Home staging can be the difference between the home selling quickly and sitting on the market for weeks or months, but there are some common misconceptions about what actually makes a home look stylish rather than empty or used. In fact, some of the most effective ways to stage your home don’t have anything to do with furniture or decor at all; you just need to make sure it looks clean and tidy from the outside by taking these five steps!
1) Cleaning Up the Clutter
The first step to making your home stylish is clearing out the clutter. Organizing and purging your belongings will not only make your space feel cleaner and more spacious, but it will also inspire you to get creative with the things you do have left over. Remember, less really is more when it comes to styling a room. Even one too-loud rug or garish pattern can ruin an entire space—so start by picking up any items that don’t bring you joy or spark creativity.
Your living room doesn’t need 10 throw pillows if they’re all just going to sit there looking ugly. Get rid of them! You’ll be surprised how much brighter your space feels after getting rid of the clutter. Plus, you’ll save money on decorating costs in the long run because you won’t need so many decorative pieces for the same effect.
2) White Is Not Just a Color
White is not just a color. It is a statement that embodies purity, simplicity, and honesty. Whether you are painting the walls of your new home white or want to give a punch of color to a room, painting all surfaces with this chic hue can make any space feel spacious, elegant, and welcoming. Painting the ceiling white can create an extra dimension in any room; when combined with white trim and molding around windows and doors it becomes even more dramatic. Even if you don’t love working with color, there are plenty of other ways to incorporate white into your decorating. Consider adding small touches like lamps, towels, and side tables for an elegant space without feeling cold or stark.
3) Small Things Matter
Staging a home is a little different than decorating. The key difference is, it’s not your place. Stagers are trained to create an inviting space that flows. If they can do it on someone else’s dime, imagine what they could do for you! Start with the front door. One of the first things people see when they enter your home is the front door.
4) Try Framed Art Instead of Paintings
Framed art is a surprisingly popular home staging secret, but it’s much more than just a pretty decorating idea. It can be used to enhance the look of your space and express your personal style. Try different sizes and colors to see what works best for you. Framing pictures or prints in black or white frames add instant sophistication, says Lissette Valderrama-Suarez, owner of Lissette Interior Design (website). Painting Your Fireplace White: Surprisingly this isn’t as obvious as it sounds! White paint not only brings in light, which makes rooms feel bigger, but it also creates a sense of openness by drawing attention up toward the ceiling.
5) Use Mirrors (They Aren’t Just for The Bathroom!)
Create the illusion of a larger space with mirrors. Installing one in your living room, dining room, or entryway can create a sense of depth and lead the eye to other parts of the room. Mirrors are also great for giving off an airy feel and help break up any unattractive lines in your space.
