Decorating & Staging Tips from an Interior Decorator

I swear every time I go for a walk in my neighbourhood, I see another house has gone up for sale. On one short street near my neighbourhood, there are five houses up for sale. 

I have moved 8 times (but I feel like I am missing one or two for some reason) in my life. After you move a few times, you get the cleaning out and putting your best foot forward down pat. Cleaning out gets easier and putting those personal photos in drawers feels more natural. You transform your well-loved home, into creating something that feels like someone else’s future house. 

While if you can afford staging or feel like your home needs professional staging, I am all for it. But there are a lot of people that while still living in their home, they want all their things and or it is a cost they can’t afford right now. We are living in an expensive world y’all. 

Compiled here are my tips and tricks as an interior decorator and stylist to help you turn your everyday living spaces into a showcase of your home. Let’s dive into some pro strategies that will make your home put its best foot forward in this market. 

1. Declutter/Clean: The Foundation of it All

Before we get into the decorating stuff, let’s start with the basics: decluttering and cleaning. Imagine your home as a blank canvas—before you start painting, you need a clean surface before you start your layers and highlights. This means packing away some of the knick-knacks, clearing countertops, and giving your home a thorough scrub-down. Buyers want to envision themselves in your space, free of dirt and odours (and I am not knocking anyone, I too have a shedding dog y’all). A clean, clutter-free environment makes rooms instantly look bigger, brighter, and more inviting.

2. Decorate/Stage Outside: First Impressions Count

They say people know whether or not they want a house just a few seconds after walking through the door. I will never forget getting that advice from our realtor when my dad and I went to see a house one day. I don’t think we made it past the entry way, we just knew. But personally, I think that decision already begins once you start walking up the driveway. The exterior of your home is the first thing buyers see, so make it pop! Start with simple updates like a fresh coat of paint on the front door, or an aesthetic jute doormat, and some potted plants to add life. Don’t forget any porches or balconies—arrange a seating area or bistro seating if the space allows. These small touches create the welcoming vibe that buyers are looking for.

3. Styling & Creating: Think Vignettes!

Now, let’s get creative (my favourite part)! Styling with vignettes is like setting up little staged scenes throughout your home. Think of it as creating a picture perfect scene in different areas of each room. Every interior design social media account is teeming with inspiration for vignettes. For example, you could arrange a coffee table with a stack of books, a vase with greenery, and a decorative tray with a candle. Create a reading nook with a comfy chair, a soft throw, and a floor lamp. Each vignette should highlight the purpose and potential of the space while making it feel effortlessly homey.

A simple and homey counter styling incorporating greenery, wood, and ceramics. 

4. Remove Personal Items, but Not Personality!

While it’s important to depersonalize your space to help buyers envision their own lives there, you don’t have to strip your home of all its character. Personalize the space with neutral but stylish decor elements that still reflect warmth and charm. Think well-chosen throw pillows, cool artwork, or an eye-catching rug. It’s all about finding that sweet spot where your home feels inviting but not overwhelming with someone else’s memories and collections.

5. Stage Every Space with Purpose!

Every nook and cranny should have a purpose (think about your vignettes and how they help to tell the story). Anyone will tell you, PEOPLE. LOVE. BEDROOMS. If you have the opportunity to stage a bedroom, it can add greatly to the value of your home. But also keep in mind, a lot of the world loves and dreams of working from home. If not in a bedroom, if you have an unused corner, transform it into a mini office, or a study nook. Show potential buyers how every inch of your home can be functional and styled. It’s all about helping them see the full potential of every space in your home. 

Bright and simple bed styling makes all the difference in creating a clean and professional display. 

6. Keep Spaces Bright and Looking Spacious 

Lighting and space are key when it comes to staging. Brighten up rooms with strategic lighting—think lamps, overhead lights, and natural sunlight. Mirrors are your best friends here; they reflect light and create an illusion of space. A well-placed mirror can make a small room feel twice its size and add a touch of style. Just remember, mirrors should enhance, not overwhelm. We moved away from those panels of mirrors in the 70s, please don’t bring them back (unless you have the mid-mod teak house of the century).

7. Don’t Over Stage or Decorate

Finally, less is often more when it comes to staging. Avoid the temptation to overdecorate or add too many accessories. Too much decor can make spaces feel cluttered and chaotic. Stick to a few well-chosen pieces that enhance the room without overshadowing it. Buyers want to see the bones of the home, not a cluttered display. Keep it all simple, stylish, and strategically placed.

Staging your home is all about creating a space that feels welcoming, stylish, and functional. Remember, the goal is to highlight your home’s best features while helping buyers visualize their new life in your space. 

Selling a home can be stressful and overwhelming, and you might find yourself needing some help identifying how to stage and get your home ready. Please reach out! Our consultation services are perfect for helping to give you guidance on how to start and develop a plan. Happy Staging!