When it comes to home staging, the kitchen is one of the most important rooms to focus on. Often the heart of the home, and it's where you'll spend a lot of time cooking and relaxing, the kitchen can easily be the deciding factor between a buyer putting in an offer or deciding to pass. With more and more buyers looking for "move-in" ready properties, a dated kitchen screams costly and time-consuming renovations. Before you throw your hands up in frustration - there are plenty of ways that sellers can address their kitchens, ensuring a speedy and profitable sale. Here are 11 tips for staging your kitchen like a pro!
1. Make any Necessary Repairs
Before you stage your kitchen for resale, it's important to make any necessary repairs. This includes things like fixing any broken cabinets or drawers, replacing missing or damaged hardware, and repairing any appliances that may not be working properly. Not only will this make your kitchen look its best, but it will also give potential buyers the peace of mind knowing that everything is in good working order.
2. Declutter
When you're staging your kitchen to sell your Austin, Texas home, one of the most important things you can do is declutter. This means getting rid of any unnecessary items and leaving only the essentials. Not only will this make your kitchen look more spacious, but it will also make it look tidier and more inviting. potential buyers will be able to picture themselves using the space more easily if they don't have to contend with a lot of clutter.
3. Deep Clean
A clean and organized kitchen not only looks better to potential buyers but also sends a message that you've taken good care of your home. Once you have removed excess items from your kitchen, you are going to want to make it shine! This means doing a deep cleaning of all surfaces, including the stove, fridge, sink, and floors. Don't forget often neglected areas such as the inside of cabinets and drawers, and be sure to wipe down all surfaces until they're streak-free.
4. Paint the Cabinets
If your kitchen is in need of more than a little cleaning and decluttering, it may be worth the time and money to invest in a fresh coat of paint for the cabinets. Not only will this brighten up the room and give it a more modern look, but it will also help to cover up any stains or wear and tear that may be present. If you're not sure what color to go with, white is always a safe bet as it makes the space look bigger and more open.
5. Replace the Hardware
Another quick and easy way to update the look of your kitchen cabinets and help stage your kitchen for resale is to replace the hardware. This is a relatively inexpensive project that can make a big impact. Just be sure to choose hardware that compliments the style of your cabinets and kitchen as a whole.
6. Let There Be Light
One of the most important things you can do when staging any room in your home is to make sure there's plenty of light. Adequate and updated lighting will help the space to feel more open, bright, and inviting. In the kitchen, this means ensuring that there is plenty of light coming in from the windows, especially if there is a nice view such as a waterfront home, and that all overhead lights are in good working order. If your kitchen is lacking in natural light, consider adding some additional lighting fixtures to help make the space more welcoming.
7. Add Some Greenery
Another great way to stage your kitchen for resale is to add some greenery. This can be done by placing potted plants on the windowsills or counters, hanging a few plants from the ceiling, or even just adding a vase of fresh flowers to the table. Fresh flowers and plants have a way of refreshing a space, making it feel more welcoming.
8. Hide the Appliances
While potential buyers will want to see that your kitchen has all of the necessary appliances, you don't want them to be the first thing they see when they walk in. That's why it's a good idea to hide them away when you're staging your kitchen when preparing to sell. This can be done by storing them in the cabinets or pantry or packing away appliances that are rarely used.
9. Purge and Organize Your Cupboards
It is easy to neglect the inside of cupboards and drawers when staging a kitchen. While it's true they are not the most important things to focus on, potential buyers still like to see the potential for storage space available. So, take the time to purge your cupboards and drawers of any unnecessary items, and then take the time to organize what's left. This will help the space to appear more functional and inviting.
There are countless products available that can easily help in organizing the interior of your kitchen. From utensil organizers to baskets, bins, and racks, all designed to help keep your kitchen organized and looking its best.
10. Add a Pop of Color
While a neutral palette is always a safe bet when staging a home for sale, adding a pop of color can really help to liven up the space. In the kitchen, this can be done with simple methods such as colored glassware or more extensive such as colored backsplash. Whatever route you choose, adding a pop of color is an easy way to add interest to the space and make it more appealing to potential buyers.
11. Add Decorative Touches
When it comes to staging your kitchen for resale, there are a few key decorative touches that can really help to make the space more inviting. These include adding a bowl of fruit to the counter, hanging up some pretty towels, or placing a vase of flowers on the table. Just be sure not to go overboard with these touches, as you want to maintain a clean and uncluttered look.
A kitchen can make or break a sale, so it’s crucial that you take the time to do it right. By decluttering, making minor repairs, repainting, adding color, updating fixtures, and ensuring adequate lighting, you can help potential buyers see the full potential of your kitchen. Follow these tips and you’re sure to get top dollar for your home.