When preparing properties for market, one of the most impactful decisions a property stylist faces is whether to use real or artificial greenery. This seemingly simple choice can significantly influence buyer perception and ultimately affect your client's sale price.
Understanding the Real vs Faux Dilemma
In my personal home, I exclusively use real, living plants and flowers – there's simply nothing that compares to authentic nature. However, professional property styling presents unique challenges that require practical solutions.
The styling community remains somewhat divided on this issue, with valid arguments on both sides. Let me share our approach so you can adapt these insights to best serve your clients.
Strategic Selection Based on Property Type
For vacant properties, particularly those outside the luxury market, we primarily use high-quality artificial plants and flowers. This practical approach addresses a crucial reality: most clients cannot accommodate the additional cost of weekly maintenance visits to water plants and refresh floral arrangements.
Remember, a wilting plant or decomposing flower arrangement with its unpleasant odour creates a more significant negative impression than tasteful faux alternatives. Your goal is to enhance the property, not create maintenance concerns or distractions.
Premium Market Considerations
For prestige properties, however, we often recommend investing in authentic botanical elements. In these cases, we develop specific pricing systems and maintenance schedules that include regular visits to refresh plants and replace flowers throughout the property's time on market.
This attention to living detail can make all the difference in luxury properties where discerning buyers expect nothing less than perfection.
Working with Occupied Properties
When styling occupied homes, consider negotiating with homeowners about plant and flower maintenance. Many clients are happy to take responsibility for watering plants and topping up flower vases if this means enjoying fresh greenery during their marketing period.
This collaborative approach requires clear communication but can deliver superior results without significantly increasing your operational costs.
Quality Guidelines for Artificial Options
If you choose to use artificial plants or flowers in your styling inventory, quality management becomes essential:
- Invest wisely: Purchase the highest quality artificial plants and flowers your business can afford. The difference between mid-range and premium artificial botanicals is immediately noticeable to buyers.
- Implement regular cleaning: Establish a systematic rotation for cleaning all artificial plants and flowers in your inventory. Dust collection is inevitable and can quickly diminish their appeal.
- Proper storage: Always store artificial arrangements in protective bags when not in use to prevent dust accumulation.
- Maintenance techniques: Use feather dusters for regular cleaning and, in some cases, gentle vacuuming can refresh artificial foliage effectively.
Making the Right Choice for Your Clients
The decision between real and artificial ultimately depends on:
- The property's price point
- The specific client's budget
- Installation type (vacant, occupied, or partial staging)
- Target buyer demographic
- Marketing duration
Whichever direction you choose, ensure your botanical elements align perfectly with the property's style, your brand aesthetic, and most importantly, the expectations of potential buyers viewing the home.
By making thoughtful, strategic decisions about this detail, you help create environments that sell properties faster and for better prices – the ultimate goal for every client you serve.
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