Feng Shui Staging Made Easy

As a realtor and stager, I am often asked "What is the difference between traditional staging and feng shui staging?”  Traditional staging usually involves, cleaning, decluttering, neutralizing and positioning the furniture in such a way as to make the home appear more spacious and appealing to a larger audience. Strong wall colors are usually toned down, personal items such as pictures and religious symbols are removed, and collectibles are usually gathered and stored. Often times, stagers and designers will bring in a new element of design or new furniture.

A good feng shui master will customize a home to the needs of the individual but I am attempting to generalize some of the concepts that can be effective in helping a seller market their home. Feng shui staging is more about using what you have and stimulating each of the five senses in a more positive direction.

 It's about what you see, hear, touch, smell, and taste. After entering a home, all the senses are involved in experiencing the flow of energy in that home. Visually, you want to see the same things that you would see in traditional staging, but it doesn't stop there.

·        How does the home smell?  Any animal, cigarette, or food odors? Regardless of how well-staged a home appears, offensive smells will send a prospective buyer running for the door.

·        How does the house feel?  Is it too hot or cold?  The ideal temperature for showing a home is between 68-72 degrees. A potential buyer will only spend a minute or two in a home that is uncomfortable.

·        What do you hear?  Hopefully, not the sounds of a freeway or train?  Soft mood music or a small fountain can be used to create tranquil sounds that may replace outside noise and will help a prospective buyer to relax and enjoy the experience.

·        Is there anything in the home that you want to reach out and touch?  A shinny red apple, a fuzzy leaf plant, a textured wall finish? In my foyer, I have a basket of red apples and a fuzzy leaf plant and almost everyone that walks through my door touches one or the other to determine whether they are real.  It is a way of connecting to my home.

·        Lastly, you are finally home when you are able to walk to the kitchen, and taste some fresh baked goods. This is an experience that is remembered and sets your home apart from all the others. This is good welcoming energy.  This is good Feng Shui.