Staging your home to sell? Bring in the greenery
Plants are having a moment right now. But throughout time, they are instrumental in adding fresh air, texture, and color in a space. Here is a little more background on the resurrection of plants. Thank you millenials!
Interior designers and stagers know the importance of plants when creating an indoor Zen-like experience. Plants don’t just soften the edges of geometric furniture; houseplants give a space a well-lived in look and can actually help sell your home.
Millennials are reinvigorating gardening. According to the National Gardening Survey, 6 million people started gardening in 2016 and 80% of them were aged 18 to 34. In fact, people are starting houseplant collections with various species and demand for houseplants are up. Why? Some say it is an antidote for stress, akin to taking a walk in the woods. A study from WSU indicated that indoor plants can improve air quality, increase productivity, and even boost immunity. Plants can also bring the outdoors in and fill in awkward spaces (including some of the space left after you have decluttered or removed personal items and photos as you plan on listing). With Millennials joining on the plant bandwagon, there has never been a better time to make plants a priority in your home.
According to a survey Costa Farms did in 2017, a third of plant owners felt that plants make a house feel like home. Regardless if you are readying your home for sale or just want a change of scenery, here are some things to keep in mind if you are plant shopping:
The Light Factor – Houseplants can be finicky when it comes to light. Some only like low light conditions while others can take the heat and brightness of a south-facing window. Be sure to determine plant placement before you go out shopping so you can match the right plant to its new home. Good low-light options include ferns, Golden Pothos, and spider plants. Plants that require a lot of light include aloe vera, jade, succulents, and various palms. Snake plant allegedly does well in both full light and shady conditions.
The Moisture Factor – Some plants need humid conditions – a lot of humidity (think tropical rain forest conditions). Others only need to get watered every once in a while. This is important to know if the furnace or air conditioner will be working overtime or if the plant will be living in a bathroom.
The Pot Factor – Pots and containers can complement your other décor. They can even bring in another pop of color similar to throw pillows, a blanket, or a rug. To really top off a container, think about mulch as well for the top which can include stones, glass beads, or even or bark or moss. Not only will mulch help retain moisture, it gives it that finished look.
Things to avoid? Plants that have a very strong scent, plants that show signs of being unhealthy or dying, or dried arrangements (as they send an “old and dusty” message). If you use artificial plants, make sure they don’t look fake and keep them free of dust. And beware of poisonous plants as potential buyers sometimes shop with children in tow.
Outdoor plants are important, but when we are coming up on winter, indoor plants can add warmth.