Home Staging Top Tips for Homeowners

Creating a welcoming and aesthetically pleasing environment for a property photoshoot is essential for capturing the best aspects of your space for the AirBNB/VRBO, holiday rental market. Here are my 10 top tips:


  1. Declutter and Depersonalise: Remove personal items and clutter. This helps potential renters/holiday clients envision themselves in the space.
  2. Maximise Natural Light: Open curtains and blinds. Natural light makes spaces look bigger and more inviting.
  3. Neutral Colour Palette: Use neutral colours for walls and major furniture pieces. They are universally appealing and make spaces look clean and bright.
  4. Strategic Lighting: Use a mix of overhead, ambient, and task lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
  5. Highlight Key Features: If your property has unique features like a fireplace or a stunning view, make sure they are clean and prominently featured.
  6. Add Greenery: Place healthy plants or fresh flowers around the property. They add life and color to any room.
  7. Arrange Furniture for Flow: Position furniture to maximise space and create an easy flow through rooms.
  8. Accessorise Wisely: Use cushions, throws, and artwork to add colour and character, but avoid overcrowding spaces.
  9. Clean and Repair: Ensure the property is spotless. Fix any noticeable damage like chipped paint or loose handles.
  10. Set the Scene: For kitchens, set up a bowl of fresh fruit or a vase of flowers. In dining areas, consider a set table. These touches can make the space feel lived-in and welcoming.


Dive deeper into the details..

Bright modern living room with cream sofas, tropical plants, and coastal decor elements.

Lounge


Art and Plants: Use simple art and a few plants to add colour and life.


Highlight a Focal Point: Emphasise a unique feature, like a fireplace or large window.


Minimise Clutter: Keep personal items and excess décor to a minimum for a clean look. Organise that bookcase for a sleek look.


Comfort Elements: Incorporate items like magazines or a tea tray for a relaxed vibe.


Strategic Furniture Layout: Arrange furniture for a welcoming, open feel with clear paths. Use neutral tones for large pieces; add warmth with throws and cushions.

Modern white kitchen with gray stone backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and white cabinets in L-shape layout.

Kitchen


Declutter Surfaces: Clean tops of cabinets and keep worktops mostly clear, showing only key appliances.


Colourful Touches: Add interest with a bowl of fresh fruit or green herbs.


Remove Everyday Items: Hide washing-up bowls, draining racks, detergents, sponges, fridge magnets, and pet bowls.


Organise Notice Boards: Tidy any pinboards for a neater appearance.


Scene Setting: Set a small area with lifestyle elements like a coffee setup or an open cookbook to invite potential guests to envision themselves in the kitchen.

Blue bedroom with white bedding, striped pillows, and decorative wall clock.

Bedrooms


Cosy Touches: Add throws and scatter cushions for a welcoming feel.


Symmetry with Bedside Lamps: Ensure matching lamps for a balanced look.


Neutral Bed Linen: Use neutral or white linen to enhance space and calm.


Declutter Top and Bottom: Clear wardrobe tops and check beneath the bed.


Simplify Surfaces: Reduce items on dressing tables and sills; consider a breakfast tray for that luxurious touch.

Luxurious modern bathroom with freestanding white tub, marble wall, and potted plant decor.

Bathrooms


Deep Clean: Ensure the bathroom is immaculate, especially mirrors, glass, and chrome.


Declutter and Neutralise: Remove personal items and use neutral-coloured towels and mats. Keep countertops mostly clear.


Add Luxury Elements: Place fluffy white towels, high-quality soap in a stylish dispenser, and maybe a bathrobe to create a sense of luxury.


Maintenance Check: Repair any damages and consider updating old fixtures to modernise the look.


Simple Accessories: A small plant or flowers and a scented candle can add a spa-like feel without overcrowding the space.

Outdoor patio seating area with umbrella and furniture on stone terrace next to brick house and manicured lawn.

Outside


Enhance Curb Appeal: Make a great first impression by tidying up the front area. Clean the front door and sweep the entrance for a welcoming look.


Clear Unnecessary Items: On photo day, park cars and wheelie bins out of sight. Also, hide washing lines, watering cans, hose pipes, and compost bins.


Lawn and Garden Maintenance: Mow the grass and do some light weeding to present a well-cared-for garden.


Garden Furniture Preparation: Uncover and clean garden furniture. Style it with cushions and a parasol, and consider setting the table as if ready for a BBQ or alfresco dining.


General Tidiness: Ensure the entire outdoor area is neat and inviting, reinforcing the property's appeal for potential renters.

Series of framed aerial ocean photographs in blue tones displayed on white wall.

Hallway


Emphasise the Entrance: Make the first space guests encounter inviting and positive.


Minimise Clutter: Keep surfaces in the hallway clear and tidy.


Curate Outerwear Display: Neatly arrange a limited selection of coats and shoes, if any.


Add Welcoming Artwork: Use art to create an inviting focal point in the hallway.


Brighten with Lighting: Ensure good lighting to open up the space and highlight its features.

And finally..


When it comes to photographing homes, I understand that every space is lived in and unique, so not everyone can follow an extensive preparation list to the letter. Don't stress if you can't tick off every suggestion I make. The main goal is to make the most of our photo session together.


I hope the list I've provided offers some handy tips and sparks ideas for presenting your property in a way you might not have considered before. It's all about showcasing your home at its best!