Staging homes, or rather the art of home staging, has been my passion for years. I love being able to use my gift for transforming spaces to help realtors, builders, and Florida homeowners create spaces that make buyers fall in love with them.

But when it came time to sell my home, I faced a unique challenge—applying my staging expertise to a space I’d lived in and loved. Learning how to step back to view my home objectively and see it through the lens of potential buyers was challenging. It definitely gave me a deeper understanding of how homeowners feel when they’re preparing their own homes for sale.

Here’s how I overcame those challenges to create spaces that I knew would resonate with buyers and ultimately show off all the positive elements of my home.

Embracing Objectivity: Seeing My Home Through a Buyer’s Eyes

Staging your own home requires stepping back and looking at it as if you were a buyer. That’s exactly where I started. I walked through my home with fresh eyes, identifying the key areas that would make the most significant impact. Here in Florida, outdoor living spaces are a central selling point, so I focused on creating a warm, inviting atmosphere in the lanai and pool area. I wanted buyers to envision themselves relaxing and entertaining in these spaces, embracing the Florida lifestyle.

Crafting a Coastal Luxe Palette

One of my favorite parts of staging is choosing the color palette. For my home, I knew I wanted to incorporate my signature coastal luxe style. I used soft blues, greens, sandy beiges, and gentle greys to create a calming, cohesive flow throughout the home. These colors reflected the coastal vibe I love and made the home feel serene and inviting. A cohesive palette is so important—it ties every room together and helps buyers see the home as a harmonious retreat.

Transforming Spaces with Furniture and Finishing Touches

Furniture placement is vital in creating functional, attractive spaces. In my open-concept living area, I carefully arranged furniture to enhance the flow and highlight the functionality of each space. I kept the design clean and minimal but added warmth with natural textures like woven seagrass, driftwood accents, and cozy textiles. Lighting was also essential—I made sure every room felt bright, airy, and welcoming. These small details brought the space to life and helped buyers connect emotionally with the home.

Creating Curb Appeal and Letting Go

First impressions matter, so I paid close attention to the exterior of my home. I tidied up the garden, added fresh mulch, touched up the front door, and placed a welcoming new mat at the entrance.

The exterior needed to set the tone for the inviting space inside. Perhaps the hardest part of this journey was letting go—removing personal items and detaching emotionally from a home I had cherished. But, as any seasoned stager will tell you, this is the most important step. When you do this, you create beautiful spaces with broad appeal, which allow buyers to imagine themselves living there.

Let Me Help You Stage to Sell

Preparing my home for sale was a deeply rewarding experience, reaffirming my belief in the art of home staging. Thoughtful staging isn’t just about decorating; it’s about telling a story that buyers can’t resist.

If you’re thinking of selling in 2025 or you’re a realtor who wants your Florida listings to stand out, then I’d love to help. At Salt & Shore Staging Designs, I specialize in creating spaces that inspire buyers and sell homes quickly. Contact me today to learn how staging can make all the difference for your home.