Does your staircase “step up” for showings? Staircases are attention-getting elements - make sure yours elevates excitement from the buyers’ first step inside your home! House Dressings understands the importance of styling those challenging staircases and is excited to share market-ready tips to “dress up” stairways this month!
A Circular Staircase
This one is easy! A circular staircase is a symbol of elegance and luxury. A curved staircase is typically dramatic and eye-catching in its design and placement. To enhance the already jaw-dropping beauty of the circular design, add a round table at the base paired with a tall vase of fresh flowers or foliage. Typically, ceiling heights around circular staircases will allow you to really 'step it up' when it comes to filling your vases!
A tip for photographers: when photographing, capture the view from a lower perspective and shoot toward the curve. This helps show off the grandeur of the staircase while appealing to home buyers on a completely different level!
The Staircase Solution
When potential buyers see a staircase, regardless of location within a home, they think of a wide range of ideas and purposes on how best to utilize the space. From fabulous foyers to basic storage and functionality, there are many ways to stage and style a staircase. Here are our top three!
Photo Credit: Studio McGee
1. Create a Foyer
Having a staircase immediately as you enter the front door can put a damper on design possibilities. Fear not, as a foyer is still achievable with a few appropriate pieces - a sleek console or a family heirloom chest, can really be an attention getter! Top it off with a beautiful lamp, fresh flowers, and hand-selected accessories to have your guest wanting to see more! Don’t forget, House Dressings offer Nesting Services, which would help in selecting those perfect pieces and finishing touches for your new or existing home or even Airbnb!
Photo Credit: Studio McGee
2. Extra Storage
Who doesn’t need more storage?! Converting that otherwise empty space under the stairs into a storage closet or pantry is a great way to add value to your home! A quick trip to Target for affordable and stylish metal shelves will easily kick off this transformation.
Photo Credit: London Kiwi Carpentry
3. No Mudroom?
No Problem! Remember that empty space under the stairs? A perfect place to create a new mudroom! The minor cost of construction will pay dividends when buyers swoon over this coveted space. It also acts as the perfect drop zone to help keep the kitchen and living areas clutter-free!
Photo Credit: Instagram @my_best_laid_plans
Tips To “Step Up'“ Your Staircase
Outdated staircase? No worries, there are many options for homeowners (both DIY and hired) to “step up” the staircase for selling.
But first, remove personal photos from the staircase wall. Homeowners often use this space to create a gallery of framed family photos and although beautiful, as professional stagers, we will always advise on taking them down! Evaluate the wall afterward, as a paint touch-up might be necessary after removal.
Photo Credit: Dear Lillie Studios
1. Money in a Can
If you're wanting to step it up a notch, consider updating the materials. A classic and very simple transformation is paint or as we call it, “money in a can”! Painting the staircase spindles and risers a light neutral color, such as the trim color, can help brighten the space. If you are needing help in selecting the perfect color or specifying which areas to paint, House Dressings is here to help!
Photo Credit: David Burroughs Photography
2. Marriage Material
If you're really going for a change, pairing iron rails with warm wood tones gives such great character and elegance to a ho-hum staircase. “The marriage of wood and iron allows homeowners to play off both materials so that the stairway complements other design elements of the home” as well as, the owner's style, shares John Lynn, a real estate pro with 5 Star Real Estate Pros at Keller Williams Mountain Partners.
Photo Credit: Studio McGee
3. Step into the Light
If you're ready to really "step" out of the box and into the light - update or add lighting to your staircase! The best bang for your buck is updating the pendant light at the foot of the stairs. Don’t be afraid to select something fun and welcoming - remember recessed lights can easily be converted into a hanging pendant!
Photo Credit: Design Works Home
Let’s “Step” Outside
Here in south Louisiana, we typically don’t have major elevation changes on the exterior of our properties, but those small discrete steps leading up to entryways can be a real ‘toe-stumper’. A great way to draw attention to elevation changes is by adding a beautiful pot, filled with bright and colorful flowers, to the side of the walkway in order to help direct your eyes to the step up.
Photo Credit: Studio McGee
Staircases are beautiful architectural elements of a home that bring character and design with little effort - most speak for themselves. With a little staging and a few easy updates, you can really “step up” your staircase for selling success!
Source: https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/styled-staged-sold/why-you-should-consider-staging-the-staircase
