Look, let’s get real about home staging. You’ve probably read all the same tired advice: declutter, neutral colors, fresh flowers. Yawn. But here’s the thing: most people stage their homes all wrong. If you really want to get your home sold (or just not embarrass yourself in front of buyers), you’ve got to break away from the same old playbook.
At DesignGaga, we’ve learned that sometimes, it’s the unconventional moves that make the biggest impact. So, we’re flipping the script on home staging and giving you the real deal—because trust us, those beige walls aren’t doing you any favors.
1. Decluttering? Not So Fast.
Sure, every “expert” says declutter your home. But let’s not go overboard and strip it down to nothing. You don’t want your home to look like a sterile hotel room. Buyers need to feel like someone actually lives there. Leave a little personality behind—just enough for them to imagine a cozy, lived-in space that feels authentic, not like a rental from 2009.
2. Forget Mirrors Everywhere.
Oh, mirrors are great for making spaces feel bigger, they say. But let’s be real. Do you really want your home to look like a carnival funhouse? A well-placed mirror works magic, but don’t start slapping them all over your walls thinking you’re creating the illusion of grandeur. It’s not working. One or two mirrors in key places—strategically placed to catch natural light—are all you need.
3. Neutral Colors Are Safe, But Also… Boring
Let’s talk about beige, grey, and all those safe neutrals. Yes, they won’t offend anyone. But they won’t excite anyone either. You want to stand out? Take a risk with bold accents. A pop of emerald green, a statement wall in charcoal, or even a few well-chosen, unexpected pieces can make buyers remember your home long after they leave. Neutral might sell, but bold makes them fall in love.
4. Curb Appeal Isn’t What You Think
Everyone tells you to focus on curb appeal, but it’s more than just trimming the hedges and planting some generic petunias. Here’s a tip: make your entrance stand out. A bright door, an unexpected outdoor bench, or a quirky welcome mat does a lot more than a manicured lawn alone. Remember: curb appeal starts with making people stop in their tracks, not just nodding in polite approval.
5. Overhead Lighting is the Devil
If you’re relying on overhead lighting alone, stop right there. Overhead lights are harsh and make your home look like a corporate office. Instead, go for warm, layered lighting with floor lamps, table lamps, and even candles (yep, real ones). The goal is to create a mood, not spotlight your furniture like a display at IKEA.
6. Let Buyers See Every Room’s Potential (Not Just Your Vision)
Staging a room as a home office? Great. But maybe your buyers don’t need one. Think flexibly—stage rooms with multiple purposes in mind. That spare bedroom? A yoga retreat and a guest room. The awkward nook? It could be a mini library or a cozy reading corner. You want buyers to see endless possibilities, not just your one idea.
7. The Kitchen: Less Sparkle, More Soul
Yes, the kitchen sells homes, but if you think buyers are going to fall in love because you’ve laid out some artisan bread and a bowl of lemons, think again. Showcase the kitchen as the heart of the home. Leave a little charm in the form of lived-in, authentic touches. Maybe a vintage cookbook left open on the counter or a rustic wooden cutting board—not staged, but real.
8. Lose the Vanilla Scented Candles
Enough with the fake vanilla candles already. Buyers don’t want to walk into a home that smells like an artificial bakery explosion. Want a trick that’s a bit more… subtle? Simmer some cinnamon sticks and cloves on the stove, or keep it fresh with the clean scent of eucalyptus. Let’s aim for cozy, not nauseating.
At DesignGaga, we believe in staging with a punch—a little personality, a little attitude, and a whole lot of realness. These so-called “rules” of staging? We’re breaking them, and it’s working. Ready to stage your home the DesignGaga way? Forget the cookie-cutter approach—let’s make it memorable.
