Why spend thousands of dollars for a home staging professional when you can do the job yourself for a fraction of the cost? Just ask Kelly Killoren Bensimon, a real estate salesperson for Douglas Elliman and a star on The Real Housewives of New York who is an expert on home staging and helps her clients get their properties in top shape before they’re listed for sale. “A few simple and inexpensive hacks is all it takes to have your house looking its best and attractive to buyers,” she says. “You can have fun during the process too.”
Below, Bensimon and New York interior designer Catalina Castano share their favorite tips for staging your home without hiring pros like them.
Make a great first impression
Castano says the first impression is everything, so it’s important to keep the outside of your home as inviting as the inside. If the front door has stains or dents, add a fresh coat of paint and place plants on either side of the door. “They’re the perfect way to boost curb appeal,” she says. “Pick a planter that’s clean, simple, and complements your home’s style, but make sure it’s sizable enough to be seen from the street.” For maximum impact, she recommends going with a single flower such as a hydrangea, which can work in most climates, or boxwoods because they’re a classic that always look great. Also, cut the lawn and keep all your windows clean.
Paint your floors
Giving your floors a coat of paint makes them appear brand new, according to Bensimon. In fact, she follows the same advice when the floors in her SoHo apartment need a refresh. “I’ve had clients spent $50,000 redoing their floors in an attempt to sell their homes but in reality, high-gloss paint has a similar effect,” she says. “It’s sophisticated and chic.” Use ultra-high-gloss paint for extra-shiny floors, and add in a few area rugs too.
Overload the mirrors
Cover one wall in your living room with peel-and-stick mirrors from IKEA, Bensimon suggests. They open up the room and make it look twice its actual size. They also create depth and introduce an element of brightness. “Light and bright are big buzzwords in selling apartments, and that’s exactly what mirrors do,” Bensimon says.
Pare down the living room furniture
If you have bulky furniture in your living room or too many tables or chairs, sell them or put them in storage. Castano says that they make the space look small. On the other hand, the room can look off-putting if the furniture is too small. Find a balance. Also, if the pieces are stained, have them cleaned. “You want the living room to be comfortable so that a buyer can imagine themselves there,” Castano says.