If selling a home was like theater, consider home staging as your dress rehearsal. It’s an opportunity to perfect the setting, fine-tune the ambiance, and ensure the spotlight is on your home’s best features. A well-staged home doesn’t just make your property more appealing to potential buyers; it’s the secret ingredient that could accelerate your sale and boost your property’s price. But before you dust off your interior design hat and haul out the throw pillows, here are some insider tips to help you create a stunning, buyer-friendly spectacle.

Curate Curb Appeal

First impressions are everything, and your front yard is the stage curtain to your property. Make sure it’s looking its best! Regularly mow the lawn, trim hedges, weed garden beds, and consider planting some blooming flowers for a pop of color. Remember to polish up the mailbox, house number, and front door too. Buyers should be intrigued even before they step inside.

Image: This Old House

Banish Clutter

Clutter is the equivalent of a noisy audience—distracting and disruptive. Decluttering doesn’t mean shoving everything into a closet (buyers do open them). It’s about creating a sense of space and calm. Minimize furnishings, and clear countertops, aiming for ‘hotel chic.’ Your home should invite buyers to envision their own lives and style within the space, not navigate around yours.

Image: House Candy Home

Highlight Best Features

Each home has its unique high points: the showstoppers. It could be the charming fireplace, a sweeping staircase, or a kitchen island perfect for gatherings. Identify these, then stage your home to accentuate them. For instance, hang an interesting piece of art above the fireplace or place fresh flowers and a bowl of colorful fruits on your kitchen island. It’s like putting a spotlight on your home’s best features.

Image: House Beautiful

Master the Art of Illusion

Use mirrors, lighting, and strategic furniture placement to create illusions of space, brightness, and homeliness. Mirrors can make a room seem larger and brighter, while lighting can highlight your area and create warmth. As for furniture, it’s all about balance. Avoid blocking pathways and ensure each room’s layout is inviting and logical, promoting easy flow.

Image: West Elm

Go Neutral (Zone)

Remember, your home is the star, not your personal decor. You want buyers to see themselves in your home, which can be hard when it’s filled with family photos, quirky memorabilia, or bold color schemes. Stick to neutral colors for wall paint and primary furniture pieces. Adding a little personality with accessories is okay, but always keep the buyer’s tastes in mind.

Image: West Elm

Add a Touch of Greenery

We’ve said it before, and it bears repeating: plants (even faux varieties) add a breath of fresh air to any space. They provide color, texture, and warmth, making a home feel more inviting and lived-in. Plus, they can subtly remind buyers of the potential for indoor-outdoor living. Consider incorporating a few easy-to-maintain indoor plants into your home staging plan.

Image: Pottery Barn

Scent Subtleties

Few things are as off-putting as unpleasant smells, just as few things are as inviting as a fresh, clean, or subtly scented home. Before showings, ensure your home is well-ventilated, clean, and lightly scented (think baking cookies or aromatic candles like NYC candle company Nette’s Chai Milk, not heavy air fresheners).

Image: Nette

These are just the opening lines in the act of home staging. The curtain call is up to you but remember: your home is the star of the show, and this is the time to let its light shine. 

If you need help making over your home for sale, we can help! Connect with our design team now