In an increasingly selective market, with buyers paying extremely close attention to details, the perceived value of your home is one of the main negotiation levers when it comes to selling — and this is exactly where home staging comes into play. By preparing your interior to appeal to the widest possible audience, you significantly increase its impact.
Below are the main simple yet effective actions you can carry out yourself to reveal the full potential of each room.
The façade and surroundings: the decisive impact of the first minute
A buyer’s decision-making process often begins even before they step through your front door. That is why a neglected façade can quickly become a deal-breaker.
In home staging, start by cleaning exterior surfaces: use a pressure washer to restore brightness to your low wall, driveway or terrace. Then take care of the entrance: the front door should be spotless. If the paint is peeling, sand it down and apply a fresh coat in a neutral colour. Do not hesitate to replace the door handle if it does not work properly — always to create a good first impression.
Flow and space: declutter to free up volumes
If your interior is too cluttered, buyers will struggle to picture themselves living there — you need to create a real sense of flow.
To achieve this, apply the empty-space rule by removing around 30% of your furniture. For example, if an armchair blocks access to a window or door, store it elsewhere. Then clear floor space to enhance the feeling of openness.
You can also redefine the function of each area so that every room has a clear purpose. If your living room also serves as an office and a gym, buyers may perceive a lack of space.
Light: your strategic ally for enlarging spaces
Start with a simple reflex that can change everything: clean your windows. This small action can dramatically transform the perception of brightness in a room. Then replace heavy, dark curtains with light, white sheer curtainsthat let daylight in while preserving privacy.
Also make sure to multiply light sources: add table lamps, reading lights or LED strips in darker corners. Choose warm white bulbs to create a more welcoming atmosphere.
Emotional neutrality: the art of stepping back
For buyers to purchase their future home — and not yours — you need to depersonalise your décor. Remove family photos, collections and any objects that may distract attention from the property itself. Repaint walls if colours are too strong, opting for neutral shades such as off-white or sand — widely appealing tones that reflect light beautifully.
In the kitchen and bathroom, do not leave items lying around: coffee machines, toothbrushes or product bottles should be cleared away. As soon as buyers see an empty worktop, they imagine a spacious and functional space.
“When a worktop is clear, it immediately suggests a spacious and functional area.”
Sensory experience: the scent of cleanliness as an asset
Did you know? Smell is the sense most closely linked to memory and emotions. Even a slight unpleasant odour can ruin a viewing within seconds. Be sure to air out the property thoroughly by opening all windows for 15 minutes before each visit — even in winter. At the same time, avoid strong air fresheners, which may be perceived as an attempt to mask something unpleasant.
The ideal scent is simply that of cleanliness, achieved through deep cleaning with mild, natural products such as black soap and lemon.
“An unpleasant smell, even a subtle one, can ruin a viewing in just a few seconds.”
Small home staging repairs: eliminate signs of neglect
Think about these minor repairs, which can help you avoid additional negotiations:
- Redo the joints: for just a few euros and about an hour’s work, you can give your bathroom a fresh, like-new appearance.
- Secure loose elements: a wobbly door handle, a poorly fixed electrical socket or a detached skirting board sends negative signals. They suggest that the rest of the house (insulation, boiler, electrics) may be in the same condition.
- Fill holes: if you have removed picture frames, fill the holes with filler and apply a quick touch-up of paint.
By applying these tips, you do more than just improve your home — you make it easier for buyers to fall in love. And as we know, a clean, bright, neutral and well-maintained house not only sells faster, but also at a better price.
