People have been asking what we did to stage our house. The short answer: not much. Aside from deep-cleaning every surface and temporarily tucking a few things in the car, we didn’t strip the home of personality. We didn’t move large furniture into storage, repaint walls or ceilings, or remove personal photos and artwork. While a professional stager might suggest some of those moves, we preferred to present a home that felt clean, lived-in, and loved rather than one that had been emptied of character. So far that approach has led to several promising showings, and we’ll keep you posted on how it plays out.
That said, there was one clear change we decided to make: we re-evaluated the rug in the kitchen.
We ultimately decided to remove it.
Although that photo is an older “before” shot, we realized the kitchen rug—our well-loved Company Store piece—was doing more harm than good from a selling perspective. It covered the hardwood floor, which is actually a strong selling point, and the rug’s rectangle visually broke up and reduced the perception of open floor space. We appreciated the texture and the comfort underfoot, but buyers aren’t purchasing the rug; they’re buying the house and its features. So we rolled the rug up and tucked it under the bed to let the true qualities of the room be seen.
In addition to removing the rug, we cleared several decorative items from the counters to reduce visual clutter and highlight another selling feature: our granite countertops. Decorative items like cutting boards, bowls, and small displays are lovely for everyday living, but during showings it’s better to prioritize the home’s built-in finishes and storage space. Minimal, intentional styling helps buyers focus on the bones of the room.
Our bathroom got the same treatment. The rug came up so visitors could clearly see the marble tile. We still use the rug when showering to avoid slipping on the tile, but for showings the floor looks cleaner and more cohesive without it.
Staging doesn’t require complete depersonalization. A tidy, lived-in home that showcases its best features—hardwood floors, countertops, tile—can be more appealing than a space stripped of character. That said, removing rugs and decluttering surfaces are simple, high-impact steps that help rooms read larger and more open in person and in listing photos.
If our current round of showings doesn’t result in an offer, we may try additional staging tactics like neutralizing wall colors, rearranging furniture for better flow, or minimizing personal décor even further. In the meantime, we’re curious: what home-selling tips or superstitions do you swear by? What staging efforts did you find worthwhile, and which ones felt like overkill?