Due to the pandemic, home workspaces are no longer a luxury, but a necessity. Today's buyers expect to see a place to work or study from home.

In most cases, we stage to show how a particular room can be used as a home office or workspace. If your listing doesn't already have a designated office space or a separate room, we find a location that can be staged as a work-from-home space.

There are a few tricks to stage a home office to best advantage:
 

1. Balance, please. 

The setup should be consistent, balanced, and symmetrical, as in the photo above. Our goal is to show a well-organized, ordered space where the buyer or buyer's family members can be productive. 
 

2. Keep it simple. 

You don't need an actual computer to show how to use the space. Often, we use a few books, a woven basket or two, and perhaps a plant. A framed photo can add just the right touch.
 

3. Add warmth.

A typical home office can look and feel sterile. The final step is to warm it up with an animal-skin rug on a hardwood floor, a plant or a photo, and the right piece of art. 

But, what if your listing doesn't have that kind of space? Or, if the house you're selling is most likely to attract a family with children and they might need a few spaces to work or learn? Here is where we get more creative:
 

1. Repurpose a common area.

Recently, we staged a large living room with a sofa and a set of chairs to draw attention to the room's architectural feature: the fireplace. On either side, on the far left and right walls, we placed two upscale desks and chairs. Our inspiration was how the room was already being used: the children were set up for school, one on either side of the room, with desks, computers, and chairs, and a green screen behind each. Prospective buyers absolutely loved the idea - and it made the listing more memorable.
 

2. Make use of awkward shapes and unused space.

Most homes have an awkward space or nook that's just asking to be used. A space that is too narrow for much of anything else will fit a small table or built-in desk. Add a chair, a few books and a plant, and voilà! Now, you have a smart, usable workspace. I've seen offices in the unused space under stairs, much like Harry Potter's room. It's fun, creative, and it works. 
 

3. Consider the closet.

Yes, really. We've followed the same principles above to stage a small, narrow closet with a flat surface that serves as the desk. A few shelves, already in place, become bookshelves and office storage areas with the addition of books and a basket. With the door open and a chair pulled up to the desk, it's easy to see how even this small space can become a workspace. And, one that can be closed off at the end of the day.

A larger, wider closet doesn't need much depth to become a workspace. You can slide a file cabinet into the often unused space on the far right or left, positioned perpendicular to the desk. Place a basket or a few books on top to remind potential buyers that a printer will fit there, too.
 

4. Bring in the right piece.

The right piece of furniture can be all that's needed. An armoire that opens into a desk and shelving or a secretary desk will demonstrate that your listing can accommodate working or studying from home. While there are some interesting Murphy beds that fold up to reveal desks, there is no need to go that far. A simple piece, staged well, will do the trick. 

Looking for more inspiration? Click for some fun, creative ideas.

In today's market, I've found that well-staged listings are selling quickly, over asking price, after receiving multiple offers. If you'd like help staging a listing to make sure that your buyers get the best price possible, contact me.