Between the Layers | Design Guide Series
SUBSCRIBE
Design

Four Home Staging Secrets You Need to Know

 

If you’re on a journey to unveil the secrets behind staging your home for a swift sale and maximizing those returns, you’re at the right place! We’re going to dive into a series that’s about to become your go-to guide for transforming your space into a magnet for potential buyers. No frills, no fluff, just some essential tips that will have your home glowing. Grab your notepad and let’s determine how to make your home the talk of the real estate market.

1: Staging with GreeneryĀ 

There is no denying the power of nature’s touch when it comes to transforming a room. Whether you’re aiming for rustic charm or a sleek modern vibe, adding greenery is the secret ingredient that breathes life into your home. One of the easiest ways to introduce greenery is by adding a variety of houseplants. Or, channel your inner forager and consider bringing the outdoors in (literally). One thing that we do ALL the time is cut branches off of the aspen trees in our backyard. By weaving these organic elements into your home, you’re not just decorating, but also creating an immersive experience for potential buyers.

2: Streamline and Elevate — The Art of Editing Clutter

You should be able to walk into a room and gaze effortlessly at elegantly streamlined surfaces that hint at a life well-lived, without feeling overwhelmed by personal artifacts. Let’s talk table tops … those often forgotten surfaces where everyday life unfolds, like your coffee table, an entryway console table, or your bedroom dresser.

It’s not about creating a barren surface; it’s about crafting an ambiance that invites imagination while maintaining a sense of comfort. Start by stashing away personal items – those framed photographs of family dogs and cherished moments. The goal here is to invite potential buyers to envision their own stories in these spaces.

Clouz Houz tip: Books are your secret weapon for styling. Low stacks of books can work wonders, adding depth and dimension to your tables or shelves. Selectively curate a collection that speaks to your taste. They are also great conversation starters, which is a simple yet powerful tool to transform your space and create meaning.Ā 

3: The Furniture Edit as Preparation for Staging

Aim to create an environment that feels open and effortless. For example, we have these cube stools that serve as footrests in front of our chairs. But, while they’re practical for daily living, their presence can inadvertently cast a shadow over the room’s potential. So, think about the flow of movement within the room. Can guests easily navigate from one corner to the next? The secret lies in identifying pieces that, while functional for your lifestyle, might not necessarily take the spotlight when showcasing your home.

4: Closet ChroniclesĀ 

Let’s talk about a sacred space that often hides in the background but has a big influence: your closets. It’s not about storage; it’s about showcasing a variety of possibilities. An organized closet isn’t just a visual aspect, but also a reflection of the lifestyle your home promises. Imagine potential buyers stepping into a closet where clothing is hung in an organized fashion and shoes are neatly displayed.Ā 

Consider the statistics

For many women, the bedroom closet can be a make-or-break moment. A spacious and well-kept closet speaks volumes about the potential a home holds. It’s all about meticulous decluttering and strategic arrangement. Invest in sleek hangers, and coordinated storage options, and let each item find its place!

Bonus Advice… this is crucial to understand when staging and styling your home (because I want to help you!)

There is one last crucial element that ties it all together: the power of painting a picture. Your home is like a canvas for which you paint a lifestyle, a vision of gatherings and laughter-filled memories. As a savvy home stager, your task is to be a visionary artist, adding narratives that potential buyers can step in and make their own. It’s more than just arranging furniture and decor — it’s about curating experiences.

Ultimately, the heart of staging includes inspiring others to see themselves living in your home. For example, the bar we incorporated into the cabinets in our home is a fun touch that some buyers may not have thought of before seeing it on display here once we styled the space to evoke “let’s whip up a tasty cocktail in our cute home bar.”Ā  It invites them to imagine the character and potential the house has, and how it can resonate or even inspire.

Hope these tips help you if you are getting ready to list your home. Happy staging and styling! May your homes shine brightly… and sell quickly at it’s max potential. We got you! ?

Join the Conversation

get inspired
#clouzhouz
follow along
@clouz_houz
This is one of those things I feel very strongly about.
Scale is one of the fastest ways to elevate a room... and one of the easiest to get wrong. I see it all the time: a space has beautiful pieces, but something still feels off. More often than not, it’s because everything is too small.

Our coffee table is a good example. It’s intentionally larger because it helps the whole seating area read as one zone. It visually connects the sofa and chairs, gives everyone an actual surface within reach, and creates one strong focal point in the middle of the room.

If it were smaller, we’d need extra little tables to make the layout function, and all of those pieces would start competing with each other.

One larger piece often creates more calm than several smaller ones.

Save this for your next room refresh, and share it with someone who’s trying to figure out why their space feels off.
Finally using our kitchen... and it feels so good 🄹

We don’t take this for granted for a second! Having a fully working kitchen again truly feels like such a gift. It’s always been the heart of our home, and after so many months without it, being back in this space feels extra special.

If you’ve been around here for a while, you know Derrick and I are major foodies.

And over the years, he’s become such an incredible cook... his recipes just keep getting better and better (lucky me ā˜ŗļø).

There’s something about cooking at home, slowing down, and gathering around a meal that just feels like us again.

Would you guys want to see more of what we’re cooking, like we used to share?
5 stars. I wanted to make our guests feel comfortable and welcome and a hotel inspired bed seemed like the perfect idea.

All of this bedding is from @onequince , comment ā€˜BED’ and we’ll send you everything that’s linked on our LTK.

This look isn’t for the ā€œanti-pillowsā€ person - in fact it’s all about the layering for that plush, all-white and cozy hotel inspired look.

Here’s how to get this look in your home:
- Start with smooth, wrinkle-free sheets (a quick steam makes all the difference) I love the classic embroidered trim on these I used.
- Tuck your sheets tightly (especially the corners) for that tailored finish
- Layer in a plush duvet or comforter for that full, cloud-like feel (I like to stuff a duvet cover with an insert thats one size larger)
- And don’t skip the pillow layer technique (this is key!): I stacked four total for sleeping, two euro shams for structure, two decorative shams, and an oversized accent lumbar pillow (ours measures 18 x 42 in @LeeJofa fabric) to finish it off

Save for the next time you want a bed refresh!
Here’s how to bring everything you love together. Without the chaos!

Comment ā€˜LOVE’ and I’ll send you exactly how we define your base, choose your lead style, and mix in the rest so it actually works.

Most people think they have to choose one style... but that’s usually not the problem. The issue is trying to make everything feel equally important.

If you want your home to feel collected (not confusing), you need a clear lead... and then layer in the rest.
The difference between a home that looks good... and one that feels good?
It’s what your hands touch every day.

Plumbing fixtures.
Cabinet hardware.
Upholstery.

These aren’t always the most exciting decisions, but they’re the ones you interact with constantly. And trust me, you notice the difference. If you’re going to invest anywhere, start here.

Save this + pass it along to someone designing a space right now!