How to Decorate in a Model Home Look

Ever wonder why new homes sell faster besides being built brand new? Well, plain and simple, they have been staged or decorated with the buyer in mind. Now a question comes to mind too, after the buyers get the key and opened the door, how can they make it homey, livable and looking as good as the model homes do? Here are some tips that can help.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Paint (assorted but well-coordinated colors in different finishes--like satin, semi-gloss, glossy and flat)
• Painting tools (paintbrush, paint rollers, painting tape and paint tray)
• Window treatments
• Furniture
• Accessories
• Plants
• Area rugs
• Appliances
• Scented candles

1. Add color. Color: Don't despair after opening the door and you find that it doesn't look like the house you chose. The walls are stark white, looking very bland. Look at the bright side--this is like a blank canvas to a painter, you can get as creative as you want to be and put on your personal stamp that speaks of you. For inspiration, visit the model homes in your community from time to time. You can find styles and techniques to copy and make it more of your taste.
   
   Notice how the model homes have been painted. They use a unifying color in each model. If model home A has a predominant blue color, you will see that color is carried through the house. May it be in different shades to separate each room, or a splash of similar hues is used on the trims, accessories and window treatments. Use the color wheel as your guide to make better color choices and combinations.
   
   Choose an accent wall to put a bold color, dare to be different and make a statement. An accent wall that is painted differently is an art form in itself. Do not be afraid to use faux painting techniques to add character to your walls. Add a Venetian plaster or rag-rolling technique to your walls. Start with smaller and confined spaces such as a powder room to experiment on. You can easily repaint the walls should you change your mind.
2. Add window treatment. Window Treatments: Next add your window treatments. For privacy you can choose from plantation shutters, wooden or aluminum blinds, levolor or silhouettes. You can then accent the window with draperies hung on beautiful designer rods.
   
   Notice that in model homes they just flank a window with a pair or drapes that are hung on each end. They are not meant for privacy for they cannot be drawn or if closed cannot cover the entire window, so it is a good idea to put blinds for privacy then soften the sides by adding drapes.
   
   When adding drapes, choose the color that would complement your wall colors and the colors on your furniture' s fabrics and accessories. You do not need to match everything using the same exact fabric for your bedding, accessories and windows for that would look too matched and too busy on the eyes. Pick up a couple of dominant colors then incorporate them on your window fabrics.
3. Plan on proper furniture placement. Furniture Placement: Before you buy any big ticket item, such as sofas and beds, make sure you measure the location to ensure that whatever you decide to buy will fit into the space. Buying a king-size bed will not work in a small bedroom that is meant for a twin or double bed. Notice that in model homes they use day beds or single/twin beds in smaller rooms staged to be used by children. Oftentimes, they just stage the rooms with a box spring and mattress and not using any bed furniture and headboard to save on space. They do use a luxurious amount of bedding an pillows to make it seem there is more to the bed than just the mattresses. So consider this prior to buying that bedroom set with matching dressers and nightstands.
   
   Lay out on a piece of paper where you want to position your furniture. For the living room or family room, think of conversational placements of the sofa and chairs. Think about the flow of traffic, or where to put the chairs to maximize the view of the focal point for TV viewing, or being close to the fireplace, or to watch the view from outside the window.
4. An area rug can add warmth to a room like this one. Rugs: Add area rugs to define and soften areas. In living room and dining room combination rooms, a rug can act to define each room. Rugs are very functional, too, they not only protect the floors but they give comfort and warmth during colder seasons.
   
   Make sure that you choose patterns or rugs in the same color hues used on the walls and fabrics. Also choose the one that soothes your style. Use a traditional style to go with your traditional or Victorian taste, but choose simple or modern design for your ultra-modern or contemporary taste.
5. A vase next to a deck of books in front of a picture shows great accessory placement. Accessories: Add art pieces such as a painting or sculptures to enhance the look of your rooms. Have a theme and go with it. A group item in pairs for paintings and in three’s for accessories are a great way to do your placements. Do not clutter the rooms, taking away from the beauty of the pieces.
   
   Choose pieces that can make an impact without being overdone. Make sure that your accessories also pick the colors of your room for a more cohesive look.
   
   Add live plants and use them as center and corner pieces. Using silk or fake plants are acceptable, but choose the ones that do not look too fake, making your room look cheap. There are high-end silk plants that look authentic; chose those or mix with live plants.
6. Add lamps on your dresser or buffet table to add ambiance. Lighting: Address the lighting in the room, from the accent lights to task lights. Add lamps, canned lights and a dimmer to adjust the light for mood effect.
   
   Add picture lights or gallery lights to focus on your pictures and art pieces to make them stand out.
7. Scented candles can freshen up a room. Scent: It is also equally important to address the olfactory senses when decorating a room, especially in bathrooms, bedrooms and guest rooms. Add potpourri or scented candles to add a nice aroma therapy to help you and your guests relax and enjoy your new home.

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