House shopping can be a lengthy process.  There are many things to consider before you decide on a property, but ultimately it can be a certain unknown quality about a house that grabs your attention and pulls you in. Perhaps it is the layout, or the way the light filters through the large wall of windows. It may be something more obscure.. just a gut feeling you have, that it’s the right place for you. Whatever it is, those emotions are what help make the home buying decision. Whether you’re thinking of selling, or wanting to make the most of your home for your own enjoyment, you need to highlight your homes’ best features.
 

Establish the Focal Point

Photo by Michael Shannon on Unsplash

The first thing to do is figure out what draws you to a particular room. For instance, it could be a great fireplace or an amazing view. Maybe it’s both. In order to figure out how best to arrange a room, you need to establish the focal point & work outwards from that point. If you have competing focal points in the room, establish if one is more important than the other. If the view looks out over the ocean and the setting sun, it could be difficult to get guests to sit facing a fireplace rather than the window.
 

How to Highlight Your Homes’ Best Features

Once you’ve figured out the focal point, you should decide on how best to highlight that feature. If you are planning to redecorate or do a minor renovation, then this is the best time to showcase it in it’s best light. For example, the fireplace can get a new mantle and surround, or bookcases can be installed on either side to balance the space. Perhaps just a new coat of paint will do the trick. Give the room a facelift, and the fireplace can become the feature wall that stands out from the rest. (This link shows you how to make the fireplace stand out with wallpaper).
 

Ideally the focal point is something you can arrange your seating around.  If it is the fireplace, place the sofas and chairs in a conversation grouping with the fireplace at the centre. If it’s the view that sets the tone for the room, create a seating arrangement so that everyone has something to look at without having to crane their necks.
 

Look at the Room with Fresh Eyes

Photo by Jason Briscoe on Unsplash

Too much stuff can be distracting. Sometimes creating a better focal point can be done by editing the room and looking at it with a fresh pair of eyes. Start by clearing out the room, and only put back what you really need. Most of the furniture will go back in, but if it’s something that’s never used then try living without it for a while. Next add the rug, lighting, & some art work.  Accessorize, but keep it to a minimum. Try a few pillows, a plant, a couple of vases, and a bowl of flowers on the table. Sometimes it’s too much stuff that stops us from seeing  – and enjoying – the best part of a room.
 

If you’re thinking of selling your home, staging it this way will showcase your homes’ best features for your buyers. If you’re not selling, this is a great way to work on room arrangement and create new conversation areas. Try these tips and let me know if you enjoy your home more than ever before!