This Year's Design and Decor Trends for Home Staging
Home staging follows different design rules than interior design, and it doesn't always follow the current trends either. Luxury home staging has its own style guide, catering to a particular audience of homebuyers. Staging aims to appeal to a wider audience and allow prospective homeowners to envision themselves in the space. The way we are using our homes has drastically shifted since last year, and so have the trends. Buyers are looking for different aspects in a home than they were a year ago, like outdoor space and home office potential.
With people spending more time in their homes than ever before, priorities in design have shifted to allow for this new way of life, and so should home staging. Buyers will be looking for these elements when they search for their next home, so it's important to consider staying updated on the latest home staging trends. In this blog, we will cover all of this year's trends in staging, including:
Colors
Decor and materials
Outdoor spaces
Importance of a home office
Kitchens as the focal point
Wellness and fitness areas
Access to nature
Color
Color is always a hot design topic at the beginning of a new year. The predictions for 2021 are pretty consistent, calling for earthy color palettes, warm shades, and dark hues. These colors may not lend themselves as well to home staging, which typically opts for whites and neutrals to keep the space calm and bright for potential buyers. Preparing your home for staging, even virtually, means something different than designing your home for living. You will want to keep a clean palette, sticking to neutrals for the walls and materials. Color can be added in later with accessories and artwork.
Decor
It seems the design trends this year include competing against minimalism, encouraging people to bring objects back to their spaces. There's an emphasis on showcasing your collections, whether it's an overflowing bookshelf or antique pieces you've kept in storage for too long. These trends don't translate as well to home staging. It's best to keep personal items out of the picture if you're trying to sell. However, art and beautiful objects are always welcome when staging. Just keep decor to a minimum so that buyers can see the potential in your space and envision themselves living in your home.
Materials
Materials play an essential role in creating spaces. Since many homeowners choose to stage their home virtually, creating a visually appealing atmosphere that can be viewed through photos is at the forefront. Focusing on the materials can help translate this feeling of rich texture and make the home feel livable. Materials include flooring, walls, fabrics, furniture, and decor, which means there is a lot to consider when thinking about your space.
Patterns have become a popular way to bring more visual interest into interior spaces this year. There are many different ways to incorporate patterns, especially when staging your home for potential buyers. Don't be afraid to use custom design while staging to get your space exactly right. Here are a few subtle, custom ways to incorporate pattern that will appeal to buyers:
Tile in the bathroom: floors, shower, even walls.
Creative backsplash in the kitchen.
Hardwood floors
Pillows and throw blankets.
Upholstered furniture.
Wallpaper or tiled walls.
Spaces to Highlight
One of the most significant differences in home staging trends this year is the value of specific interior and exterior spaces. Since last year saw so many people spending more time at home, different areas of the house became more valuable. If you are staging your home, you'll want to make sure you highlight these spaces to potential buyers. Home offices are almost a requirement now, and any outdoor space has become prized. Kitchens once again find themselves as the focal point of the house, and any fitness area is sought after as well.
Home Office
Even if your home doesn't have a designated home office, you'll want to stage one. Now that most people are working from home, showing buyers ample space to do that is so important. If you have a designated office space, make sure it is clear of clutter and has ample lighting.
Kitchen
The kitchen has long been the focal point of the home, especially in staging. This trend hasn't changed but instead amplified this year. Make sure your kitchen is updated, clean, and showcased for living. Minimalistic hardware is trending, but go with whatever matches the style of your home. Buyers will want to envision themselves in a functional and stylish kitchen.
Fitness Room
Another byproduct of spending more time at home is a greater need for an at-home fitness center. If you don't have a space for this in your home already, consider creating one when staging. A spare bedroom or extra space in a finished basement is perfect for a wellness area.
Outdoor Space
Highlighting any exterior areas when staging your home is crucial. Buyers will want a sense of the outdoor space they'll have and any activities or entertainment spaces outside. Consider highlighting your exterior with outdoor furniture, a fireplace, or even a built-in kitchen. If you have a pool, make sure it's clean and functional.
Access to Nature
Another major trend this year in staging and interior design is access to nature. If you're staging, this can be achieved simply by adding some plants to your home. Buyers look for an aspect of nature in the indoor environment and appreciate this simple touch. Another great idea when staging is to highlight any access points to the outdoors. If you have a terrace or patio, make sure buyers can see how accessible it is from the inside. Bringing the outdoors in will be a significant trend this year.
Following Trends
Design and decor trends are ever-changing, as are some of the trends in home staging. This year the importance is placed on actual spaces within your house, and keeping a neutral color palette. The way we view our homes has changed a lot in the past year, and it’s important that home staging reflects that. It is also essential for home staging to appeal to a wide variety of people. Potential buyers should be able to envision themselves in the space, without using too much imagination. Working with a virtual home stager can ensure the right design for the right buyers.