I Sent a Stager Photos of My Bathroom — Here’s What She Told Me to Get Rid Of

Confession: although I think about myself a little bit of an inside design fanatic, I’ve by no means fairly felt I hit the mark when it got here to my toilet. It both feels too lived-in (ahem, disorganized), or too beige. I’ve the added impediment of being a renter, which suggests I’ve to make do with the storage and design decisions put earlier than me. Shortcomings and house limitations apart, I nonetheless desire a vibrant and delightful toilet for myself — and buddies who swing by — to take pleasure in. And I do know I’m not alone. 

For individuals who have only one toilet (or not sufficient bogs), the commode must be tidy and aesthetically pleasing regardless of all of the foot site visitors. So I referred to as in reinforcements. I labored with Amanda Lewis, proprietor and lead stylist of Denver-based The Den Leases, to take my toilet from “cute however cluttered” to Zillow listing-ready. 

Lewis’ first few ideas revolved round decluttering my house. “Tuck away all merchandise on the counter tops together with hand cleaning soap. Regardless that all of us reside with merchandise on our counters, it’s distracting in photographs and tends to really feel cluttered visually.” Lewis shared a simple hack: placing belongings in a bathe caddy for simple entry and removing. And for individuals who are updating their toilet for an open home? “It’s OK to put hand cleaning soap again out as soon as showings begin simply in case somebody wants to make use of the restroom.”

Now that the counters had been clear, it was time to deal with the ground. “[Stash] away additional bathroom paper, the trash can, and likewise any plunger/bathroom brushes for photographs and showings.” Subsequent on the chopping block had been the white tub mats. I used to be stunned to study that even impartial equipment will be distracting in photographs. “[Remove] any tub mats as they break up the {photograph}. Your eye gained’t seamlessly scan the room when trying on the picture.” Immediately, my flooring appeared longer and the honeycomb detailing was way more prevalent. 

With the litter out of the best way, there was extra room left for architectural particulars to shine; and Lewis made positive we didn’t miss a second. “Depart your bathe curtain pulled half again for photographs and showings so consumers can see the tile work.”

Subsequent, Lewis inspired me to have enjoyable with a few of my private touches by suggesting the dried flowers go on the countertop. As soon as I stood again, I noticed how the dried association complemented the bathe curtain, retaining my eye centered on the peak of the toilet. 

Lewis believes in eradicating what may probably inform extra concerning the residence than you desire a purchaser to know. “Take away the tip desk because it makes it really feel like there isn’t sufficient storage. Even when there isn’t, you don’t wish to instantly name consideration to it.” Away the tip desk went into the closet. 

Afterward, I eliminated the used towels from the again of the door and left the wall hooks empty to Lewis’ recommendation. “All the time depart clear towels out on the towel bars.” Immediately the room felt extra tidy and elevated. 

Lewis shared extra common ideas for these trying to stage a house or refresh a room. “Use delicate white bulbs and ensure all are in working order.” In case you have a little bit extra cash and elbow grease, Lewis suggests “touching up any paint as wanted.” Lastly, “In case your toilet is in want of updating, swap out self-importance lights and {hardware} for a reasonable, fast refresh.”