Staging is a huge part of our work at CMFTO, and we could make the argument that it’s part of each and every project we take on. If we’re moving a senior from a home to a senior living community, of course we’re staging the home for sale—but we’re also “staging” our client’s new residence. This simply means that we’re displaying the client’s most prized and beautifully-designed pieces, while thoughtfully organizing the rest in a way that keeps the emphasis on those main pieces. Think: an heirloom vase displayed in a glass-front kitchen cabinet, with everyday plates nestled beneath in a deep drawer. Just as staging a home for market increases its value and drives sales, Staging to Live™ makes your space work seamlessly for you while being visually pleasing.
If you were to glance through some of our staging projects on social media, you might notice some pieces that we use time and time again. Taking inspiration from these hard-working staging pieces can help you add value to your home, whether for sale or just for a refresh of your space.
This rug’s bold black lines draw the eye around the room, infusing the space with energy and visual interest. It’s a good balance with the neutral furniture and color palette.
Artwork is the star of a staging project, but be mindful of balance. For a space that is staged to sell, like the dining room in the image below, we select art that is beautiful (definitely a few steps above hotel-room art) but still strikes a neutral note. When displaying artwork you own in your own space, you should feel free to make it the star of the show.
We’ve used the word “neutral” a few times so far, and yes, keeping things neutral is important in staging a space to sell. It’s also important to find a balance of furniture, patterns, and colors that feels neutral to you in your home, meaning that those elements are not fighting for attention and overwhelming the space. But in both of these strategies, we never want to err so heavily on the side of neutrality that a space reads as…well, boring! To that end, incorporate some whimsical pieces—like these delightful Ichendorf glasses—that will keep the space interesting and fun.
I hope these tips give you some food for thought if you’re contemplating putting your home on the market—or if you’ll just use some summer downtime to refresh your space. Please feel free to send photos of your staging projects, I’d love to see!
I recently had the pleasure of browsing the new David Geffen Galleries in LA (with my granddaughter Bea in tow!) and was struck by this beautiful piece. It’s a work by Roni Horn titled Untitled (“The sensation of satisfaction at having outstared a baby.”) and I could have stared at it for hours! The thoughtful placement of this piece in the gallery is a perfect example of the power of staging.
