Secret Staging Tips To Sell Your Luxury Home

So most of us know all of the real estate “tricks” for staging a home, right?  Eliminate the clutter, take out cumbersome furniture, remove personal photos…these are all great ideas.  But, as an interior designer, I believe that you can go further with your staging by doing a few small things that will have a huge impact on the home.  Many realtors and homeowners will hire professional home stagers, which is wonderful.  But hiring a professional stager is not always necessary.  For our interior design business, we are constantly styling for photo shoots and I have learned a lot about what works over the years.  Here are a few of my best staging tips to sell your luxury home:

Swap out the lighting. Designer lighting will make a huge difference in the home.  A modern pendant or chandelier can change the whole look of the space.   Browse Pinterest or interior design portfolios for ideas and purchase new fixtures for each room.  Then hire a handyman and swap ’em out!

Kitchen accessories.  I know most realtors request to have your counters completely cleared. I agree that this is a good idea – you don’t want a lot of clutter.  However, placing a few upscale accessories can really warm up the space. Our favorite go-to’s are charcuterie boards and demijohns from Etu Home.

Cabinet Refresh. While we are on kitchens, let’s talk about dated ones.  If the homeowners are not willing to do a full blown kitchen renovation, consider having the cabinets painted and/or switching out the hardware.  You would be surprised how much a new set of knobs can change things.

Bedding!  It’s a fact. High end clients love high end linens.   Our favorites brand is Matouk – pure luxury! White is a classic for bedding, so swap out all of the bedding for something white and upscale.  A crisp white duvet and fluffy oversized white towels in the bathroom are perfect.

Greens in nice vessels.  You can use good fauxs blooms so you don’t have to worry about watering them.  A pop of green is an old trick for interior photos, but having any type of plants or floral always warms up a space in general.

Bathroom Accessories.  Think about placing some high end product that your luxury clients will recognize – we love Hermes bath soaps.  A crisp white folded robe or two is also a nice touch.  Make it feel like the bathroom of a boutique hotel suite.

Curb appeal.  Don’t neglect the entrance.  A fresh coat of paint on the front door and new hardware will do the trick. I love to use modern planters with real plants if possible. Any type of palm or tropical plant works and Arborvitae evergreens are an elegant choice.

Overall, remember that you are really selling a lifestyle, not just a home.  A few Chanel shopping bags in the walk-in closet or a bottle of Veuve on the bar makes a statement and makes the luxury buyer feel at home.  Happy Selling!  I hope you get top dollar.