Terrace staging is an effectual method of improving the outdoor space of any apartment, loft, duplex, condo or coop. Having an outdoor terrace is a highly desirable feature for any apartment unit, especially in urban areas where green space might be in short supply. Staging the terrace of your residential unit is one of the best ways of distinguishing the apartment from your competition, as well as all the other similar apartments in your building.
This easy-to-follow guide provides expert pointers for preparing a terrace space in a salable property.
Terrace Staging Details
Outdoors spaces should be staged with the same care and attention to detail as any interior space. A small terrace should be kept simple, uncluttered and open, in order to optimize the perceived size and use. Large spaces should be furnished proportionality, but make sure to prevent too much clutter from ruining your exterior space. Remember, the goal is to facilitate enjoyment of the outdoors; not overwhelm the area with personal stuff.
Make sure to use a variety of lighting solutions on the terrace to set a positive mood and provide nighttime interest.
Effective Terrace Staging Tips
Here are some highly effective home staging strategies which work well for outdoor apartment terraces:
Be sure to address the interior staging design to show off the terrace and any scenic views. Leave the traffic flow to the terrace open and inviting for potential buyers to discover the outdoor space for themselves. Having a lovely view is a huge windfall. However, this is not always available in some units. Although you can not change your scenery outside, there are still things you can do to improve the actual terrace aesthetics as a distraction from a less than idyllic view. Privacy screens and potted plants can help camouflage less pristine views and also add color and a natural element to the space. For lovely views, make sure to leave them unobstructed for maximum impact.
Terraces in loud locations can often benefit from a water feature to cover some of the noise. The sound of a bubbling fountain is much preferred to busy traffic below.
Featuring flowers and plants on the terrace is easy with planters on the deck or attached to the rails. This is a nice way to charm potential buyers with an organic touch.
A telescope is always nice on large terraces and can be made into a perfect vignette by adding a table and a book on astronomy.
Terrace Staging Summary
Terraces are the saviors of urban apartment dwellers worldwide. An intimate outdoor space can really help nail-down a quality offer on your unit. Never neglect staging the terrace or any other outdoor asset available to your unit.
To learn about the many benefits of staging, I recommend contacting a qualified home stager today. As a more economical option, you might consider using some home staging books, magazines and television shows to help you plan your own DIY home staging project. Whichever path you choose, just be sure to stage the unit before listing it for sale, to maximize return on your time and money investments.