DIY Home Staging: A Seller’s Guide
According to Kelly Killoren Bensimon, a real estate salesperson for Douglas Elliman and a star on The Real Housewives of New York who is an expert on home staging. “A few simple and inexpensive hacks is all it takes to have your house looking its best and attractive to buyers,” she says. “You can have fun during the process too.”
Home staging doesn’t have to be a costly, time-consuming process–especially if your house is still in good condition. When listing your house for sale, you want it to look more move-in ready. Having furnishings and wall hangings in place is often more inviting than empty rooms and blank walls.
First impressions are everything. As a Home Staging Business, we focus on the important areas when staging your home, from the living room, kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, and outdoor living areas.
Home staging also offers various options, ranging from simple, budget-friendly strategies to more elaborate and professional services, and as the topic says, DIY Home Staging: A Seller’s Guide.
1. Maximise Natural Light
Natural light creates a positive atmosphere or effect that accentuates the architectural and design features of your home. Rooms tend to feel larger and more spacious.
For rooms that don’t get proper natural sunlight, consider brighter light bulbs. Well-chosen light fixtures and bulbs can contribute to the overall ambiance of your home.
2. Deep Clean
A clean home makes a positive first impression.
When potential buyers walk into a well-maintained and spotless space, they are more likely to view the property positively. In the age of online listings, well-lit and clean spaces photograph better.
3. Paint Your Wall Interiors to Make a Great First Impression
Giving interior walls a fresh coat of paint is one of the most straightforward and effective steps. Warm and neutral tones often create a cosy and welcoming atmosphere, while cooler tones can evoke tranquillity. Focus on high-traffic rooms like bedrooms, the living room and kitchen if time is limited.
4. Fix Minor Repairs
Extensive repairs can be stressful and can lead to overpricing the home making it less competitive in the market. Focus on the key areas that have a significant impact on overall appearance and appeal of the home.
5. De-Personalize
The goal of home staging is to showcase the property itself, emphasising its architectural features, layout, and potential. By removing personal items, such as family photos and personalised decor, you create a neutral canvas free of visual clutter.
6. Use Mirrors as Staging Props
Positioning a mirror on a mantle or leaning it against a wall effortlessly introduces light and depth to any room. Mirrors serve as budget-friendly statement pieces and focal points, while also visually expanding the room.
7. Enhance the Space by Using Potted Plants
Potted plants contribute to a sense of warmth and cosiness. They help fill empty corners and are inexpensive staging accessories that work across many styles from modern to traditional.
8. Don’t Forget Curb Appeal
A well-maintained exterior sets the tone for the viewing experience. Repainting the trim, maintaining the roof and siding, and ensuring tidy landscaping can significantly improve a home’s first impression.
9. Don’t Over-stage
Home staging should enhance—not overwhelm—the space. Too many decorative elements can distract buyers and make it difficult to focus on the property’s real value. Simplicity sells.
10. Define Each Room
Clearly define the purpose of each room. Showcase flexibility—e.g., a dining area doubling as a home office. This helps buyers visualise functionality and inspires emotional connection.
Final Thoughts
Home staging is a real estate marketing strategy where agents, homeowners, or professional home stagers use design choices, furniture, and decor to sell the home faster.
The key to a successful DIY staging is to present your home in its best light, making it inviting and appealing to potential buyers. While professional stagers bring expertise, a well-thought-out DIY approach can still yield impressive results.
Here at Sell In Style Property Styling, this is what we do best. Our team uses RP data to discover who the demographic of your ideal buyer is and styles with them in mind. From there, we create spaces that feel warm and inviting—whether it’s a new build or an established home.
Get in touch with us to discuss the possibilities. In the meantime, follow us on social media and read through our blogs for the latest tips and inspiration.
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