If there is one thing that brings life to a space, it’s a floral arrangement. These vibrant beauties aren’t just for looks, though — plants reduce anxiety, improve memory and can positively affect your mood, which means the right flower and plant arrangement can put your potential buyer in the right state of mind to put in an offer.
Floral arrangements are a greatly underutilized component of real estate staging. Not only do they make a property feel like a home, but they can also hold special meaning that can drive an emotional connection between the potential buyer and the house.
Photo credit: Robert Galeski of Fleurum Floral and Event Design
During an open house, your choice of flower and plant staging can even affect whether or not your listing sells as your floral choices can complement the space and detract from a negative or completely overwhelm the home.
Here are the top five dos and don’ts when it comes to floral arrangements in real estate staging.
1. Do: Create a welcoming feel
Is there anything better than walking into a home that smells fresh? Greenery and flowers will do just that while also making potential buyers feel comfortable.
Robert Galeski of Fleurum Floral and Event Design said, “Tell the buyer to ‘come in’ with your flower choices. Dahlias, sunflowers, berries and greenery say ‘hello’ while keeping a casual look.”
Smell is the most powerful of the senses. It holds emotions and memory within it, and by having flowers at an open house, you create a scent memory that stays with the home and helps it stand out.
2. Don’t: Overwhelm the space
Florals should be subtle and simple to complement the space. The property should be the focus while the florals make it feel complete.
When determining how to stage a property, scan through designer showcase portfolios. What do you notice? In the best portfolios, subtle pops of greenery and flowers stand out.
Just keep in mind that too many flower arrangements will overwhelm the space and distract from what is most important: the real estate.
3. Do: Complement the decor
The property already has an aesthetic when you are staging it. Whether it be a contemporary, sleek high-rise or a rustic brownstone, the space has a character all its own, and it must be complemented.
“Delicate florals, such as peonies or nerine, may not look appropriate in a rustic interior, whereas rustic flowers such as an arrangement of sunflowers and dahlias will not mesh with a very modern interior,” Galeski said.
Different real estate styles need different floral arrangements:
Industrial loft: Peonies, nerine, calla lilies and selum are subtle enough to not overwhelm the airiness of a loft.
Photo by Will H McMahan on Unsplash
Contemporary high-rise: Floor-to-ceiling windows provide an eyeline that allows for taller plants in a high-rise. Orchids, roses and dahlias will complete the scene.
Photo by Ifrah Akhter on Unsplash
Rustic brownstone: Sunflowers, dahlias, hydrangeas and succulents make the natural tones of aged wood floors and exposed brick pop.
Luxury property: In a luxury property, you want luxury florals. Potted orchids are lovely because they come in a range of heights and can be used in several rooms. Bright roses and geranium will add something extra to the property as well.
Photo by Claudia Nuta on Unsplash
4. Don’t: Neglect the outdoor space
Outdoor space is often extremely desirable, so you’ll definitely want to show it off. When staging florals, the outdoor space can stand out even more with the right arrangements.
Create a finished look by artfully arranging greenery and flowers to show off terraces and courtyards. This can make the outdoor space stand out against other real estate.
5. Do: Get original
Neutral whites and greens can feel staged — and the last thing you want is for your listing to feel generic — so choose plants that highlight the home’s personality. You can do this by using colorful, complementary arrangements throughout the property.
Additionally, you can take advantage of the fact that floral choices can become a talking point. Many flowers and plants have meaning behind them. For example, the jade succulent is said to bring good fortune, while the curly willow reportedly improves love lives. Sharing these facts is an excellent way to start a rapport.
Carol Terner Lederman is a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson at New York-based Warburg Realty. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
