Virtual staging of homes has become increasingly popular as more properties are being sold online without physical viewings. Virtual tours allow potential buyers to visualize how the home looks from the comfort of their device. However, there are certain dos and don’ts that sellers must keep in mind to make their virtual staging effective.
In this blog, we will discuss the key things sellers should do, like decluttering, brightening rooms with lighting and choosing flattering camera angles, as well as what they shouldn’t do, like including messy areas or using distorting lenses that impact perception.
Virtual Staging – Do’s
1. Fill spaces purposefully
One of the main purposes of virtual staging is to help viewers imagine living in the space. Be sure to fill each room with appropriately styled furnishings and decor to define living, sleeping and other activity areas. Even partially decorated rooms give cues about a space’s intended function and flow.
2. Showcase natural light
Bright, sunlit rooms are a huge draw of physical open houses. Recreate this in virtual staging by realistically placing windows and setting the lighting conditions to the time of day that best shows off architectural details and rooms in a flattering light. Let the natural light enhance the perceived mood.
3. Pay attention to fine details
Small, authentic details like artwork, plants, and throw pillows help draw viewers deeper into the virtual experience and make it feel lived in. Ensure lighting, textures, and shadows are realistic down to the finer points. These types of nuanced touches can make a big difference.
4. Maintain flow and function
Strategically place furnishings to define activity areas and guide the eye smoothly throughout the space as one might naturally move through it in real life. Leave access pathways clear and consider including floorplans to aid understanding of the layout.
Virtual Staging – Don’ts
1. Leave spaces empty
Nothing makes a virtual tour feel lacking quite like vacant, bare rooms. Viewers want to imagine inhabiting the space, not feel like wandering around an unstyled model home. Even minimal furnishings are better than nothing in defining room functions.
2. Use unrealistic lighting
Ensure light sources match architectural plans and exterior conditions. Viewers want to feel like they see the space as it would be, not some inconsistently lit virtual version. Avoid jarring lighting that doesn’t match the natural flow.
3. Include unnecessary clutter
Simplicity is key – only a few decorative accents compete for attention and create a messy impression. Focus on clean lines and open flow, highlighting attractive core architectural features or scenic views. Bare minimum styling lets the space shine through.
4. Disregard accurate colours
Colour is important in how viewers perceive a space. Inconsistent or inaccurate hues can diminish the realistic experience. Consider neutral palettes if occupancy dates aren’t set, but solid choices are best.
With virtual staging’s dos and don’ts in mind, present your home professionally to appeal to today’s digital home buyers.
Elevate Your Montreal Property with the Power of Virtual Staging
Thinking of selling your Montreal home? Consider leveraging the advantages of virtual staging to enhance its appeal. Let the design experts at EnDesign virtually transform your Montreal property with photographic-quality 3D staging.
Your home is waiting for its digital debut. Reach out to EnDesign for a consultation!