One of the things a homestager usually recommends when prepping a home for the market is to de clutter and pack up collectibles. Especially if there is a theme. Not everyone shares the same love of monster trucks and cartoon characters and selling a home is all about the buyer and not your tastes.
Too many items make a home look cluttered (not enough storage in a buyer’s mind) smaller than it actually is (clutter eats square footage and equity) and claustraphobic. Having said that, you do need some focal points to add interest and colour.There are a few tricks we stagers use to get the right look. Presentation is everything. In stores items are arranged in an artful way. Your rooms can come to life with that same type of attention to detail. Small details can have a huge impact. Something as simple as repeating the same size or style of baskets or boxes can create a clean and uniform look. Repetition is pleasing to the eye. So if you repeat basic shapes or use one color it will create a unified look which can bring a serene and calming feeling to the room.
Group
Simple is best.
Group in odd Numbers.
Choose interesting shapes and items.
Nature
Use Natural Elements
Metals, basketware, shells, rocks
Group with books for interest
Green
Green always looks fresh
Brightens a neutral palette
Use what you have
Baskets
Use as artwork for texture
To hide and contain clutter
To add subtle colour
Colour Block
Use a variety of objects and shapes
Larger items have more impact
Use spraypaint to get the look
Books
Adds height to smaller objects
Larger items anchor a display
Inexpensive props
Flowers
Keep it simple & seasonal
Use one style & colour of flower
Group 3 in different height vases
Less is more when staging to sell