7 Ways to Balance Personal Style With Broad Buyer Appeal in Staging
Striking the perfect balance between personal style and broad buyer appeal is a common challenge in home staging. This article explores expert strategies to create versatile, appealing spaces that resonate with a wide range of potential buyers. From designing for emotional impact to incorporating trendy accents with timeless elements, these insights will help you master the art of staging that sells.
- Design for Feeling Not Thought
- Versatility Key in Property Staging
- Neutral Canvas with Personality Pops
- Multifunctional Furniture Bridges Style Gap
- Blend Trendy Accents with Timeless Elements
- Create Cohesive Theme Throughout Space
- Highlight Architectural Features Minimally
Design for Feeling Not Thought
How did you balance showcasing your personal style while still appealing to a broad range of potential buyers during the staging process?
The trick is to realize that personal style doesn't have to equate to personal taste. When decorating, I rely on what I refer to as universally aspirational — a space that feels like it has a point of view, but no one feels alienated by it. Rather than try to make neutral, inoffensive pieces that work for everyone, we start the design process with trend-forward styles that appeal to a lifestyle (not necessarily a demographic, or demographic-inspired aesthetic). For example, warm neutrals that layer on texture, organic forms and matte finishes — these are things that feel current but not overly trendy, and have a sense of style that's stylish, but never showy, unique but not polarizing.
What guiding principle helped you strike that balance?
Design for feeling, not thought. This has informed most of my furnishing choices — for a luxury rental in Austin or a starter home in Cincinnati. Clearly people are going to have different ideas of whether they like a navy sofa or an abstract painting, but no one is immune to light, flow, and to a feeling of calm. But instead of asking "What do I like?" or "What's trendy right now?" we pose a question: "How do we want someone to feel when they walk in?"
Practically speaking, this means we shy away from making heavy-handed statements and instead deploy focal points — a sculptural light fixture or a gallery wall — to give character. And then we build around it with versatile, comfortable things. That approach has allowed us to repeatedly produce outstanding listings that convert viewers to bookers or guests.
Versatility Key in Property Staging
Bringing personal style into a mass-market arena is a tricky enterprise, especially on a large-scale stage. The principle that has always allowed me to find that balance is 'versatility.' When staging a property, it's important to make it unique and universally palatable at the same time. Though you'll sprinkle in some personal touches that you love—maybe a signature color palette or a proudly displayed piece of art—the idea is that the space remains easily customizable to suit others' tastes.
For one of the short-term rental properties that I managed, I brought in contemporary design, featuring clean lines and neutral colors, but incorporated some bold elements as well—including a bright abstract painting and a custom-made, patterned rug. These touches provided the space with personality, though the overall vibe remained flexible enough to attract a variety of potential buyers. The devil is in the details; personal touches, like the artwork and rug, should serve to complement rather than overpower a space.
In one of our other recent projects, we were staging a home targeting business executives. The goal was to design an elegant space, without isolating anyone who doesn't connect with our normal design 'funk'. The compromise was subtle—comfortable, ergonomic furniture combined with stylish, minimalist decor that was meant to let guests impose their tastes on the space. We used neutral color tones and infused pops of personality in soft furnishings and accessories so we didn't compromise our design signature but could appeal to a wider audience.
It's important to remember the larger goal: Staging is not about saying something, visually speaking, about your personal style, but about helping others envision themselves living (or staying) there. So much of it is about flexibility and being thoughtful about incorporating standout details that make spaces feel uniquely you and feel welcoming to everyone.
Neutral Canvas with Personality Pops
Neutral colors serve as an excellent canvas for staging a home while allowing for pops of personality. A soft beige or light gray on the walls can create a calming atmosphere that appeals to a wide range of buyers. Adding colorful throw pillows, artwork, or a vibrant area rug can inject character without overwhelming the space. This approach allows potential buyers to envision their own belongings in the home while still appreciating its current style.
The key is to strike a balance between bland and bold, creating an inviting atmosphere that feels both fresh and timeless. Consider incorporating one or two statement pieces that reflect current trends without dominating the overall look. Experiment with different color accents to find the perfect balance between neutral and personality-driven decor.
Multifunctional Furniture Bridges Style Gap
Versatile, multifunctional furniture pieces can effectively bridge the gap between personal style and broad buyer appeal. A sleek, modular sofa can showcase modern design while offering practical flexibility for various living arrangements. Nesting tables or extendable dining sets demonstrate space-saving solutions without sacrificing style. These pieces allow potential buyers to see the home's adaptability to different needs and preferences.
Additionally, multifunctional furniture can help create a clutter-free environment, making rooms appear more spacious and well-organized. The goal is to present a home that feels both stylish and practical, catering to a wide range of lifestyle needs. Explore furniture options that combine form and function to maximize the appeal of each room.
Blend Trendy Accents with Timeless Elements
Balancing trendy accents with timeless design elements creates a staging strategy that appeals to both style-conscious and traditional buyers. Incorporate classic architectural details like crown molding or wainscoting to provide a timeless foundation. Then, add contemporary touches through lighting fixtures, artwork, or decorative objects. This approach showcases the home's potential for personalization while maintaining a broad appeal.
It's important to choose trendy elements that can be easily updated, allowing future owners to adapt the space to their tastes. The goal is to create a harmonious blend of old and new that feels curated and intentional. Seek out design inspiration that successfully marries classic and contemporary styles for a truly captivating presentation.
Create Cohesive Theme Throughout Space
Creating a cohesive theme throughout the space is crucial for balancing personal style with broad buyer appeal. Choose a unifying color palette or design concept that flows from room to room, creating a sense of harmony and continuity. This approach allows for the incorporation of unique elements in each space while maintaining an overall cohesive look. For example, a nature-inspired theme could feature earth tones and natural materials throughout, with each room showcasing different aspects of this concept.
Consistency in flooring, trim colors, and hardware finishes can tie the whole house together. The aim is to create a polished, well-thought-out appearance that appeals to a wide range of tastes. Consider developing a mood board to guide your staging decisions and ensure a cohesive result.
Highlight Architectural Features Minimally
Highlighting architectural features with minimal styling can showcase a home's unique character while appealing to a broad range of buyers. Focus on drawing attention to elements like large windows, fireplaces, or interesting ceiling details by keeping the surrounding decor simple and understated. This approach allows the home's inherent charm to shine through without being overshadowed by personal styling choices. Use lighting strategically to emphasize these features and create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
The goal is to let the home speak for itself while providing just enough styling to help buyers envision the space's potential. Striking this balance can create a memorable impression without alienating buyers who have different personal tastes. Take time to identify and enhance the standout features that make the home unique.