Hi Friends of The Striped Barn!
This is going to be short and sweet—when it comes to styling a space, most of us feel like we’re playing pretend. You know, like when you put on your Sunday best and stand in front of the mirror and think, “Wow, I could be a supermodel… if only I wasn’t eating an entire pizza right now.” Well, styling and staging a home is kinda like that—taking what you’ve got, tweaking it just right, and pretending it’s straight off the cover of Architectural Digest. Feature photo: York Vale Kitchens
But don’t worry, you don’t need a fancy degree, a truckload of cash, or a magic wand to make it happen. All you need is a good eye, some creativity, and—let’s face it—a little bit of luck (or a lot of Pinterest scrolling). Let’s break down how you can style and stage your space like a pro without going completely overboard.
Declutter: Let Go of Your 37 Candles
The first step to styling and staging is decluttering, lets face it, you have too much stuff. And by “stuff,” I mean things you probably don’t even remember buying. Take a deep breath and donate that old, broken lamp that you swear you’ll fix one day (spoiler: you won’t). If you haven’t used it in the past six months, it’s time to part ways. Keep it simple. A clean space gives the illusion of more space—and who doesn’t want their 500-square-foot apartment to feel like a penthouse?
The Power of Throws, Cushions, Rugs: Because What’s Better Than Something Soft
Once the clutter is gone, you need to add some warmth and personality. Enter the throw blanket, your new best friend. I’m not talking about the ratty one you’ve had since college (unless that’s the vibe you’re going for—no judgment). I mean a fluffy, perfectly placed throw that will accidentally make your couch look 100 times more inviting. Bonus points if it’s in a neutral color, because “neutral” is the new “luxurious”.
You want to give the impression that this is a place where people can live. Throws, cushions, and rugs? They do the heavy lifting in this department. They make the space feel cozy, curated, and like it’s actually meant for humans, not for a professional photoshoot that makes your life look too perfect to be true.
Lighting: Let There Be (Strategically Positioned) Light
Lighting is not just something to avoid walking into in the middle of the night while you stub your toe. It’s a crucial part of styling and staging. Ever notice how every home in magazines seems to be lit in a way that makes you look your best—even when you’re wearing sweatpants and no makeup? Yeah, that’s strategic lighting.
Use soft lighting to create warmth. Try table lamps with soft bulbs, hanging lights that highlight your favorite corners, or even string lights if you want to pretend you’re hosting an intimate dinner party when really, you’re just watching Netflix in your pajamas.
Avoid the harsh overhead lights—unless you want your house to look like a sterile hospital room, in which case, good luck staging that.
Furniture Arrangement: Why the Couch Should Never Be Staring at the Wall
It’s time to arrange that furniture, my friend. The couch should never be the lonely wallflower of the room, facing away from the action. I mean, it’s a couch, not a recluse. Instead, try placing it at the center of the room, or facing other key pieces like a coffee table or a statement chair. You want people to feel like they can engage, not that they’re attending a couch’s one-man show.
When staging for sale, try to make the space feel spacious—you want people to envision themselves living there, not feel like they’re trapped in a maze of furniture. Push things a little farther apart than you might in real life—space makes a space feel bigger. Plus, the extra room makes it easier to clean up the clutter you almost got rid of.
Accessories: The Final Touch Less is More
Now, it’s time for the fun part: accessories. Styling isn’t just about arranging furniture; it’s about making the space feel like it has character. And what better way to do that than with accessories? You’ll want a FEW key statement pieces (a vase, a bold piece of art, maybe a funky chair) but keep it simple. Too many accessories can make the space feel like an antique store… minus the charm.
For example, a stylish bowl of fruit on the kitchen counter might seem simple, but it screams “lived-in” while also looking effortlessly chic. Try to avoid making your table look like a table of random knick-knacks you found at Target—unless that’s what you were going for, in which case, go ahead. LESS IS MORE.
The “Smell” Factor: Because No One Wants to Buy a House That Smells Like Old Pizza
You know what people really notice when they walk into your home? The smell. And I’m not talking about that scent of last night’s dinner—I’m talking about subtle scents. You don’t want your home to smell like a bakery, but you also don’t want it to smell like you haven’t opened a window in a week.
Light a scented candle or use a diffuser to make your home smell fresh. Lavender is relaxing. Citrus is invigorating. Cinnamon and clove say, “I have my life together.” Pick your poison.
Take a Step Back: Does This Look Like a Pinterest Board or a Place You Can Actually Live In?
The trick to great styling and staging is to strike that perfect balance between aspirational and actual livable space. Yes, you want your home to look put-together and polished, but you also want it to feel like a place where you can kick back with a glass of wine (or two) and not be afraid to actually live in it.
So, take a step back, breathe, and ask yourself: “Does this look like a magazine spread… or is it a place where I can actually find my keys in the morning?” I am at fault for this, since this is what I do in my career, I sometimes set my house up more like a display or model home instead of a lived in vibe especially at the holidays… you will literally see little vignettes around my house which I will refer to as groupings lol
In Conclusion: You Got This
Remember, styling isn’t about creating a space that looks like a museum—it’s about creating a space that feels like home… while pretending you’re a professional designer. So go ahead, toss a throw on that couch, rearrange those pillows, and add a few quirky accessories. With a little creativity and humor, your space will go from “meh” to “wow” in no time.
Now, go forth, and style like no one’s watching—except, of course, the people you’re trying to impress.
Happy Styling!
Carrie
XOXO
