Preparing the Living Room for Home Sale What can I say about the Living Room, some people love them while others hate this dead end room. I'm one of those people that like the privacy and peacefulness this room brings. Because most people don't have libraries or sun rooms - I like the Living Room. Anyway I'm not here to dispute this room but since many houses especially older ones, or huge new ones have one I will try to reinvent it so it's a little more accessible and friendly. First in trying to sell this room, make sure it's clean, neat and tidy. No books or papers all over, or knickknacks displayed from floor to ceiling. Use moderation in decorating, keep it light and simple. Stay away from the overly-decorated, under-decorated, minimalistic or designer approach (unless of course you are in that price bracket). It's hard to tell people the dos and don't s about a room that they either love or hate. Try opening it up - no heavy draperies, wall paint that's harsh or dirty, paneling (such a thing of the past ), heavy or stained carpets, over-sized or cluttered furniture. Pare down so that you can see and appreciate the bones of the room. Good architecture always speaks for itself like wonderful moldings or archways and windows. I can remember visiting an open house and the living room was very modern and contemporary almost like an austere but functional picture catalog, not the warm and comfortable nature of the Pottery Barn. Anyway, that's not really the point. If you're trying to sell a home you have to make a room warm and inviting and basic. If your starting from scratch or trying to recycle pieces of furniture you can always make this room into a home office, or more of a sitting room. Bookcases are wonderful for organizing, storage and display. Even a lovely wood table or desk adds warmth and function to this room. Rearranging, recycling and reinventing are all part of this process to create and simplify and sell the Living Room.
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