If you’re looking for a quick, easy way to freshen your space before you list a home, you’ve come to the right spot. In this article we’ll cover 2023 home staging, what’s new in home decor trends, and the key areas to focus on as you add fresh details to your space.

1. Keep a Sustainable Focus

If Portland is about anything, it’s being sustainable. To appeal to your potential buyers, let your 2023 home staging abound with sustainable materials. This not only makes for an appealing aesthetic but also promotes environmental consciousness. You can easily highlight many of these features in the home’s marketing.

• Organic and eco-friendly furniture.Bamboo or reclaimed wood brings a warmth and texture to the space that more modern pieces can’t.
• Energy-efficient lighting. Use LED or CFL bulbs instead of traditional incandescent lights. They have a longer lifespan, produce less heat, and can enhance the staged space when paired with energy-efficient light fixtures.
• Natural and organic fabrics. Throw rugs, pillows, curtains, towels and bedding sourced organically can create a warm and welcoming environment. These types of materials often have a variety of textures, which adds to the appeal.
• Low VOC paint. If you choose to freshen the interior paint, then choose low VOC paint in neutral colors. VOCs (volatile organize compound) can release harmful gasses into the air, contributing to indoor air pollution. Using low VOC paint reduces exposure to toxins and creates a healthier indoor environment.
• Energy-efficient appliances. For those looking to make more costly upgrades before they sell, invest in appliances with high Energy Star ratings. Because these consume less energy, you’re making an environmentally friendly statement and promising lower energy costs for the potential buyer.
• Sustainable decorative accents. Choose decorative items made from sustainable material like recycled glass, reclaimed wood, or repurposed metals. Look for artwork and accessories by local artisans using eco-friendly practices.
• Water-saving fixtures. Replace outdated faucets, shower heads, and toilets with water-saving options. Low-flow shower heads and dual flush toilets help conserve water without compromising functionality or aesthetics.

Remember, sustainable home staging involves not just the products you choose but also the mindset of reducing waste and minimizing environmental impact. Consider reusing or repurposing existing items, opting for second-hand furniture, and donating or recycling materials whenever possible. By incorporating sustainable products into the staging process, you can create an attractive and eco-friendly environment that resonates with environmentally conscious buyers.

2. Stay Connected to the Outdoors

Connecting your staged space with the outdoors can create a seamless transition and enhance the overall appeal of your home. Here are some ideas to help you achieve that connection in your 2023 home staging:

• Outdoor seating area. Set up an inviting outdoor seating area, such as a patio or deck, that complements the style and theme of your staged space. Arrange comfortable furniture, like lounge chairs, sofas, or outdoor dining sets, and add cushions and pillows for added comfort. Not only does this provides an extension of your indoor living space, it also encourages potential buyers to envision outdoor relaxation and entertainment.
• Large windows and skylights. Incorporate large windows or skylights in your staged space to bring in ample natural light and offer views of the surrounding outdoor scenery. Don’t cover the windows with curtains or block the view with tall furniture. Natural light creates a sense of openness and warmth while visually connecting the indoor and outdoor environments.
• Outdoor landscaping. Pay attention to the landscaping around your home to enhance the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. For example, well-maintained gardens, flower beds, potted plants, and greenery near windows and entryways help create a harmonious flow between the interior and exterior. Consider adding pathways, hedges, or fences to guide the eye and establish a sense of continuity. You want the view through the windows to draw people to the beautiful outdoor space.
• Outdoor features and accents. Incorporate outdoor features that complement the interior design style of your staged space. This could include elements like an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, water features, pergolas, or a well-designed BBQ area. These features not only enhance the overall appeal of the outdoor space but also provide a focal point that draws the eye from the interior staged area to the exterior.
• Consistent design elements. Use design elements that create a visual connection between your indoor and outdoor spaces. Consider using similar color palettes, materials, or decorative accents both inside and outside. This consistency helps create a sense of flow and unity, making the transition between the spaces feel natural and cohesive. It makes the entire living space larger and more appealing.
• Lighting and ambiance. Extend your indoor lighting design to the outdoor area to ensure a harmonious atmosphere. Incorporate outdoor lighting fixtures such as string lights, lanterns, or pathway lighting to illuminate the exterior space and create an inviting ambiance, especially during evening showings.

By implementing these ideas, you can create a strong connection between your staged space and the outdoors. This not only enhances the appeal of your home but also allows potential buyers to envision a lifestyle that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living.

3. Create Curated Experiences

Curating experiences in a staged home involves creating an atmosphere that immerses potential buyers in a specific lifestyle or evokes certain emotions. This has never been more important than in 2023 home staging. Here are some tips to help you curate experiences in your staged home:

• Define the narrative. Determine the story or lifestyle you want to convey through your staging. Before you choose your staging pieces, consider the target audience and their aspirations. Are you targeting a family-oriented lifestyle, a modern urban lifestyle, or a serene retreat? Define the narrative and keep it consistent throughout the staging process.
• Create an emotional connection. Think about the emotions you want to evoke in potential buyers. Do you want to create a sense of calm, excitement, or luxury? Use design elements, such as color palettes, textures, lighting, and accessories, that align with these emotions. For example, soft, neutral tones and cozy textures can create a calm and inviting atmosphere, while bold colors and sleek finishes can make things feel modern and vibrant.
• Focus on key spaces. Identify the key spaces that have the most impact on potential buyers. This might include the living room, kitchen, master bedroom, or outdoor areas. Allocate more attention to these spaces and curate them with meticulous detail to create memorable experiences.
• Pay attention to lighting. Lighting plays a significant role in setting the mood and enhancing the atmosphere. Experiment with different types of lighting fixtures, such as pendant lights, floor lamps, or wall sconces, to create the desired ambiance. Use dimmers to adjust the intensity of the lighting and highlight specific features or areas of the staged space.
• Add thoughtful details and accessories. Incorporate carefully chosen accessories and details that reinforce the desired experience. These can include artwork, decorative objects, textiles, or plants. Select items that align with the narrative you’ve defined and consider how they contribute to the overall experience in each space.
• Engage the senses. Appeal to multiple senses to create a holistic experience. Consider soft background music or ambient sounds, and even tactile elements like luxurious fabrics or textured surfaces. These sensory details can significantly impact how potential buyers feel and connect with the staged home.
• Tell a story through staging. Arrange furniture and accessories in a way that tells a story and guides potential buyers through a logical flow. Create vignettes that showcase how each space can be utilized and provide visual cues that help buyers imagine themselves living in the space. For example, set up a cozy reading nook with a comfortable chair, a side table with a book and a cup of tea, and soft lighting to create an inviting reading experience.

The goal is to create an immersive experience that resonates with potential buyers and helps them envision themselves living in the home. By carefully curating the atmosphere, emotions, and details, you can make your staged home feel like a unique and compelling experience.

4. Warm Up the Palette

Grey is out, greige is in — think taupe or mushroom with yellow or red undertones instead of blues and purples. People want spaces with a sense of warmth, which make them more welcoming. If you want to warm up the palette of your 2023 home staging while still maintaining a neutral aesthetic, here are some strategies you can employ:

• Use warm, neutral colors. Incorporate warm neutral colors into your palette, such as beige, cream, taupe, or warm gray. These hues have subtle undertones of yellow, brown, or red, which add warmth to the space while remaining neutral. Consider using these colors for walls, large furniture pieces, or larger surfaces to establish a warm foundation.
• Add earthy tones. Introduce earthy tones like terracotta, rust, ochre, or caramel as accent colors. These colors evoke a sense of warmth and can be incorporated through accessories, artwork, throw pillows, or rugs. Use them strategically to add pops of warmth and create visual interest within the space. Don’t saturate the space with these tones.
• Embrace natural materials. Incorporate natural materials that have warm undertones, such as wood, rattan, jute, or sisal. Wooden furniture, flooring, or accent pieces can instantly add warmth to a neutral space. Additionally, woven textures and natural fibers in rugs, curtains, or decor can contribute to a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
• Add warm metals. Choose warm-toned metals like brass, copper, or bronze for your lighting fixtures, hardware, or decorative accents. These metals add a touch of warmth and sophistication to the space. For example, brass or copper pendant lights can create a warm glow and serve as focal points in the room.
• Layer textures. Layering different textures can create visual interest and enhance the warmth of a neutral palette. Incorporate textured elements like faux fur throws, chunky knit blankets, velvet cushions, or woven baskets. These tactile elements add depth and coziness to the space while still maintaining a neutral color scheme.
• Consider warm lighting. Lighting can greatly impact the perceived warmth of a space. Opt for warm-white or soft-white light bulbs to create a cozy and inviting ambiance. Use table lamps, floor lamps, or wall sconces with warm-toned shades or materials to diffuse the light and add warmth to the room.
• Introduce warm patterns. Incorporate patterns with warm undertones, such as geometric patterns in warm neutrals or floral designs with hints of warm colors. These patterns can be incorporated through rugs, curtains, accent pillows, or wallpaper. They add visual interest and contribute to the overall warmth of the space.

Maintain a balance between warm and neutral tones to achieve the desired effect. In other words, use warm accents, not warm everything. By incorporating these strategies, you can create a warm and inviting atmosphere while still keeping the overall palette neutral and versatile.

Following these 4 tips will make your 2023 home staging stand out from the crowd and attract just the right buyers to the space. These will also encourage a faster sale and a higher selling price because the seller connects on multiple levels to the home you’ve staged.