It’s widely recognized that effective staging is a powerful marketing strategy that can expedite the sale of a home and potentially increase its selling price. Also, in today’s digital age, where the majority of home buyers begin their search online, the importance of presenting a home in the best possible light online cannot be overstated. However, I think we’ve reached a critical juncture with home staging. It appears that many “prepared” homes aren’t contributing additional value and, in some instances, might even be diminishing the home’s value.
Having dedicated over two decades to home staging, I’ve witnessed its evolution firsthand, observing remarkable transformations that could best be described as turning a “sow’s ear into a silk purse.” However, I’ve grown concerned that the craft of staging is veering off course, becoming overly formulaic. In our eagerness to make a home market-ready, we seem to have strayed from the warmth and connection that make a house feel like a home. The trend towards white walls, extreme decluttering, budget furniture rental, and depersonalization has, in some cases, stripped rooms of their essence, leaving them feeling lifeless.
We need to reassess how we strike a balance between personality and universality in our approach to home presentation. Moving away from rigid, traditional staging methods and their generic rules, we should embrace the principles of thoughtful interior design. A space that’s been designed with care doesn’t just meet the practical aims of staging; it goes further by injecting personality and warmth into the home. Consider the conventional staging rule that personal photos must be removed. This guideline has always puzzled me. When you see a beautifully designed living room in a magazine, it often features personal touches like a framed photo from a family vacation or images of children laughing, which add a sense of love and happiness. These personal elements can create a more inviting atmosphere, marrying the concepts of personality and universality to give potential buyers a comforting glimpse of successful living.
Don’t misunderstand me; my belief in staging and the effective strategies for preparing a home well remains strong. However, it’s crucial that we reassess what truly matters and address the excesses that have crept into otherwise sound practices.
So, lets begin with how can you infuse personality while also appealing to a broad audience.
Tip #1 Through the Lens
It begins with the walkthough:
I began staging homes in 2002, and from the start, a camera has been my indispensable tool. I start every walkthrough by taking photos of what I see when walking through the front door. Through the lens, I gather all the insights I need about a space—identifying the focal points, gauging the room’s brightness, and assessing how the furniture appears in photographs. It tells me whether the room evokes inspiration or falls flat. Viewing each room through the lens, I aim to elevate it to the point where, upon completion, any photograph taken could rival a magazine cover.
When dealing with the seller:
I’ve also used photography to demonstrate to homeowners who question my design recommendations what visitors see when entering a room. Living in a space can cause us to overlook visual clutter, as it becomes part of our daily environment. For example, if you place a box in the center of a room, over time, our brains adjust, and the sight of it no longer surprises us. This familiarity can obscure issues that could diminish a space’s appeal to others.
While I am staging:
During stagings, my camera becomes an essential ally, especially when dealing with complex areas. Viewing cumbersome bookcases or peculiar spaces through its lens offers a fresh perspective, helping to identify the most effective layouts and angles that elevate their visual appeal. It empowers me to envision the potential within these challenging nooks, influencing the positioning of objects, assessing the harmony and balance of color schemes, and verifying the equilibrium of the room’s design. The lens essentially acts as a window to composition, showing me if the elements come together cohesively or if further adjustments are necessary for a perfect visual harmony.
Try it; take a picture… what do you see?
Tip #2 Maximize and Retain
While staging requires an investment, it’s invariably worth it for the significant value it adds to a home. When working with an occupied property, I strive to incorporate the homeowner’s items as much as possible. This not only helps to lower costs but often imbues the space with a genuine feel rather than a contrived, staged appearance. There are guidelines to this approach, all aimed at elevating the home’s value. If we can manage to save the seller money while achieving an attractive look, it benefits everyone.
When evaluating a seller’s furniture, art, and accessories, my initial approach is to consider them as if I were shopping for my own home. I ask myself: Would I want this in my space? Does it spark inspiration? Does it enhance the room? Will it make a lasting, positive impression on viewers? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then the item remains. A piece may also be kept if it doesn’t detract from the room’s value, but it’s crucial to remember we only get one chance to make a strong first impression, and anything that stays should at least be visually appealing.
Scale is the next consideration. Every room we stage should appear as spacious as possible. Often, the furniture present is what diminishes the perceived size of the space. This is usually why we decide to remove certain pieces, opting instead for items that are more compact and enhance the feeling of openness.
Lastly, our passion as designers lies in creating the unexpected. Mixing new furniture with the sellers antiques, family heirlooms, and unique finds enriches a space with depth and character. I am always on the lookout when doing my walkthrough for furniture pieces or art that seem to say, “I have a story to tell.” Our aim is to cultivate a style that radiates sophistication and a refined casualness, effortlessly merging traditional elements with modern flair. An example of achieving this blend is by pairing a beloved antique table with sleek, modern chairs. This approach not only adds visual interest but also tells a story, making the space more engaging and personal.
In this after photo, all the furniture has been sourced from Stage Right Rentals, with the exception of the sofa and a sculpture. The sculpture, a piece owned by the homeowner, truly steals the show.
Tip #2 Textured Layers
A thoughtfully curated mix of throw pillows, blankets, books, framed photos, greenery, and various accessories can instantly revitalize and elevate a room’s aesthetic. Intentionally incorporating these items adds texture, introduces color, and aligns with your selected design theme, crucial for transforming the ambiance of a space.
Whether you’re inclined towards a rich, layered look or a more simplistic, minimalist vibe, the options are limitless. Start by establishing a theme, then pick items that support and enhance this vision. My strategy often involves an initial phase of layering, followed by a careful process of elimination until the atmosphere feels just right. The goal is to establish a focal point, such as an eye-catching piece on the mantel or coffee table, that commands attention. Avoiding a look that feels overly staged or artificial is key. Opt for pieces that authentically enhance the chosen theme, rather than simply filling space.
The after photo showcases an exquisite blend of layers that together narrate a captivating color story. It features a diverse palette of blue hues, transitioning through textures from the sleekness of glass to the ruggedness of iron, and onto a shagreen coffee table top, further accentuated by a layer of wooden beads. Despite the myriad of elements present, there’s an inherent tranquility in the story it unfolds, highlighting a sophisticated balance of components.
Tip #3 Affordable Chic
For a room to exude a sophisticated, designer feel, avoid using low-quality, low budget inexpensive furniture. Where you can, remove pieces that feel dated and consider renting the best quality furniture your budget can accommodate. When working with limited funds, prioritize bringing in a standout piece that can define the space. Ensure there’s at least one element in the room that sparks a “wow” factor—an unexpected touch or something so appealing that potential buyers would desire in their own homes.
When staging a living room, I often prioritize featuring an exceptional, high-end coffee table and a striking piece of art. These elements not only draw attention but also set the tone for the room, highlighting a sense of luxury and style.
The standout feature in this after photo is the coffee table. Its bold style not only captures attention but also harmonizes seamlessly with the surrounding rental furniture, making it a focal point in the staged room.
Tip #4 Space Mastery
A well-designed room breathes. Creating a sense of spaciousness adds significant value to every room in a house. A home that feels expansive can make buyers feel like they are getting more value for their money. The first and most straightforward step to achieve this sense of space is to remove any oversized furniture and replace it with pieces that fit the room’s scale more appropriately.
Remove any unnecessary items that don’t contribute to your chosen design aesthetic. Utilize thriving plants to fill empty spaces, but relocate them if creating visual space is more crucial for the overall look. Ensure there is ample walking space between furniture pieces, aiming for several feet of clear pathway to allow easy movement through the room. This not only enhances the feeling of spaciousness but also contributes to a well-thought-out and inviting environment.
Balance the artwork on your walls; too much can compress the perceived size of a room. Each time your gaze settles on a piece, it subtly constricts the available space. On the flip side, too few pieces can create a void, leaving the room feeling barren and devoid of personality and flair.
This petite condo saw significant improvement with the strategic incorporation of rented furniture that followed a light, off-white color palette, lending an airy ambiance to the space. Each piece was meticulously selected for its sleek, contemporary aesthetic, ensuring a perfect fit within the condo’s modest dimensions. By maintaining ample walkway space, the layout maximizes the feeling of openness, cleverly conveying a sense of spaciousness within the confines of the small living area.
Tip #5 – Timeless Appeal
Avoid furniture that is too trendy, as it can often look cheap if not chosen carefully, making the house appear lower in value. Instead, opt for furniture that exudes timeless sophistication and seems like it could withstand the ebbs and flows of design trends.
I often find that many standard staged homes I see online start to blend together, making it hard to distinguish one from another. While integrating a few trendy elements can enhance a room, an overload of such items can come across as tacky and may convey an unsophisticated, low-quality vibe, detracting from the seller’s advantage. If the budget doesn’t allow for upscale furniture rentals, a strategic move could be to place a larger than average rug in the room to instill a sense of luxury. Adding layers of new throw pillows or a prominent piece of large scaled artwork can also serve as an effective focal point, capturing the buyer’s interest and lifting the space’s overall aesthetic.
The upcoming after photos embody the essence of timeless design, avoiding the pitfalls of transient trends. Creating an aesthetically pleasing environment is straightforward when you focus on the fundamentals: selecting accessories with intention, incorporating standout art, and adding thoughtful layers. This approach enhances the room’s design without complicating it. Maintaining simplicity and alignment with your chosen style is crucial, along with introducing a striking element—be it through art or unique rental furniture. The art of subtlety and the practice of restraint in layering are key to ensuring the space remains balanced and inviting, showcasing timeless elegance.
Tip #6 Curtain Call
In many instances, the removal of outdated window treatments is essential for revitalizing a space, just as a newly constructed home might present a blank slate without any window dressings, creating an evident gap. Budget constraints frequently lead to curtains being an afterthought or completely omitted from staging plans—an oversight that is unfortunate. Window treatments stand as one of the most impactful means to bring warmth, texture, and a luxurious feel to an otherwise lackluster room. The aesthetic enhancement provided by adding curtains often surpasses their cost, yielding a significant return on investment.
Moreover, the strategic placement of curtains, particularly when hung in a manner that allows them to be drawn back slightly from the window, can work wonders in altering a room’s perception. Such an arrangement not only introduces an element of design sophistication but also crafts the illusion of larger windows. This subtle adjustment can significantly elevate the perceived value of the property, underscoring the profound influence of well-considered window treatments on a space’s overall appeal.
Before: The room showcased a dated look, weighed down by dark wall colors and outdated furnishings, further emphasized by heavy curtains.
After: A transformation is evident with walls painted in lighter shades, complemented by tasteful rental furniture and beautiful accessories. The removal of the curtains stands out as the most significant change, instantly brightening and refreshing the space.
Starting as an empty canvas, this ground-floor condo, with its stark white walls, pale flooring, and visible cold metal ducts, presented a challenge in creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. The strategic placement of rented furniture and the inclusion of opulent window treatments introduced a rich layer of color and warmth, drastically transforming the ambiance with elegance and comfort.
Tip #7 Artful Staging
Art significantly enhances both the visual allure and value of a home. On occasions, I’ve passed on staging projects due to homeowners’ hesitance to incorporate art into their newly painted spaces. Selecting the right pieces can dramatically elevate a room, while poor choices—such as those that are outdated, too small, or of inferior quality—can greatly diminish its appeal. Thoughtfully selected art not only boosts the room’s charm and character but also acts as a focal point, enriching the space’s narrative. The size of the art is vital; incorrect proportions can disrupt the room’s visual harmony, a principle applicable across all property values.
Achieving the ideal balance with art is crucial; an overabundance can overwhelm a space, making it seem cramped, while insufficient art can make it feel lackluster and neglected.
This after photo showcases how an extra-large plexiglass artwork perfectly completes the room, thanks to its commanding presence. The theme of contrast is evident throughout, highlighted by the sleek, modern black wood table and the minimalist wishbone chairs. The artwork not only enhances this theme but also elevates the room’s aesthetic beyond what the furniture alone achieves. Artwork of this scale demonstrates that it can be the focal point of a room, doing the bulk of the aesthetic work, which allows the other walls to remain minimally adorned.
Tip # 8 Beyond White
White has long been a popular choice for walls, offering a blank slate for potential buyers to envision their future home. While effective in making spaces feel larger and brighter, an overuse of white can result in a lack of warmth and character, potentially making a space feel unwelcoming.
Market observations suggest many homes lack in design, with white dominating walls and furnishings, accented by small-scale art. This uniformity misses opportunities to enhance spaces. Contrastingly, incorporating color, even subtly, can significantly enrich a home’s appeal. My most memorable projects often feature colored walls, which provide a dynamic backdrop for furniture and art, enhancing the overall look without overwhelming.
Choosing wall colors requires consideration of existing home features and decor. If uncertain, an off-white with a hint of trend color can add depth without risking appeal. Strategic use of lighting, textures, and color accents through decor can also add warmth and interest.
In essence, while white walls can be advantageous in staging a home, they should be part of a broader, well-thought-out design strategy. Painting offers a simple way to refresh a space and add value. A dash of sophisticated, designer-chosen color can transform a mundane room into a memorable experience, making a lasting impression on potential buyers without the need for dramatic changes.
The home could have easily settled for the simple charm of all-white walls, but the decision to paint certain walls a rich dark blue truly revolutionized the space. This bold choice infused the room with vibrancy and perfectly highlighted the rental furniture, creating a striking contrast. Moreover, it brought a newfound balance to the concrete fireplace, which previously dominated the area, allowing it to integrate smoothly with the room’s overall aesthetic. As a result, the space was transformed, gaining a lively and harmonious character that made every element feel thoughtfully placed and inviting.
Tip #9 Rug magic
Area rugs are crucial for staging, especially in the living and family rooms, as well as the primary bedroom, where they add warmth and help define spaces. However, dining rooms might not benefit as much; rugs in these areas can make the space feel smaller.
Rugs serve multiple purposes: they bring together design elements, create inviting atmospheres, and can brighten rooms with dark floors. They also reduce noise in large, echo-prone spaces. An oversized rug, extending under all furniture legs, can visually expand a room, making it seem more spacious and luxurious. When selecting rugs for staging, choosing ones with a simple color palette is key, ensuring the focus remains on the space’s overall ambiance.”
Incorporating layered rugs into the design brought a new dimension of interest and opulence to the area. This large condo, originally one expansive living space, was transformed with the addition of carefully selected rental furniture. To further refine the ambiance, we embraced texture through strategic rug layering. This method not only accentuated the focal point of the room but also introduced an enhanced level of style. The outcome was a space that not only captivated attention but also left a lasting, stylish impression.
Tip #10 Lighting Lift
Enhancing a home’s lighting significantly transforms its appeal. Well-lit rooms feel more welcoming, appear larger, and showcase their features more effectively. Starting with simple upgrades, such as switching to higher wattage bulbs where possible, can immediately brighten any space, making a noticeable difference in how it feels and looks.
Furthermore, installing new light fixtures throughout the home not only improves overall illumination but also adds a touch of modern style. With a wide range of affordable and stylish lighting options available, neglecting this upgrade could be a missed opportunity. Particularly, updating fixtures in key areas like the dining room, kitchen, and bathroom increases the home’s value and imparts a contemporary vibe, making the space more attractive to potential buyers by conveying a sense of well-designed sophistication.
In this after photo, the home, once hindered by dim lighting and oppressively dark walls, now radiates with a newfound brightness. The solution involved a complete overhaul; outdated furniture was replaced with light-colored rentals that perfectly accent the newly painted white walls, instantly revitalizing the space. The transformation was beautifully completed with a thorough update to the lighting, a change that not only illuminated the area but also added a contemporary flair and an element of elegance. This significant enhancement has thoroughly uplifted the home’s ambiance, marking the successful completion of its transformation.
Closing Thoughts
With decades of working in the profession of preparing homes I believe that with thoughtful design and a touch of personality houses tend to outperform those stripped of individuality. The common belief that a home should be devoid of the previous occupant’s personality is a misconception. Instead, aim to imbue the space with a distinct, desirable character—a style that stands out and sparks excitement among buyers recalling their house-hunting experiences. Crafting such an atmosphere is challenging but immensely rewarding, significantly enhancing the property’s value.
Achieving this involves talent, finesse, and an eye for scale and composition. However, with the right support and access to quality furniture, art, and accessories, it’s entirely possible to create a layered and appealing design for any home on the market. This approach not only makes the property more memorable but also can elevate its appeal to potential buyers.
Personality vs Universality
Personality vs universality
It’s widely recognized that effective staging is a powerful marketing strategy that can expedite the sale of a home and potentially increase its selling price. Also, in today’s digital age, where the majority of home buyers begin their search online, the importance of presenting a home in the best possible light online cannot be overstated. However, I think we’ve reached a critical juncture with home staging. It appears that many “prepared” homes aren’t contributing additional value and, in some instances, might even be diminishing the home’s value.
Having dedicated over two decades to home staging, I’ve witnessed its evolution firsthand, observing remarkable transformations that could best be described as turning a “sow’s ear into a silk purse.” However, I’ve grown concerned that the craft of staging is veering off course, becoming overly formulaic. In our eagerness to make a home market-ready, we seem to have strayed from the warmth and connection that make a house feel like a home. The trend towards white walls, extreme decluttering, budget furniture rental, and depersonalization has, in some cases, stripped rooms of their essence, leaving them feeling lifeless.
We need to reassess how we strike a balance between personality and universality in our approach to home presentation. Moving away from rigid, traditional staging methods and their generic rules, we should embrace the principles of thoughtful interior design. A space that’s been designed with care doesn’t just meet the practical aims of staging; it goes further by injecting personality and warmth into the home. Consider the conventional staging rule that personal photos must be removed. This guideline has always puzzled me. When you see a beautifully designed living room in a magazine, it often features personal touches like a framed photo from a family vacation or images of children laughing, which add a sense of love and happiness. These personal elements can create a more inviting atmosphere, marrying the concepts of personality and universality to give potential buyers a comforting glimpse of successful living.
Don’t misunderstand me; my belief in staging and the effective strategies for preparing a home well remains strong. However, it’s crucial that we reassess what truly matters and address the excesses that have crept into otherwise sound practices.
So, lets begin with how can you infuse personality while also appealing to a broad audience.
Tip #1 Through the Lens
It begins with the walkthough:
I began staging homes in 2002, and from the start, a camera has been my indispensable tool. I start every walkthrough by taking photos of what I see when walking through the front door. Through the lens, I gather all the insights I need about a space—identifying the focal points, gauging the room’s brightness, and assessing how the furniture appears in photographs. It tells me whether the room evokes inspiration or falls flat. Viewing each room through the lens, I aim to elevate it to the point where, upon completion, any photograph taken could rival a magazine cover.
When dealing with the seller:
I’ve also used photography to demonstrate to homeowners who question my design recommendations what visitors see when entering a room. Living in a space can cause us to overlook visual clutter, as it becomes part of our daily environment. For example, if you place a box in the center of a room, over time, our brains adjust, and the sight of it no longer surprises us. This familiarity can obscure issues that could diminish a space’s appeal to others.
While I am staging:
During stagings, my camera becomes an essential ally, especially when dealing with complex areas. Viewing cumbersome bookcases or peculiar spaces through its lens offers a fresh perspective, helping to identify the most effective layouts and angles that elevate their visual appeal. It empowers me to envision the potential within these challenging nooks, influencing the positioning of objects, assessing the harmony and balance of color schemes, and verifying the equilibrium of the room’s design. The lens essentially acts as a window to composition, showing me if the elements come together cohesively or if further adjustments are necessary for a perfect visual harmony.
Try it; take a picture… what do you see?
Tip #2 Maximize and Retain
While staging requires an investment, it’s invariably worth it for the significant value it adds to a home. When working with an occupied property, I strive to incorporate the homeowner’s items as much as possible. This not only helps to lower costs but often imbues the space with a genuine feel rather than a contrived, staged appearance. There are guidelines to this approach, all aimed at elevating the home’s value. If we can manage to save the seller money while achieving an attractive look, it benefits everyone.
When evaluating a seller’s furniture, art, and accessories, my initial approach is to consider them as if I were shopping for my own home. I ask myself: Would I want this in my space? Does it spark inspiration? Does it enhance the room? Will it make a lasting, positive impression on viewers? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then the item remains. A piece may also be kept if it doesn’t detract from the room’s value, but it’s crucial to remember we only get one chance to make a strong first impression, and anything that stays should at least be visually appealing.
Scale is the next consideration. Every room we stage should appear as spacious as possible. Often, the furniture present is what diminishes the perceived size of the space. This is usually why we decide to remove certain pieces, opting instead for items that are more compact and enhance the feeling of openness.
Lastly, our passion as designers lies in creating the unexpected. Mixing new furniture with the sellers antiques, family heirlooms, and unique finds enriches a space with depth and character. I am always on the lookout when doing my walkthrough for furniture pieces or art that seem to say, “I have a story to tell.” Our aim is to cultivate a style that radiates sophistication and a refined casualness, effortlessly merging traditional elements with modern flair. An example of achieving this blend is by pairing a beloved antique table with sleek, modern chairs. This approach not only adds visual interest but also tells a story, making the space more engaging and personal.
In this after photo, all the furniture has been sourced from Stage Right Rentals, with the exception of the sofa and a sculpture. The sculpture, a piece owned by the homeowner, truly steals the show.
Tip #2 Textured Layers
A thoughtfully curated mix of throw pillows, blankets, books, framed photos, greenery, and various accessories can instantly revitalize and elevate a room’s aesthetic. Intentionally incorporating these items adds texture, introduces color, and aligns with your selected design theme, crucial for transforming the ambiance of a space.
Whether you’re inclined towards a rich, layered look or a more simplistic, minimalist vibe, the options are limitless. Start by establishing a theme, then pick items that support and enhance this vision. My strategy often involves an initial phase of layering, followed by a careful process of elimination until the atmosphere feels just right. The goal is to establish a focal point, such as an eye-catching piece on the mantel or coffee table, that commands attention. Avoiding a look that feels overly staged or artificial is key. Opt for pieces that authentically enhance the chosen theme, rather than simply filling space.
The after photo showcases an exquisite blend of layers that together narrate a captivating color story. It features a diverse palette of blue hues, transitioning through textures from the sleekness of glass to the ruggedness of iron, and onto a shagreen coffee table top, further accentuated by a layer of wooden beads. Despite the myriad of elements present, there’s an inherent tranquility in the story it unfolds, highlighting a sophisticated balance of components.
Tip #3 Affordable Chic
For a room to exude a sophisticated, designer feel, avoid using low-quality, low budget inexpensive furniture. Where you can, remove pieces that feel dated and consider renting the best quality furniture your budget can accommodate. When working with limited funds, prioritize bringing in a standout piece that can define the space. Ensure there’s at least one element in the room that sparks a “wow” factor—an unexpected touch or something so appealing that potential buyers would desire in their own homes.
When staging a living room, I often prioritize featuring an exceptional, high-end coffee table and a striking piece of art. These elements not only draw attention but also set the tone for the room, highlighting a sense of luxury and style.
The standout feature in this after photo is the coffee table. Its bold style not only captures attention but also harmonizes seamlessly with the surrounding rental furniture, making it a focal point in the staged room.
Tip #4 Space Mastery
A well-designed room breathes. Creating a sense of spaciousness adds significant value to every room in a house. A home that feels expansive can make buyers feel like they are getting more value for their money. The first and most straightforward step to achieve this sense of space is to remove any oversized furniture and replace it with pieces that fit the room’s scale more appropriately.
Remove any unnecessary items that don’t contribute to your chosen design aesthetic. Utilize thriving plants to fill empty spaces, but relocate them if creating visual space is more crucial for the overall look. Ensure there is ample walking space between furniture pieces, aiming for several feet of clear pathway to allow easy movement through the room. This not only enhances the feeling of spaciousness but also contributes to a well-thought-out and inviting environment.
Balance the artwork on your walls; too much can compress the perceived size of a room. Each time your gaze settles on a piece, it subtly constricts the available space. On the flip side, too few pieces can create a void, leaving the room feeling barren and devoid of personality and flair.
This petite condo saw significant improvement with the strategic incorporation of rented furniture that followed a light, off-white color palette, lending an airy ambiance to the space. Each piece was meticulously selected for its sleek, contemporary aesthetic, ensuring a perfect fit within the condo’s modest dimensions. By maintaining ample walkway space, the layout maximizes the feeling of openness, cleverly conveying a sense of spaciousness within the confines of the small living area.
Tip #5 – Timeless Appeal
Avoid furniture that is too trendy, as it can often look cheap if not chosen carefully, making the house appear lower in value. Instead, opt for furniture that exudes timeless sophistication and seems like it could withstand the ebbs and flows of design trends.
I often find that many standard staged homes I see online start to blend together, making it hard to distinguish one from another. While integrating a few trendy elements can enhance a room, an overload of such items can come across as tacky and may convey an unsophisticated, low-quality vibe, detracting from the seller’s advantage. If the budget doesn’t allow for upscale furniture rentals, a strategic move could be to place a larger than average rug in the room to instill a sense of luxury. Adding layers of new throw pillows or a prominent piece of large scaled artwork can also serve as an effective focal point, capturing the buyer’s interest and lifting the space’s overall aesthetic.
The upcoming after photos embody the essence of timeless design, avoiding the pitfalls of transient trends. Creating an aesthetically pleasing environment is straightforward when you focus on the fundamentals: selecting accessories with intention, incorporating standout art, and adding thoughtful layers. This approach enhances the room’s design without complicating it. Maintaining simplicity and alignment with your chosen style is crucial, along with introducing a striking element—be it through art or unique rental furniture. The art of subtlety and the practice of restraint in layering are key to ensuring the space remains balanced and inviting, showcasing timeless elegance.
Tip #6 Curtain Call
In many instances, the removal of outdated window treatments is essential for revitalizing a space, just as a newly constructed home might present a blank slate without any window dressings, creating an evident gap. Budget constraints frequently lead to curtains being an afterthought or completely omitted from staging plans—an oversight that is unfortunate. Window treatments stand as one of the most impactful means to bring warmth, texture, and a luxurious feel to an otherwise lackluster room. The aesthetic enhancement provided by adding curtains often surpasses their cost, yielding a significant return on investment.
Moreover, the strategic placement of curtains, particularly when hung in a manner that allows them to be drawn back slightly from the window, can work wonders in altering a room’s perception. Such an arrangement not only introduces an element of design sophistication but also crafts the illusion of larger windows. This subtle adjustment can significantly elevate the perceived value of the property, underscoring the profound influence of well-considered window treatments on a space’s overall appeal.
Before: The room showcased a dated look, weighed down by dark wall colors and outdated furnishings, further emphasized by heavy curtains.
After: A transformation is evident with walls painted in lighter shades, complemented by tasteful rental furniture and beautiful accessories. The removal of the curtains stands out as the most significant change, instantly brightening and refreshing the space.
Starting as an empty canvas, this ground-floor condo, with its stark white walls, pale flooring, and visible cold metal ducts, presented a challenge in creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. The strategic placement of rented furniture and the inclusion of opulent window treatments introduced a rich layer of color and warmth, drastically transforming the ambiance with elegance and comfort.
Tip #7 Artful Staging
Art significantly enhances both the visual allure and value of a home. On occasions, I’ve passed on staging projects due to homeowners’ hesitance to incorporate art into their newly painted spaces. Selecting the right pieces can dramatically elevate a room, while poor choices—such as those that are outdated, too small, or of inferior quality—can greatly diminish its appeal. Thoughtfully selected art not only boosts the room’s charm and character but also acts as a focal point, enriching the space’s narrative. The size of the art is vital; incorrect proportions can disrupt the room’s visual harmony, a principle applicable across all property values.
Achieving the ideal balance with art is crucial; an overabundance can overwhelm a space, making it seem cramped, while insufficient art can make it feel lackluster and neglected.
This after photo showcases how an extra-large plexiglass artwork perfectly completes the room, thanks to its commanding presence. The theme of contrast is evident throughout, highlighted by the sleek, modern black wood table and the minimalist wishbone chairs. The artwork not only enhances this theme but also elevates the room’s aesthetic beyond what the furniture alone achieves. Artwork of this scale demonstrates that it can be the focal point of a room, doing the bulk of the aesthetic work, which allows the other walls to remain minimally adorned.
Tip # 8 Beyond White
White has long been a popular choice for walls, offering a blank slate for potential buyers to envision their future home. While effective in making spaces feel larger and brighter, an overuse of white can result in a lack of warmth and character, potentially making a space feel unwelcoming.
Market observations suggest many homes lack in design, with white dominating walls and furnishings, accented by small-scale art. This uniformity misses opportunities to enhance spaces. Contrastingly, incorporating color, even subtly, can significantly enrich a home’s appeal. My most memorable projects often feature colored walls, which provide a dynamic backdrop for furniture and art, enhancing the overall look without overwhelming.
Choosing wall colors requires consideration of existing home features and decor. If uncertain, an off-white with a hint of trend color can add depth without risking appeal. Strategic use of lighting, textures, and color accents through decor can also add warmth and interest.
In essence, while white walls can be advantageous in staging a home, they should be part of a broader, well-thought-out design strategy. Painting offers a simple way to refresh a space and add value. A dash of sophisticated, designer-chosen color can transform a mundane room into a memorable experience, making a lasting impression on potential buyers without the need for dramatic changes.
The home could have easily settled for the simple charm of all-white walls, but the decision to paint certain walls a rich dark blue truly revolutionized the space. This bold choice infused the room with vibrancy and perfectly highlighted the rental furniture, creating a striking contrast. Moreover, it brought a newfound balance to the concrete fireplace, which previously dominated the area, allowing it to integrate smoothly with the room’s overall aesthetic. As a result, the space was transformed, gaining a lively and harmonious character that made every element feel thoughtfully placed and inviting.
Tip #9 Rug magic
Area rugs are crucial for staging, especially in the living and family rooms, as well as the primary bedroom, where they add warmth and help define spaces. However, dining rooms might not benefit as much; rugs in these areas can make the space feel smaller.
Rugs serve multiple purposes: they bring together design elements, create inviting atmospheres, and can brighten rooms with dark floors. They also reduce noise in large, echo-prone spaces. An oversized rug, extending under all furniture legs, can visually expand a room, making it seem more spacious and luxurious. When selecting rugs for staging, choosing ones with a simple color palette is key, ensuring the focus remains on the space’s overall ambiance.”
Incorporating layered rugs into the design brought a new dimension of interest and opulence to the area. This large condo, originally one expansive living space, was transformed with the addition of carefully selected rental furniture. To further refine the ambiance, we embraced texture through strategic rug layering. This method not only accentuated the focal point of the room but also introduced an enhanced level of style. The outcome was a space that not only captivated attention but also left a lasting, stylish impression.
Tip #10 Lighting Lift
Enhancing a home’s lighting significantly transforms its appeal. Well-lit rooms feel more welcoming, appear larger, and showcase their features more effectively. Starting with simple upgrades, such as switching to higher wattage bulbs where possible, can immediately brighten any space, making a noticeable difference in how it feels and looks.
Furthermore, installing new light fixtures throughout the home not only improves overall illumination but also adds a touch of modern style. With a wide range of affordable and stylish lighting options available, neglecting this upgrade could be a missed opportunity. Particularly, updating fixtures in key areas like the dining room, kitchen, and bathroom increases the home’s value and imparts a contemporary vibe, making the space more attractive to potential buyers by conveying a sense of well-designed sophistication.
In this after photo, the home, once hindered by dim lighting and oppressively dark walls, now radiates with a newfound brightness. The solution involved a complete overhaul; outdated furniture was replaced with light-colored rentals that perfectly accent the newly painted white walls, instantly revitalizing the space. The transformation was beautifully completed with a thorough update to the lighting, a change that not only illuminated the area but also added a contemporary flair and an element of elegance. This significant enhancement has thoroughly uplifted the home’s ambiance, marking the successful completion of its transformation.
Closing Thoughts
With decades of working in the profession of preparing homes I believe that with thoughtful design and a touch of personality houses tend to outperform those stripped of individuality. The common belief that a home should be devoid of the previous occupant’s personality is a misconception. Instead, aim to imbue the space with a distinct, desirable character—a style that stands out and sparks excitement among buyers recalling their house-hunting experiences. Crafting such an atmosphere is challenging but immensely rewarding, significantly enhancing the property’s value.
Achieving this involves talent, finesse, and an eye for scale and composition. However, with the right support and access to quality furniture, art, and accessories, it’s entirely possible to create a layered and appealing design for any home on the market. This approach not only makes the property more memorable but also can elevate its appeal to potential buyers.