As home stagers, we encounter many homeowners looking to sell their properties. One constant question we get asked a lot is what is the difference between home staging and interior design? Great question. While both home staging and interior design share similarities when it comes to the function of the space, they do serve different purposes and target different audiences.

Difference #1: Design is Specific to One Family, Staging is Not

Interior design serves a different purpose in that it's more tailored to a specific client, their style, and more focused on custom furnishings. Colors are normally not neutral, like staging, but more personalized. The goal of home staging is to prepare the property for sale by enhancing its appeal to the widest possible range of potential homes buyers. We use neutral colors, on-trend furniture pieces and decor. We stage for home buyers, real estate agents, home builders and real estate investors.

Difference #2: Staging is Aesthetic, Design Incorporates Function

The aesthetic nature of home staging is to appeal to the broadest range of potential buyers. It's a short-term setup and the personalization is minimal. Staging is an investment, not a cost, and that investment often leads to faster and stronger sale prices. Interior design focuses on a client's personal style, their needs and wants and lifestyle choices. It's permanent, it involves spatial planning, selecting color schemes and often involves construction and remodeling.

Difference #3: Design is for Living, Staging is for Photographing

We professionally stage well-designed homes all the time and ensure they photograph well for the MLS. Interior design focuses more on the homeowner's lifestyle choices. Staging ensures the space translates well in photos and appeals to the widest range of home buyers on the MLS.

While staging and interior design have completely different purposes, both are equally important. Home staging is temporary, typically 60 to 90 days on market and Interior Design is permanent. Whether you are looking for home staging to sell or interior design to live beautifully, we are here to support you every step of the way.

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Warmly,

Theresa