Living Spaces
Barring unusual circumstances, you don’t sleep in the bathroom or cook in the home office, but distinctions are less clear among the boundaries of living spaces: living rooms, family rooms, great rooms, and so on.
Because these public areas are important to family and everyday living in any house, in this section we help you look at the function, focal point, furniture placement, and upgrade elements (new paint, say, or more modern light fixtures) of each room that help you sell your house faster.
If your property has a living room and a family room, stage the living room as a formal space for reading and entertaining. You want buyers to see the room as an elegant and formal place to entertain their own guests. If your house has one room that is used as living room–family room combination, treat it as a family room but work to eliminate distractions like the TV (by hiding it in an armoire, for example).
To make a room feel more formal, place accessories in a symmetrical configuration and align furniture so that it’s parallel to the walls instead of angled. But be sure it still feels welcoming and inviting by adding lamps and a live or silk green plant.
To make your living room elegant, use formal accessories such as crystal vases, large floral arrangements, and elegant frames on artwork. Rather than adding a punch of colour with the accessories as you would in other rooms, use complementary, understated neutral colours — linen, creams, whites, taupe, or black — to make the room feel spacious.
Pay close attention to scale and balance, and vary items by height and width, placing the large and tall items at the back. For example, if you have three candleholders of three different heights, place the tallest in the back, the next tallest to one side but just forward of the first, and the shortest candle and holder on the other side of the tallest one, but slightly in front of it. This adds interest and dimension to the space.
Add warmth and a classic look to the formal living room by adding these upgrades: fresh paint, hardwood floors, new carpeting, upgraded or repainted baseboards and crown mouldings, and new hardware, doorknobs, and light fixtures.
- Take down personal photographs and family items that create the sense that this is your home. You don’t want the buyer wondering, “Who lives here?” You want the buyer to see themselves living there.
- If you have a favourite “old” chair that doesn’t go with the rest of the furniture, remove it. Big furniture can weigh down a space.
- During “showings” turn on all lights and lamps.
If your furniture shows the effect of raising kids or if pets have ruined the rugs and upholstery, think about storing or removing your existing furniture. Buy, borrow or rent what you need. - Have your DVD collection, CDs and video games out of sight.
- Open the drapes and blinds. Nothing is more depressing than walking into a home where shades, curtains and drapes are closed.
- Remove all knick-knacks under 10 inches tall.
Limit all personal items on display. Again, depersonalize.
Quick
Wins
🧼 Clean and Declutter
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Remove excess furniture – Less is more. Create flow and open space by removing bulky or extra items.
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Declutter shelves, mantels & tables – Keep decor minimal (e.g., 3 objects per shelf in varied height/textures).
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Vacuum thoroughly & mop hard floors – Include under furniture and skirting boards.
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Hide cords and remotes – Tuck them away neatly or use baskets for a clean finish.
🎨 Neutral, Inviting Styling
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Use a light, neutral palette – Whites, greys, beiges help rooms feel larger and appeal to more buyers.
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Add soft furnishings – Use throws and cushions to create warmth and texture.
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Layer rugs for comfort – A clean, modern rug helps define the space and anchor furniture.
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Hang a statement artwork – One large, simple piece is more impactful than many small ones.
🛋️ Create a Comfortable Focal Point
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Reposition furniture – Float sofas away from walls if possible, and arrange to highlight a central focus (TV, fireplace, window view).
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Style the coffee table – Use a book, candle, and a small plant or tray for balance and interest.
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Minimise personal items – Family photos, toys, or collections should be packed away.
🌿 Add Life and Warmth
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Bring in greenery – A potted plant in the corner or small indoor plants on shelves add freshness.
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Use natural materials – Incorporate timber, rattan, linen or cotton in furniture or styling.
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Highlight comfort – Add soft blankets, fluffy cushions, and clean curtains.
💡 Light and Bright is Key
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Open blinds and curtains – Maximise natural light during inspections.
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Replace dim or yellow bulbs – Use warm white LED bulbs to brighten and modernise.
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Add lamps if needed – Floor or table lamps create mood and fill dark corners.
🧰 Maintenance Matters
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Fix cracks, scuffs, or peeling paint – Even small flaws can turn off buyers.
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Oil squeaky doors – Smooth, quiet operation gives a well-maintained feel.
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Dust ceiling fans, vents, and lights – Especially important in high-ceiling areas.
👃 Create a Positive Atmosphere
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Use subtle scents – Think “clean home” vibes: citrus, vanilla, or fresh linen (not overpowering).
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Play soft music during open homes – Background ambient music can help people feel comfortable.
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Set a cosy mood if it’s cold – Turn on the heater, style with throws, or light the fireplace if you have one.
