There’s no way to deny it, there is a clear difference between male and female, generally speaking. Men and women see the world differently and tend to prefer different things. There’s been a lot of focus lately on gender neutral items, but what about decor? Especially if you’re selling your house, but also if you are just updating your home, it is important to focus pleasing both sides of the spectrum so you can appeal to the most buyers.
- Chose a neutral base color. Traditionally this means shades of white, beige or gray. You’ll want to use this for walls, flooring, counter tops and furniture. Keep to only a few shades, such as 2-3. Your floors will not match your walls and the furniture should not be the exact color as the walls, however if all your furniture is a different shade plus the walls and the floor it will not have a seamless flow and will look tacky when accents are added.
- Add depth. Use deeper tones like navy or black paired with pops of color in accents such as pillows, rugs, curtains, and wall art. A patterned rug along with fun accents such as cozy woven throws and textured pillows is a great way to add generic, chic appeal. Avoid delicate trinkets on tables and shelves. Instead, try adding a little industrial or vintage style with chrome, metal, and brass side tables, floor lamps, and other finishing touches.
- Choose tailored furniture with modern accents. Big tufted velvet or floral patterned sofas speak more to feminine tastes with a more formal style while a streamlined sofa in a neutral fabric paired with a contemporary coffee table and modern accents creates a relaxed, welcoming feel. Adding a colored leather chair with a herringbone couch fabric will please both sexes.
- Mix and match fabrics. Be sure to avoid frilly or floral, but you’ll want a touch more than utilitarian items. Leather or velvet fabric furniture can be neutralized by adding accent pillows in linen, cotton, or canvas and simply draping a cashmere throw. Window treatments should be kept simple with soft, easy flowing fabrics or a tailored roman shade style.
- Add elements from nature. Add a natural touch with earthy elements such as reclaimed wood tables, woven baskets, natural fiber rugs, and twisted tree branch arrangements. Instead of a feminine style silk floral arrangement, try a bamboo plant or other faux potted greenery. And wall art with a coastal or nautical theme or any landscape scenery are all perfect ways to add a mutually pleasing style.
You can’t please everyone all of the time, but when your house is appealing to the majority of prospective buyers you will sell for the most money in the shortest amount of time. For more information or to for a free home valuation by your local real estate expert, call Helen today at 847.967.0022 or email [email protected].