When staging your home for an open house, consider connecting to the season, holiday or local events to give your home that memorable “I see myself living here” quality. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, consider adding a vase of roses to the dining room. Even a single red rose or a spray of baby’s breath in a vase on the master bathroom vanity will make a subtle impression. A simple glass of red tulips can chase away the winter blues, giving a warm, inviting feel to your open house. Grow a red or pink amaryllis in the kitchen window. Its blooms will last for several weeks, adding a cheery, festive look to your kitchen’s décor.

Place a decorative jar of bath salts on the edge of the tub to evoke a spa-like feeling and some decorative flower pedal soaps in a dish by the sink. According to US News, a subtle vanilla scent leaves a pleasant memory with your open house visitors and a single scent, rathern than a complex mixture of scents, has been shown to assist in decision-making by a Washington State Universtiy study.

Consider setting the dining room or kitchen table with bright red or deep pink placemats or tablecloth and contrasting floral or geometric napkins. Set with a mix of whimsical red and white plates for a romantic touch. Adding a few romantic touches needn’t cost very much. Simple thrift store finds may give your house that extra something that says “home” to a young couple just starting life together or empty-nesters wanting to re-capture those youthful feelings as they downsize.

If your colors are neutral, a simple red pillow on a sofa or the master bed or a coffeetable book with a red cover can give the atmosphere a lift. Red is an important feng shui color, so a touch of red in the south, southwest or northeast corners of a room or the home may generate feelings of happiness and joy. Give your kitchen a boost of healthful atmosphere with a simple bowl of heart-shaped red delicious apples or red bell peppers.

In any case, make sure not to overdo the decorations. Your understated additions should attract pleasant thoughts, not overwhelming ones. Your professional real estate agent can help you determine what works best in your market, so call today for a consultation.