3 Key Differences Between Staging and Design

Here at LD Design Co. our tagline is:  Staged to Sell, Designed to Dwell, and our team is happy to offer services that cover both ends of the spectrum: staging and design.  So how are they different?  While creativity and an eye for design are essential for both, there are 3 key differences.  

1. To personalize or not, that is the question

In staging we are always trying to de-personalize the space so that it appeals to the largest pool of potential buyers.  That means, removing sports memorabilia, religious symbols, collections, degrees and certificates and family photos. 

In design we want your homes to be personalized to you and your family’s story.   Hang your degrees proudly, showcase that rare porcelain cat collection, add your favorite scripture verse, and let your son decorate his room in his favorite sports teams colors.  

2. Conservative vs Liberal (please, no political jokes)

In staging we keep things conservative, on trend and neutral.  We try to keep all buyers interested, open minded and not overly emotional one way or the other.  

In design you can go bold, use crazy colors, have unique creative furnishings and add complex heavy patterns.  You might be the only person who loves neon paint, but it’s your home and you’re the only person that needs to love it.  

3.  Rule Follower or Breaker

In staging we follow rules, lots and lots and lots of rules.   

In design there’s great news for you - there are no rules! If you want a rug on a carpet, put a rug on a carpet. If you want painted ceilings, paint your ceilings. If you block off a walkway so your toddler can’t escape, great!  If you want your formal dining room to be a kids play-room, snap your fingers and make it a playroom. 

Remember- The way you live in your home and the way you stage your home are two different things!  

The 4 Cs of Staging: Creativity

We continue on our journey through The 4 Cs of Staging this week by unpacking the most fun of all the Cs— creativity! If you have missed the first part of our series, check out the foundational steps of the Cs here.

CREATIVITY

Now that you are successfully clutter-free and clear, it is time to add some purposeful decor back in with creativity. Staging is not just about decorating, but it is a very important aspect of staging effectively. Through decorating, your home comes to life and has personality, but it can be hard to know where to start, so remember the basics:

1. Utilize High/Medium/Low

When entering a room, the buyer’s eye should bounce between high, medium, and low levels. This allows the room to feel larger and gives the space movement. Ideally, art can be high (not too high, all art should hang relatively at eye level), furniture can be medium, and rugs or floor plant can be low.

2. Create a Neutral Palate with Pops of Color

Start with a neutral paint color for walls (beiges, cozy whites, subtle grays) and add a consistent pop of color in your textiles, art, and accessories. Pops of color should be calming colors and not too bright or loud.

3. Bring the Outside Indoors

Every home should have an airy, organic feel, which can be accomplished by adding greenery. Either utilize real plants or choose faux greenery that looks real in order to liven up your space. Some of our best go to faux stems include eucalyptus, lamb’s ear, and boxwood.

4. Vary Textures

Add texture in your furnishings and accents. Many times, we think about adding interest with color, but varying texture in throw pillows, rugs, and even furniture will also add depth and interest to your space.