the largest impacts is staging.

While you will want to start with decluttering to make the home seem brighter and more spacious as well as without too much of the owner's personality, you could also consider redecorating whether that is painting, moving the furniture or adding additional accessories.

Here are 4 tips for staging your home in autumn.

Begin staging with seasonal curb appeal

From the moment someone sees your home from the exterior, it should make a strong first impression. You can fascinate visitors by improving any lawncare, gardening and landscaping aspects that need improvement, while adding some seasonally autumn plants and trees. Opt for shades that feel warm in fall, like browns and black. A unique autumn wreath can be added to the door with muted tones or again browns and oranges. Think: dry flowers, toasty leaves, rust colored ribbons. If you upgrade porch furniture, consider replacing whites and florals for darker wicker and richer textiles like corduroy and soft plaid in classic autumn colors.

Continue the stylistic choices into the entrance

Following the same color themes as your porch aesthetic will be key for the guests as they enter the home. Keep it clear of clutter, removing things like extra boots and hats, so the first step inside the home feels spacious and open. Deep clean so the floor shines, no dust or mud remains, and add a few autumnal accessories like fluffy cushions on the bench. If you have mats and other fabrics, consider replacing with ones that give autumnal vibes.

Style the dining area with autumnal touches

As the months get colder and darker, a cozier aesthetic is going to make all the difference. When visitors come to see the home, they will be thinking about the holidays and the guests they will have over for dinners and hosting. Dress the table as if you were having a feast of a dinner party so they can see what the space would look like as they entertain. Lay out the glassware, silverware and a gorgeous fall themed table runner. Velvet does a great job this time of year. Keep the room warm and inviting with soft lighting.

Accentuate the fireplace and hearth

The cozier the better, so if your home includes a fireplace and hearth, making sure this area is a strong focal point will be essential.

Focusing on these warm and comfy aspects will not only help you draw in visitors who are serious buyers when they see your home from the curb but following these tips may also help you sell the home.

-Courtney Edgar is a lifestyle journalist and copywriter based in Montreal. Her work has been published in HuffPost, Pop Sugar, Atlas Obscura, Explore Mag, and more.