Minimalism vs. Maximalism for Home Staging
Celeste,
Is minimalism or maximalism better when it comes to staging? It’s an interesting question because, realistically, either style can work beautifully when executed well. Both have shined in recent years. For example, minimalism has really had a moment lately with the clean, organic modern style; showcasing its simplicity and clean lines.
Contrarily, maximalism has also been in the spotlight, featuring wallpaper comebacks, color drenching, and pattern play. While both can be staged beautifully, I'd be happy to share the aspects of each, and what is needed to meaningfully stage a highly desirable listing.
Maximalism in Home Staging: What to Avoid
Maximalism is a wonderful way to express your unique home style and to make it memorable. When staging your home, however, you want to be careful that your maximalist style doesn't limit potentially interested buyers. Some things to avoid are using too much color, pattern, texture, and too many personal pieces (i.e. trinkets, art, pictures, decor, etc.), which can make spaces feel smaller and distracting.
Maximalism in Home Staging: What to Embrace
When styled effectively, maximalism can add character and dimension, highlighting the home's individual style and potential. Maximalist decor can also draw the eye and be bold and exciting.
This can be achieved by using consistent color palettes throughout the home, ensuring you follow scale, varying patterns/textures, and only leaving out meaningful pieces. This way, each area can feel grand without feeling overwhelming.
Minimalism in Home Staging: What to Avoid
Minimalism is generally preferred in home staging, as it can call attention to the home's architectural features and make it feel move-in-ready; however, it is important to note that, if taken to the extreme, you can risk the home feeling cold and impersonal.
If your home is left too bare, it may be difficult for potential buyers to visualize themselves living in that environment.
Minimalism in Home Staging: What to Embrace
Minimalism can be wonderfully appealing when staged appropriately as it can create an overall sense of calm, making it relaxing and inviting to all who enter. Things to embrace when using this staging style would be curating furniture and decor, removing clutter, accentuating clean lines and home features (i.e. hardwood floors, moldings, windows, etc.), and utilizing neutral color palettes.
These guidelines will not only maximize the perception of space, but they will also appeal to a broader range of potential buyers.
Blending the Best of Both Worlds
The most impactful staging often strikes a balance between the two styles, minimalism and maximalism. By setting the scene with a minimalist base and strategically choosing moments to place maximalist details, you can effectively create a welcoming and visually appealing space that will attract a broad mix of buyers.
For example, a neutral colored entryway can still be impactful by adding interest with a textured wallpaper. By selecting organic or warm palettes and integrating contrasting pops of colors/textures, you should be able to achieve a high-quality decor with balance.
Generally, while a minimalist approach is favored, incorporating subtle pieces to add personality and warmth can combine the best of both worlds. This can help to spotlight key areas like the kitchen, living room, master bedroom, etc. since they are the most influential on buyers. The goal is to create a neutral base, with some warmth/texture intermingled so that the home's potential shines bright, while creating the ambiance of being clean, inviting, and livable.
Warming up your minimalist space or toning down your maximalist vibe can feel daunting on your own. With our Pull It All Together Virtual Package, we can help you streamline your staging journey and elevate your listing.
Warmly,
Celeste
