Home. It’s a place you return to, a place you relax, a place that warms the cockles of your heart. This one word conjures up a sense of belonging and a feeling of happiness… And that’s exactly the feeling you (and we) need to create for your prospective purchasers.
Although you can’t bottle happiness, there are some sure fire ways to sprinkle it around your home for added joy and a super sunny outlook! What’s more there’s some scientific research behind the principles too… You need to keep the five senses sharp and attuned to happiness!
Here are 5 ways to add some heartfelt happiness to your next open home.
- Add a touch of green or yellow – A study from Vrije University in Amsterdam found that these two colours evoked feelings of genuine happiness. So if you’re thinking about touching up your walls or doors before you sell, think seriously about incorporating one or both of these two colours into your decorating palette. If you weren’t planning to decorate, consider adding some sunny yellow cushions or soothing green curtains or linens instead.
- Bring the outside in – Add some house plants. A 2008 study found that hospital patients with indoor plants in their rooms reported lower stress levels than patients without them. If you can put prospective buyers at ease when they enter your home and create a feeling of optimism, calmness and well-being you’re moving in the right direction, happiness will follow closely behind.
- Light a scented candle – A Chemical Senses study found that smelling a delightful aroma can not only be a pleasurable experience, it can also be measured scientifically. The survey found that clementine, a citrus aroma is pleasantly stimulating, whilst vanilla is pleasantly relaxing.
- Clear the clutter – Research shows that the stress hormone cortisol is secreted when surrounded by disarray. You may find this article from our archives useful.
- Mirror mirror on the wall – Mirrors are an easy and efficient way to magnify natural light and add room to a space; this has been known to interior designers and architects for years. Professor Libby Burton (founder and director of the WISE (Wellbeing in Sustainable Environments) research unit) recommends that we always, always, maximise daylight.
If you’re thinking of selling, contact us, and we’ll happily arrange for one of our highly skilled agents to offer an appraisal of your happy home!
