From Ordinary to Extraordinary: A Quick Guide to Staging Your Home in Transitional, Modern, Contemporary, Eclectic, Traditional, or Coastal Design Styles

Staging a home for sale can make a big difference in how quickly and for how much it sells. One of the key elements of successful home staging is choosing the right style to match the home and the target market. Here are some tips for staging a home in six different styles (there are more): transitional, modern, contemporary, eclectic, traditional, and coastal. Below are general staging ideas that you may see in the market. However, each staging company will have their own style, evaluation, and vision for your home that may not fit exactly into these descriptions. Oftentimes, you see a blend of a few of these styles together in one home. 

Transitional: Transitional style is a blend of traditional and modern design. It’s clean, simple, and elegant. When staging a home in a transitional style, focus on creating a neutral color palette with a mix of textures. Your staging company should be choosing furniture that is simple and clean-lined, but still has some traditional elements. Incorporate natural materials like wood and stone, and add a few bold accent pieces to create interest.

Modern: Modern style is all about clean lines, minimalism, and a focus on function. When staging a home in a modern style, keep things simple and uncluttered. Use a neutral color palette which includes shades of beige, taupe, gray, cream, brown, black, and white. Accent with pops of bright colors and furniture that is sleek and streamlined, with clean lines focused on function. Add a few statement pieces to create visual interest.

Contemporary: Contemporary style is a more recent design trend, often characterized by bold colors, clean lines, and a focus on technology. When staging a home in a contemporary style, use a color palette that is bright and bold. Use furniture that is clean-lined and minimalistic. Add a few pieces that are cutting-edge and modern, like smart home technology accents or energy-efficient table lamps.

Eclectic: Eclectic style is a mix of different design elements, colors, and textures. When staging a home in an eclectic style, use a mix of different patterns and colors. Use furniture that is unique, individualistic and unexpected, like a vintage coffee table or a brightly colored accent chair. Mix different textures, for example a wool rug draped on a leather couch, draws attention and creates a certain mood in the room.

Traditional: Traditional style is characterized by classic design elements, like ornate details, rich colors, and elegant furnishings. Traditional homes tell a story. When staging a home in a traditional style, use a color palette that is rich and warm. Use furniture that is perceived as elegant and ornate, with classic details like carved wood or tufted upholstery. Add a few antiques or vintage pieces to create a sense of history and tradition.

Coastal: Coastal style is all about breezy, bright yet relaxed living. When staging a home in a coastal style, use a color palette that is light and airy, with shades of blue and green. Use furniture that is comfortable and casual, like a woven wicker chair or a white slipcovered couch. Add a few coastal-inspired accent pieces, like a piece of driftwood art or a rattan chest at the foot of the master bed.

The key to successful, profitable and quick home staging is to choose a style that is appropriate for the home and the target market. Each of these six styles has its own unique characteristics, so be sure your staging company chooses the one that best showcases your home's strengths and appeals to your target market. This will result in creating a welcoming, memorable showing that is sure to find the right buyer.