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Staging tips to make your home feel brighter and bigger

Written by Lachlan Elder | May 18, 2025 11:00:00 PM

Getting your home ready for sale isn't just about a tidy-up; it's about creating an atmosphere buyers can fall in love with.

Clever staging tricks that emphasise space and light can make your home feel more inviting, more modern, and ultimately more valuable.

Here's how you can easily transform your home into a bright, spacious sanctuary that buyers can't resist.

Declutter and simplify your spaces

Less really is more when it comes to making your home feel larger. Start by removing excess furniture, knick-knacks, and bulky rugs to open up each room. Focus on creating clear pathways that make it easy for buyers to move through your home and visualise themselves living there.

Choose a light and neutral colour palette

Fresh paint in soft, neutral tones like white, beige, or light grey can dramatically lift your home's atmosphere. Light colours reflect more natural light, making rooms feel open and airy.

If you have bold feature walls or darker tones, a simple repaint can instantly modernise and expand the feel of your spaces.

Maximise natural light

Nothing beats the feel of natural sunlight pouring into a room. Clean your windows inside and out, swap heavy curtains for sheer ones, and tie back window treatments to let as much light in as possible.

In spaces that are naturally darker, consider adding a strategically placed mirror to catch and reflect light.

Use mirrors to create depth and light

Mirrors are a simple but powerful tool in staging. Positioning a large mirror opposite a window or in a narrow hallway can double the sense of space and light in a room. Decorative mirrors also add elegance without adding clutter.

Scale furniture to fit the room

Oversized furniture can overwhelm a room and make it feel cramped. Instead, opt for appropriately sized pieces that leave plenty of breathing space.

In smaller rooms, a two-seater sofa or a compact dining table can show off the functionality without making the area feel tight.

Create multi-functional spaces

Highlighting flexible areas can help buyers imagine different ways to use the home. Set up a small desk in a corner to suggest a work-from-home space or style a sunny alcove as a reading nook. These small touches can make your property appeal to a broader range of buyers.

Add layered lighting

Not every home is blessed with all-day sunlight, so well-planned artificial lighting is essential. Use a combination of overhead lights, floor lamps, and table lamps to ensure every room feels bright and welcoming. Choose warm white globes for living areas and bedrooms to create a cosy feel, while cooler lighting works well in kitchens and bathrooms.

Use scents to create a clean and welcoming atmosphere

Scent plays a powerful but often overlooked role in how a home feels. Fresh, subtle fragrances like citrus, eucalyptus, and lavender can make your home feel clean and inviting. Consider using scented candles, diffusers, or freshly cut flowers.

Avoid overpowering aromas, and instead aim for a gentle, consistent scent throughout the home to leave a lasting positive impression.

Style the outdoors

First impressions count, and that includes the outside of your home. Make sure your front entrance is clean, tidy, and welcoming – think freshly swept paths, a new doormat, and healthy potted plants. If you have a backyard or balcony, stage it as an extra living space by adding outdoor seating, cushions, and a small table.

A few simple touches can help buyers see the full potential of your outdoor areas.

Keep styling minimal and cohesive

Stick to a simple, cohesive theme throughout your home. Choose a few key décor pieces in similar tones or materials to tie spaces together. Soft textures like throws, cushions, and neutral artwork can make a home feel stylish yet understated, allowing buyers to focus on the space rather than the styling.

Small changes can have a big impact when it comes to presenting your home for sale. By focusing on creating a sense of light and space, you'll help buyers imagine the full potential of your property, increasing your chances of a quicker and more profitable sale.

Thinking of selling your Northern Beaches home?

The team at LJ Hooker Mona Vale knows exactly how to make your Northern Beaches home shine. Get in touch for personalised advice on preparing your property to stand out in the market.