Sometimes the jobs that you think are the easiest to do sometimes prove to be the hardest. If you have shelves, a bookcase or mantle in your home, you will want to give the Wow! factor without the clutter. Here is our recipe for making your shelves and bookcases a work of art!
Bookcases
We know the name itself shouts out “put lots of books in there” but really when you are selling your home, you want your bookcase to be a piece of art and not a list of bestsellers. A bookcase that is cluttered with only books, can date your home and distract buyers from looking at the room they are in.
Scout through your home for some interesting items for your bookcase – think a few books that can be laid flat, small decorative boxes, candles and small frames or interesting bookends. You want to have various textures, shapes and sizes but keep it to a 3 colour scheme with one theme of metal (gold, silver, bronze, or copper).
If you have an old bookcase, try painting it to make it appear more modern – think charcoal grey or distressed whites. For added zing you may want to paint the back of the bookcase in a different colour (coordinating with your walls but a few shades deeper) or add a subtle backdrop of wallpaper to the back of the bookcase instead.
Vary the heights so it does not become boring. Anchor small pieces in the front and work your way to the back. Have some items touching and some not so you are not creating large gaps in your display. Add a little greenery or metal items. As you add the pieces, step back and take a look. You will notice where you may need some extra pieces or need to re-arrange or take other items away.
Shelves or mantles
Depending on where you have your shelving, you will want to create the ambience of the room. For example, a mantle over the fireplace may need a simple but elegant mirror with artwork or pottery that connects the theme of the room.
Create a vintage effect for your shelving in the kitchen or dining room. Try using some floating shelves with black and white photos or you may wish a monochromatic theme that is in sync with your décor. Some simple branches in a small vase or interesting artwork that goes with the colour scheme in the room may be simple but will add a new dimension.
Bathroom shelving can be elevated with same-colour towels, glass jars with shells or smooth stones, some metal and greenery. For example, add a small birdcage with a little plant inside or coloured, flat-shaped bottles that will add a splash of colour that coordinates with your bathroom. If you have mostly greys and whites only in your décor, add a touch of aqua, greens or bright blues.
Our Anne Winch Ottawa Real Estate Team can help you with the little staging items needed to add a little style to your home when you are selling it. Ask us about our free home staging when you are ready to sell your home.