Between the Layers | Design Guide Series
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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! ?

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This voiceover is from an interview with Ina Garten, and it stopped me in my tracks.

My parents still tell the story how they’d leave for a dinner out while I babysat my little sister and brother, and by the time they got home, the entire living room would be completely reworked. Not asked for.... but I just had to see if it could feel better. I had recruited my sister and brother to help me move the furniture in an entire new layout!

I didn’t know it then, but that instinct was the beginning of everything.

Fast forward 35 years... I went from being a stay-at-home mom to starting my own business, taking on real clients (not just my parents, who truly didn’t sign up for the redesigns😂 and building something that genuinely fills my cup.

There were so many moments of doubt in between, like starting later, wondering if it was too late, if I’d missed my window. But here’s the thing. It’s never too late to start. To pivot. To build something around what you naturally love.

Sometimes the thing you’re meant to do has been quietly following you your whole life.
Hey, I’m Allison:))

If you’re new here: I’m a self-taught designer with 20+ years of experience. What began as renovating our own homes has grown into a business helping clients coast to coast reimagine their spaces.

Lately I’ve been re-evaluating who we are and what we do best. I have lots of big ideas (dreams, really), but somewhere along the way things got a little muddled. So I’m getting back to the heart of it:

I make homes feel personal. Whether it’s a full renovation or just a few rooms, I help spaces reflect the people who live in them. A skill I’m most proud of? Knowing how to allocate your budget to deliver an elevated design that’s not only beautiful but lasting.

I’m also deeply committed to listening. I take your vision seriously, guide you through the overwhelm, and help turn those ideas into a reality, because I know how hard decisions can feel alone.

This is what clients come to us for. If this resonates, welcome and glad the algorithm brought you here!
Thanks for being here🫶🏻
I say this all the time, but drapery really is one of the most important layers in a room. We had just finished styling this space and it still felt like something was missing... adding these from @onequince was what finally pulled it together.

They add privacy but still let the light come through, and I always look for a bit of texture so things don’t fall flat. These hit that balance really well.

We’re actually planning to layer in bamboo shades here too, but I almost always like to double up on panels like this first. It gives the windows a fuller, more finished look even if they’re mostly decorative.

Also, small tip... these technically aren’t meant for drapery pins, but I pinned them along the back at the pole tabs to get a more tailored feel. Not perfect, but it works and makes them read a bit more custom.

Comment SHOP and we’ll send the link.

Direct link: https://liketk.it/6ciTA
#QuincePartner, @shop.ltk, #liketki
Another install for the books! We finished our Tetherow Timber House project in the PNW laat week. Designing dream homes, special spaces, and vacation homes, is such a passion of mine, I feel so lucky it’s what I get to do for a living.

Thanks to everyone who worked hard on this project. CH is what it is because of the people brought into the vision. And thanks to our amazing clients who I love so much, for trusting me with the designs and letting our team do our thing these past couple of days... projects always turn out best that way.