Home Staging Secrets: Sell Faster & For More in 2025
Staging a home isn’t just about making it look pretty—it’s about helping buyers see themselves living there. The right staging techniques can speed up a sale, increase the selling price, and eliminate objections before they even arise. If you’re thinking about selling in 2025, here’s how to maximize your home’s potential with expert staging strategies.
Staging a home isn’t just about making it look pretty—it’s about helping buyers see themselves living there. The right staging techniques can speed up a sale, increase the selling price, and eliminate objections before they even arise. If you’re thinking about selling in 2025, here’s how to maximize your home’s potential with expert staging strategies.
The Most Important Areas to Stage
Where Buyers Focus First
Not all rooms carry the same weight when it comes to staging. The key areas that have the biggest impact include:
Main living room – The heart of the home where buyers visualize daily life.
Kitchen and dining room – Essential for entertaining and everyday functionality.
Primary bedroom and bathroom – Buyers want a relaxing retreat.
Additional bedrooms and hall bath – Showcasing how the spaces can be used is key.
Flex rooms – Multi-purpose spaces are a growing trend, and buyers love seeing how they can function.
Seeing furniture in an open-concept kitchen or an empty bedroom helps buyers gauge scale and imagine how their own belongings will fit. A well-staged space is a space that sells.
How Professional Staging Impacts Price & Time on Market
The Numbers Don’t Lie
If you think staging is just a “nice-to-have,” think again. According to the 2023 Profile of Home Staging by the National Association of Realtors:
81% of buyer’s agents said staging made it easier for buyers to visualize the property as their future home.
39% of buyers found the living room to be the most important space to stage, followed by the primary bedroom (36%) and kitchen (30%).
20% of sellers’ agents reported staging increased offers by 1% - 5%.
21% of sellers’ agents said staging significantly decreased time on the market.
Well-staged homes sell faster and often at higher prices with fewer negotiations. Whether you’re in Des Moines or a smaller surrounding town, ALT Design Studio’s staging services have helped homes stand out and sell efficiently.
Home Staging Trends for 2025
What’s In, What’s Out
Staging trends have shifted in recent years, focusing on neutral, welcoming spaces that don’t feel sterile. Here’s what’s making waves in 2025:
Neutral furniture to ground the space – A blank canvas that still feels inviting.
Bold accents in art, pillows, and rugs – Adding personality without overwhelming.
Minimalism with character – Clean, comfortable, and not overly staged.
Natural materials – Think wood, bamboo, and stone for a touch of organic warmth.
Earthy tones – Rich, warm, and nature-inspired hues.
Greenery and plants – Adding life beyond just furniture.
Flex spaces – Multi-purpose rooms are in demand—buyers love seeing a home office double as a guest space or a basement that functions for both work and play.
Want to see how professional staging can transform your home? Explore our home staging services for expert guidance.
Ready to Sell? Let’s Stage Your Home for Success
Home staging isn’t just an extra step—it’s a game-changer in today’s market. Whether you’re looking to sell quickly, maximize your sale price, or simply present your home in the best light, the right staging strategy can make all the difference.
Need expert help? Contact ALT Design Studio to learn how we can make your home irresistible to buyers.
Short-Term Rentals: Ins and Outs for 2025
The short-term rental market is booming, and as competition grows, standing out requires thoughtful design that balances sustainability, functionality, and style. Whether you’re new to the game or looking to refresh your space, here’s how to make your rental a guest-favorite while maximizing durability and efficiency.
The short-term rental market is booming, and as competition grows, standing out requires thoughtful design that balances sustainability, functionality, and style. Whether you’re new to the game or looking to refresh your space, here’s how to make your rental a guest-favorite while maximizing durability and efficiency.
Designing Sustainable and Budget-Friendly Rentals
Durable, Eco-Friendly Choices That Last
Sustainability doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, it can often save you money in the long run. One of the best ways to balance cost and durability is through thrifted and locally sourced furniture. Vintage and second-hand pieces are often higher quality and built to withstand heavy use. Plus, they add character to your space without the hefty price tag of new, mass-produced items.
Paint is your best friend – A fresh coat can completely transform a space without excessive costs or waste.
Mindful textile selections – White linens and towels aren’t just chic; they’re easy to clean and maintain over time.
Slipcovers for furniture – These provide a practical way to keep seating fresh and stain-free while extending the lifespan of your pieces.
Looking for a sustainable refresh? Check out our rental property design services for expert guidance.
Adding Local Flair Without Overwhelming the Space
Balancing Theme and Broad Appeal
Guests love unique touches that connect them to the local area, but going overboard can alienate a broader audience. The trick? Keep the main furniture pieces neutral and layer in local charm through decor and artwork.
Murals and wall art – A feature wall with a mural or locally inspired artwork can be a striking yet easy-to-change focal point.
Interchangeable accents – Think throw pillows, small sculptures, or framed photography showcasing the destination.
Targeted themes – If your property is near the beach, for example, a light coastal color scheme with subtle nautical elements works well. If it’s in the mountains, earthy tones and rustic textures will resonate with visitors.
Need inspiration? Browse our design portfolio to see how we bring local influence into our projects.
Creating Multifunctional Spaces for Modern Travelers
Work, Play, and Relaxation in One Space
The demand for multifunctional rentals is skyrocketing as more people travel while working remotely. Your rental needs to accommodate both leisure and productivity without sacrificing aesthetics.
Dedicated workspaces – A desk in a walk-in closet or an unused nook can provide a private work area without encroaching on shared spaces.
Garage game rooms – If your property has an underutilized garage, consider converting it into a hangout spot with a pool table, arcade games, or a cozy lounge setup.
Zoning through design – Use area rugs, shelving, or even furniture placement to subtly separate work and relaxation areas.
Explore our interior solutions to make your rental more functional and inviting.
Avoiding Common Staging Mistakes in Short-Term Rentals
What Not to Do and How to Fix It
Many property owners make simple mistakes that can cost them bookings and five-star reviews. Here’s what to watch out for:
Not catering to the intended audience – Ensure your rental has the right bed configurations, entertainment options, and amenities for your target guests. A family-friendly space should prioritize bunk beds or multiple sleeping arrangements, while a high-end rental might benefit from a stocked bar or premium outdoor lounge.
Using personal, outdated decor – While thrifted pieces can be charming, mismatched and overly personal decor can make a space feel cluttered. Stick to a cohesive, curated look that feels intentional rather than random.
For a professionally staged rental, check out our staging services to ensure your property stands out.
Make Your Short-Term Rental Shine in 2025
Refreshing your rental doesn’t mean starting from scratch. With thoughtful design, multifunctional spaces, and sustainable choices, you can create a guest experience that keeps them coming back. Want expert help bringing your vision to life? Connect with ALT Design Studio today and let’s make your rental a standout success!
Refreshing Your Space for the New Year
The start of a new year is the perfect time to take a step back and reimagine the spaces where you live and work. From embracing emerging design trends to incorporating intentional touches, refreshing your environment can transform not just your home or office but also your mindset and productivity. Let’s dive into how you can bring fresh energy into your spaces for 2025.
The start of a new year is the perfect time to take a step back and reimagine the spaces where you live and work. From embracing emerging design trends to incorporating intentional touches, refreshing your environment can transform not just your home or office but also your mindset and productivity. Let’s dive into how you can bring fresh energy into your spaces for 2025.
Embracing 2025’s Design Trends
What’s New in Living and Workspaces?
The buzzword for 2025 design trends is intentional minimalism. People are moving away from cluttered spaces and choosing simplicity that prioritizes efficiency and functionality. This trend isn’t just about having less; it’s about making thoughtful choices with:
Warmer, richer colors: Think earthy tones and cozy hues that bring a sense of calm.
Natural materials: Stones, bricks, and wood accents are making a strong comeback, helping spaces feel more grounded and connected to nature.
Sustainability: Thoughtful purchasing with an emphasis on eco-friendly materials and timeless pieces reflects a deeper care for the environment and long-term usability.
These choices don’t just look great; they also cultivate a sense of peace and harmony—perfect for starting the year on the right foot.
Refreshing Workspaces: Boosting Functionality and Well-being
The Rise of “Resimercial” Design
Businesses are embracing “resimercial” design—a blend of residential coziness and commercial sophistication. This approach prioritizes comfort and productivity, making employees feel more at home in their work environments. Key elements include:
Flexible workspaces: Open concepts and hybrid layouts with comfortable furniture that adapt to varying needs.
Technology-integrated spaces: Conference rooms equipped with seamless tech solutions that still feel inviting.
Collaborative zones: Spaces that encourage teamwork while maintaining personal comfort.
Easy Ways to Refresh Your Office
Declutter and Deep Clean: Start fresh by purging unnecessary items and giving the space a thorough clean.
Add Texture and Color: Rugs, artwork, and decorative acoustic panels can inject personality and energy.
Incorporate Natural Elements: Plants and other organic touches can enhance the atmosphere and improve air quality.
Looking to transform your office? Explore our workspace design services for expert help.
Creating an Inspiring Home Environment
Strategies for a Cozy and Functional Home
Home trends are moving toward individual, closed-off spaces that offer privacy and distinct functions. Here’s how to make the most of this shift:
Define Spaces with Personality: Use rugs, murals, or wallpaper to separate open-concept areas into cozy zones with their own vibe.
Layer in Warmth: Muted, earthy tones and warm colors make your home feel inviting.
Personal Touches: Showcase meaningful trinkets, gallery walls, or custom art pieces to add charm and individuality.
Functional and Flexible Living
Flexible spaces are key for modern living. Turn a corner into a reading nook with a comfy chair and layered lighting, or use multifunctional furniture to maximize your square footage. Minimalism doesn’t mean sacrificing style; it’s about curating the pieces that matter most.
Explore our residential design offerings for inspiration and expert guidance.
Start Your 2025 Refresh Today
Refreshing your space isn’t just about following trends—it’s about creating environments that work for your lifestyle and bring you joy. Whether you’re revamping your home, refreshing your office, or both, intentional design can make all the difference. Need help getting started? Connect with us at ALT Design Studio for a consultation and let’s bring your vision to life.