CLOUZ HOUZ DESIGN GUIDES - What’s your style?
TAKE THE QUIZ
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 Greenery 

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. 

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 Chronicles 

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. 

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.”  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
20k. Wow. Feeling a little surreal over here (and right before Christmas!). Emma surprised me with this cake today and it honestly made me pause and take it all in. This journey has been nothing without you all (this community) showing up, supporting, growing with me. I’m so grateful for every message, interaction, and tiny bit of love along the way.
And I’ll be honest... it’s not always easy showing up here every day and sharing so many pieces of our lives. You don’t see everything, and that’s okay. But what’s real is this connection and the people on the other side of the screen.
Here’s to all of you. Thank you for being here, for cheering us on, and for making this space feel like something worth building.❤️
After designing and remodeling so many bathrooms, here are 5 mistakes I’ll never make again:
1. Stopping tile too low on the wall.
Tiling only part way up can make a bathroom feel choppy and visually shorter. Taking tile higher (or all the way up in key areas) instantly feels more custom and elevates even the smallest space.
2. Choosing form over storage.
A pretty pedestal sink with nowhere to hide anything... I’ve learned my lesson. Vanities with drawers, medicine cabinets, and smart niches keep your counters clear and make your bathroom actually livable. For example, pretty pedestal sinks have my heart — but they have zero secrets. If you truly love the look, add a tailored sink skirt to hide essentials, or do what we’re doing in our own project: bringing in an entire wall of IKEA PAX built-ins for overflow storage. Desianers think hard about lifestyle... because a beautiful bathroom that doesn’t actually work never stays beautiful.
3. Using the wrong grout color.
Bright white grout on a busy floor or in a shower is a cleaning nightmare. A softer, mid-tone grout is more forgiving, ages better, and lets the tile shine instead of the lines.
4. Cheap, overly shiny hardware and fixtures.
Nothing dates a bathroom faster than ultra-shiny, lightweight hardware. A tip I give clients: always look for weight and finish depth. Polished nickel with a warm undertone, unlacquered brass that patinas beautifully, or even aged bronze instantly elevates a space. Spend once and avoid upgrading again in two years.
5. Relying only on overhead lighting.
One can light = harsh, flat, unflattering. Layered lighting changes everything. Add sconces at face level (ladies... this is a game changer for getting ready), plus a decorative fixture or even a candle for a softer, moodier feel.
If you’re planning a remodel or want help avoiding these mistakes in your own home, send me a DM — we’d love to help you design a bathroom you’ll love for years🤍
“Designers are expensive.” That’s the public opinion... and sometimes, it’s true. But it’s also the reason we exist. 
A designer’s fee is almost always less than the cost of redoing things that weren’t done right the first time.
We see it all the time. Clients come to us after plans are finalized, materials are ordered, and the space is already under construction. By then, it’s much harder (and more expensive) to course-correct. Details like lighting placement, ceiling heights, tile layout, and even outlet locations all impact the final design. And when we’re part of the process early, those decisions work together instead of against each other.
Working with a designer isn’t just about how your home looks.. It’s about how it feels and functions. Our role is to bridge the gap between vision and execution, to make sure every decision supports the next one.
If you’re in the early stages of building or renovating, this is your sign to bring design in from the start. It’s an investment in doing it once, and doing it beautifully.
Inquire through our site (link in bio) to start your project!
Headed back to Oregon today and scrolling through old Christmas clips like the nostalgic, obsessed person that I am.😂 It truly never fails to be the coziest place during the holidays.
We chose the PNW this year partly for the peaceful vibes... partly because our renovation is unhinged right now. And MOSTLY because I wanted to put up a tree. 
Luckily we have a fake one in storage. No ornaments, just twinkle lights and vibes. I’ve got a few simple tricks to make it feel special for our family.
Where are you celebrating this year? Traveling? Staying home? I love hearing what this season looks like for everyone.
Until then, I’ll just be on the Tennessee backroads with my coffee, gathering design inspo from every pretty home I drive past!