CHICAGO – Home staging can make all the difference in envisioning empty interiors as cozy spaces and turning lived-in places into a buyer’s dream home. Some staging projects only require a few key accessories, fluffing and repositioning to make all the difference, while other projects require more heavy lifting.
Cheryl Eisen is a New York City-based, luxury home stager and celebrity interior designer and founder of the Interior Marketing Group, an interior design and real estate staging firm, along with Ashley Quinn, vice president of creative services. IMG past clients have included famous names to the likes of Jeff Bezos, Kanye West and Kim Kardashian, Chrissy Teigen and John Legend, among others.
Eisen and Quinn share their five favorite home staging tips to upgrade any space – regardless of price point.
1. Mirrors
Eisen: “First and foremost, mirrors are the ultimate staging secret weapon. They’re incredible for creating the illusion of space and amplifying light. A well-placed mirror can open up a room, making it feel brighter and more expansive, which is exactly what you want when showcasing a home.”
2. Layered lighting
Quinn: “Incorporate different layers of lighting. Add lamps, overhead lighting, and even picture lighting to make a space feel dramatic and inviting. With the evolution of battery-operated lightbulbs, you can add a light fixture almost anywhere now – even if you don’t have a junction box!”
3. Paint
Eisen: “Fresh paint is another must. There’s nothing like a fresh coat to make a home feel brand new. I always recommend sticking to light neutrals – they create a clean, inviting canvas that appeals to a range of tastes. I avoid bold yellows and blues; they can be too specific and might not resonate with everyone. Instead, think soft grays, warm taupes or creamy whites that highlight the space without overwhelming it.”
4. Drapery
Eisen: “Floor-to-ceiling drapes are a game-changer. When hung correctly, they frame the windows beautifully without obstructing the natural light. By flanking the windows rather than covering them, you can draw the eye upward, making the ceilings appear higher and the room feel more open. Plus, drapes add a softness that will balance out any hard edges in the space, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that buyers will love.”
5. Strategic layouts
Quinn: “Reimagine the furniture layout to best showcase the architecture and maximize the space instead of how you might really live.”
© 2024 National Association of Realtors® (NAR)
