Hi there!
We are PorchLight Home Staging popping on to introduce you to a new sector of the company. We are so excited to get started with this blog, as this is something we have been wanting to do for a while now. On the first Friday of every month, we will celebrate the much needed weekend by releasing our monthly blog. In these short but sweet articles, we will mesh the world of home staging (our forte) with current events and fashion trends. Since this is the introduction to the blog, we only found it fitting for our first piece to cover a very important topic: First impressions.
Image curtesy of Decor Lovin’
Curb Appeal
Have you ever driven up to a house or apartment and feel like you’ve picked up the vibe already? Picture this: you are taking the dog for a walk and passing the sweetest, most well kept home, and you just need to stop and stare. In contrast, a patchy yard and dark exterior can have the opposite effect on home buyers. The keys to curb appeal are landscaping, texture, and color. With landscaping, a little can go a long way. Cutting the grass, maintaining hedges, and planting some flowers that add a pop of color can really make your property stick out. Along with landscaping, a home’s texture is so prominent in a potential buyer’s first impression. Updating old light fixtures, adding window treatments, or even just placing a little welcome mat does the trick. The important thing to keep in mind when sprucing up your home with texture however is to keep it simple. There is a fine line between chic and tacky. For example, numerous plastic gnomes scattered in your yard = tacky (not to mention, creepy), while a subtle bird feeder in the corner of the yard is fine. Lastly, color is arguably the most important and overwhelming factor in curb appeal. Focusing on light and bright colors around your house will make it seem inviting rather than dreary and dark. We’re not saying to paint your whole house white or blue. If you’re into the red brick or stone architecture that is great, but make sure to add some light colors around the house (ex: window panes or front door).
Front Door: Knock Knock
So… your guests (or possible home buyers) are out of the car. You passed the curb appeal test. The next thing visitors will see is your front door. Statistically, doors with some sort of stained window or etched glass are seen to be more welcoming and friendly. If you don’t have any windows, simple enhancements to hardware such as a doorknob, knocker, or door bell can make a big difference. Another way to spruce up the area is with plants and a seasonal wreath on the front door!
Come on in
Image #1 from “Fox Group” Image #2 & #3 from Goodhousekeeping.com
Nothing says first impressions like stepping into someone’s front foyer. Although the foyer is typically a room to walk through rather than stay in, it provides a key space for storage and decor. Seating and subtle storage is very important to making a foyer functional yet on trend. The storage, such as a nice side table or bench, are great for placing (or hiding) shoes, bags, and keys. Something else to consider adding to your foyer is bold wallpaper or texture on the walls such as a photo gallery or mirrors. Place a fun rug in the space if wallpaper is not for you, and watch the room come to life. After all, there is no better feeling than walking into someone’s house and feeling at peace.
Fashion First Impressions
Now that we’ve covered how to design your house to impress, let’s talk about why your style choices are crucial when making first impressions. Think of any day where you didn’t meet someone new — you probably can’t. We make first impressions every day whether we know it or not. Researchers say it takes just seven seconds for someone to make a first impression about another person. Most of these impressions are based on facial expressions, posture, and mostly importantly, your clothing of choice. We’ll go through three quick scenarios when your fashion choice can either make or break a situation.
The Interview
Suit found on Vogue.com
First, the job interview. Ah, how daunting. Of course your outfit all depends on your job title and what your role is within the position. But for the purpose of this blog, we’ll say you’re interviewing for a standard “office job.” There are two forms of business attire: business casual and business formal. A great idea for business casual would be a comfy pair of slacks or flattering midi skirt paired with some form of fun, patterned (polka dots, stripes, leopard) top. Pair it with some comfortable loafers or block heels, and you’ll be the most sleek and respected dresser in the office. For business formal on the other hand, go all in with a tailored suit. Suits for women are trending right now, as the right- fitted suit is the perfect mix of fashionable and professional. Pick a suit with a color if you really want to make an impression, or just stick with a timeless black suit (you can’t go wrong). Go show them just how great you are!
First Dates
You’re done with the work day, and you’ve matched with this cute guy on a dating site. You’ve agreed to meet up with him for dinner and drinks. What are you going to wear? It has to be something flirty and comfortable. Dresses with “cutouts” are very popular this summer, as there are tons of options about where you want the cutout located. Pair it with a leather jacket or jean jacket (white or blue), accessorize with some layered necklaces and baby hoop earrings, and play it safe with shoes. We don’t want you face planting as you walk to meet your mystery man. Chunky white sneakers or subtle platform sandals should suffice. Oh, and just remember, he’s probably more nervous than you. Items below can be found on Lulus.com
Meeting the Parents
The date goes fabulously, and before you know it, you’re meeting the Fockers.. I mean, parents. The cutout dress probably won’t work for this occasion, so you hurry to your closet. Don’t panic. You really want your outfit to reflect you here. Some fun jeans or patterned pants with a cropped (not too cropped) blouse is the way to go here. Rule of thumb: if you have patterned pants… pick a solid top. If you have regular jeans… do something fun and stylish with your shirt (ex: wrap or cross shirts/ flowery blouse, or something silky). Don’t overthink shoes or jewelry — unless you have a face piercing... you may want to completely rethink that. Don’t go crazy with the makeup. Natural colors and light eye shadow are a sign of genuineness and confidence. You got this.