How to stage a luxury home - 5 tips!

1. Sell a Lifestyle, Not Just a Home

Homebuyers shopping for a luxury home are looking for a certain lifestyle and this needs to reflect in the way the home is presented. Luxury is often understated in many area demographics and the staging may need to reflect that for the potential buyer. Staging should also take into account location; for example luxury homes close to a good school district may attract families, so staging efforts should keep in mind positioning family-friendly touches. Luxury homebuyers are not as responsive to "homey" scents, so it's better to stick with a fresh, clean linen scent throughout the home. At the least make sure there is no strong scent or odors.

2. Decorate with Original Artwork

Original artwork can make a home stand out. When buying artwork, look for pieces that suits your property and makes the space in your home feel luxurious. Local art galleries and local artists are often amenable to leasing out certain pieces - a win-win, as it's great exposure for the gallery and provides authenticity to your staging efforts.

3. Eliminate Clutter

There must be no trace of clutter when staging your luxury property. Get rid of the clutter by packing away family mementos and removing unnecessary decor and other items. The main goal is to show that your property has an open that makes buyers feel that the home has adequate storage and flow. Maintaining consistent design across the rooms helps as well.

4. Make Use of the Lighting

Once you finish getting rid of the clutter, brighten up the spaces in your home. A space looks larger with ample lighting. Use accent lights to enhance the home's best features and to make a statement.

5. Keep a neutral palette

Another important factor to consider is neutrality. Buyers should feel that they’re walking into a luxury home that satisfies their needs, and not one customized to the preferences of the original owner. Let the art, rugs and accents add a color story with a well designed color palette. Accessories with luxurious textures, such as a cashmere throw in the bedroom, high pile rugs and crisp linens add to the look.