It’s easy to spot home staging that is not professionally done, even if you don’t have an eye for design. Great home staging goes beyond aesthetics—it’s about creating a connection with buyers and maximizing a home’s value. If you’re preparing your property for sale, especially in a competitive market like Wilmington NC, avoid these common staging mistakes that can negatively affect your home’s appeal and final sale price.
Mistake #1: Choosing Small Scale Furnishings
Scale plays a big part in staging, especially for MLS photos. Furnishings that are small in scale divide the room disproportionately. For example, a rug that is too small makes the room feel limited. The front legs of the sofa and end tables should be on the rug! Choosing correctly scaled pieces helps the space feel cohesive and balanced. Our staging plans are made specifically for every property – no “one room fits all” staging here. Big living rooms get bigger than usual sofas and small dining rooms get perfectly proportioned 4 top dining tables.
Mistake #2: Overcrowding the Space
Overly large or ornate pieces take away from the home’s features. The wrong size furnishings can impede the flow of traffic. Excess pillows, artwork, and accents are distracting. Professional home staging in Wilmington NC is about enhancing—not overwhelming—the space.
Mistake #3: Inexpert Staging That Ignores the Homes Existing Features
The staging plan should complement and enhance the home’s features. A coastal home at Wrightsville Beach should look and feel different than a historic home in downtown Wilmington. Ignoring these features results in a disjointed look that doesn’t resonate with buyers.
Mistake #4: Generic Staging That Doesn’t Match the Buyers
The style, color palette, and accents create an emotional response in potential buyers. The purpose of staging is to create a vision for a specific buyer and make them feel at home. Professional stagers takes into account location, sales price, and buyer profile when selecting each piece. In Wilmington NC and surrounding areas, we stage to attract the right buyer for each unique property.
Mistake #5: Relying on Virtual Staging
Virtual staging may get a few initial clicks on your listing, but the end buyer experience will fall flat. You can always tell when a home has been virtually staged—it just doesn’t look right. The proportions are off, the styles don’t match, the lighting is wonky. Talk about underwhelming. Plus, the house is empty if seen in person, which turns off most potential buyers. In-person staging delivers results because it creates an emotional connection to the home. A logical purchase suddenly becomes a very emotional “gotta have it” moment when buyers are shown the potential in a property.
Home staging is so much more than decorating. It’s about curating the property to attract the ideal buyer and ensure a fast, profitable sale. Whether you’re selling a beachside home or a downtown bungalow, professional home staging in Wilmington NC makes all the difference.
Ready to stage your home for its fastest, most profitable sale? Contact us — we’ve got your back!
Mixing patterns in your home can feel a little intimidating, but when done right, it adds so much personality and depth to a space. It’s that secret ingredient that makes a room feel curated, stylish, and totally unique.
Not sure where to start? No worries—we’re sharing five simple steps to help you confidently mix and match patterns like a pro.
Step #1: Create a Curated Color Palette
Before diving into patterns, it’s super helpful to have a set color palette to keep everything feeling cohesive.
🎨 How to find your color scheme:
Look for inspiration in artwork, fabrics, or even nature.
Think about the vibe you want—soft and calming? Bold and energetic?
If your space already has dominant colors, use complementary shades to balance everything out.
➡️ Pro Tip: If you’re stuck, Pinterest is your best friend for finding color combos you love!
Step #2: Choose a Piece to Anchor Your Design
To keep things from feeling random, start with one key piece to anchor your design. It could be:
✔ A rug with gorgeous patterns
✔ A bold wallpaper
✔ A piece of artwork that you love
From there, you can build around it, choosing patterns that tie into the colors of that main piece.
➡️ Pro Tip: If you’re new to mixing patterns, start small—try patterned throw pillows or curtains before committing to bigger pieces.
Step #3: Balance Patterns with Different Scales
One of the biggest design mistakes? Choosing patterns that are all the same size. It makes everything feel busy and overwhelming.
✨ How to balance patterns:
Pair a large-scale pattern (like a big floral or geometric rug) with a medium-sized pattern (like a striped chair) and a smaller accent pattern (like a delicate print on pillows or curtains).
This trick helps patterns work together instead of competing for attention.
➡️ Pro Tip: Mix structured patterns (like stripes or plaids) with organic ones (like florals or abstract designs) for contrast!
Step #4: Visualize the Design
It’s easy to love a pattern in the store but then get it home and think… What was I thinking?! That’s why visualizing first is key!
Ways to see everything together before committing:
✔ Gather fabric swatches & wallpaper samples
✔ Create a mood board with your colors and patterns
✔ Use 3D design tools if you’re tackling a bigger project
➡️ Pro Tip: Take photos of your samples in different lighting to see how they’ll look throughout the day.
Step #5: Bring It All Together on Install Day
Now for the fun part—seeing everything come to life!
✔ Layer in different textures to make the space feel cozy and inviting.
✔ Step back and check the balance—if something feels off, adjust as needed!
✔ Most importantly, have fun with it!
➡️ Pro Tip: Patterns feel more natural when you mix in solid colors to give the eye a place to rest.
Home Staging vs. Interior Design: 3 Key Differences You Need to Know
While home staging and interior design may appear similar at first glance, their purposes are distinct. Understanding these differences can help homeowners make the right choices whether they’re preparing to sell or customizing their living space.
1. Home Staging Showcases the Property, Interior Design Personalizes It
Home staging is all about making a property appealing to the widest range of potential buyers. It highlights the home’s best features and creates a neutral, inviting environment that buyers can envision as their own. In contrast, interior design is a personalized process tailored to the homeowner’s unique tastes and lifestyle, focusing on comfort and functionality.
2. Staging Focuses on Aesthetics, Design Prioritizes Function
Staging is all about those first impressions. It’s like dressing your home up for a big event—strategic furniture placement, pops of color, and just the right decor to make everything shine. The goal? To boost your home’s value and help it sell faster. Interior design, though, isn’t just about looks—it’s about how your space works for your day-to-day life. It’s where style meets function.
3. Staging Preps Your Home for Buyers, Design Makes It Perfect for You
When staging a home, everything’s set up to wow people in photos and during showings. Think furniture positioned to highlight cool architectural details or using neutral colors so everyone can imagine themselves living there. But with interior design, it’s all about you—your style, your needs, your vibe. It’s about making your space work for the way you live.
In both home staging and interior design, the home itself is the foundation. Professional design highlights architectural features and showcases the home’s true potential.
Let’s Make Your Space Shine
Whether you’re staging to sell or designing to stay, it all starts with the home itself. Professional staging and design bring out the best in any property, highlighting its features and showing off its true potential.
Ready to Sell for Top Dollar?
If you’re ready to list your home for top dollar, we would be glad to help you achieve that. Reach out and let’s chat about your upcoming sale!
How to Customize Your Builder-Grade Home in Wilmington, NC
New construction, aka cookie cutter or builder-grade homes, often come with very light neutral walls, standard light and plumbing fixtures, and little personality. But don’t let that discourage you! These homes are a blank slate full of potential. With just a few updates, you can create a space that feels uniquely yours while adding character and charm.
Here are five affordable tips to upgrade your new construction, builder-grade home and make it stand out from the rest:
Tip #1: Replace Builder-Grade Light Fixtures
Light fixtures are one of the most overlooked design elements in new homes, but they have a big impact on the overall aesthetic. Those basic fixtures that seemed fine during a walkthrough can quickly become an eyesore once you move in. Or, worse than an eyesore, they just blend in (cue sad music).
The good news? Swapping them out is quick and affordable! Consider upgrading the lighting in your dining room, kitchen, bathrooms, and entryway for a more personalized and polished look. If you’re feeling bold, replace the light fixtures throughout your entire home.
Tip #2: Add Drama with Accent Walls or Ceiling Details
Accent walls can instantly elevate the feel of any room. Whether you choose to paint a wall in a vibrant color, install decorative molding, or add trendy wallpaper, accent walls bring personality and dimension to a space.
Don’t forget about ceilings, either! Coffered ceilings, beams, or even a fresh coat of paint can make a major impact. Accent wall colors and feature walls like wood trim or wallpaper are the easiest ways to completely transform the vibe of your builder-grade home.
Tip #3: Upgrade with Elegant Window Treatments
Window treatments are an excellent way to add texture, color, and sophistication to a room. Ditch the standard blinds and opt for woven shades, sheer curtains, or drapery panels.
Choose textured neutrals for a timeless look or bold colors to draw attention to your windows. Not only will this improve your home’s design, but upgraded window treatments can also provide privacy and light control.
Tip #4: Enhance Your Home’s Curb Appeal
Your home’s exterior is the first thing people notice, so make it warm and inviting. Add cozy seating to your porch, layer in potted plants and flowers, and install pathway lighting to guide visitors to your door.
Upgraded landscaping with shrubs, florals, or stone accents will also add charm and character to your front yard. These small changes will set your home apart and make it a place you’re proud to come back to every day.
Tip #5: Polish Off with New Hardware & Plumbing Fixtures
Details matter! Swapping out your builder-grade hardware for modern or unique options can make a big difference. Upgrade your kitchen and bathroom with stylish cabinet knobs, drawer pulls, and faucets.
Don’t stop there—consider updating interior and exterior doorknobs for a cohesive and contemporary look. Hardware upgrades are a simple, cost-effective way to add personality to your home.
Don’t Settle for Builder-Grade—Make Your Home Uniquely Yours
Transforming your builder-grade home doesn’t have to break the bank. These easy and affordable upgrades can elevate your space, making it functional, stylish, and uniquely yours.
Need expert help? If you’d like a professional opinion or guidance on transforming your builder-grade home, we’re here to help. Let’s chat about turning your blank slate into your dream home! Schedule a Discovery Call today to learn more about our interior design services in Wilmington.
How to Stage Your Kitchen to Sell Your Wilmington, NC Home Faster
When it comes to selling a home in Wilmington, NC, the kitchen is one of the most important rooms to stage. Buyers often see the kitchen as the heart of the home, and a well-staged space can make all the difference. Here are some professional home staging tips to ensure your kitchen shines and helps sell your property quickly.
Tip #1: Keep Accessories Minimal and Intentional
Kitchens naturally have a lot going on, so it’s essential to keep the decor simple and purposeful. Adding just a few well-placed items helps buyers envision their life in the space without it feeling cluttered. Some ideas include:
Propping up wooden or marble cutting boards.
Displaying clear containers filled with staples like flour or sugar.
Placing a cookbook on a stand, open to an inviting recipe.
These touches create a functional yet stylish look that resonates with buyers searching for a home in Wilmington’s competitive real estate market.
Tip #2: Style Your Windows & Walls
Don’t overlook your kitchen’s windows and walls. The right decorations can enhance the room’s aesthetic and connect it to the rest of your home’s design. Try these tips:
Add coastal artwork or blue curtains to reflect Wilmington’s beach-town vibe.
Style open shelves or glass-front cabinets with simple items like glassware, woven baskets, or neatly arranged cookbooks.
These elements create a polished, modern look that’s perfect for staging homes in Wilmington’s coastal market.
Tip #3: Create an Inviting Dining Space
Staging the dining area within or adjacent to the kitchen helps buyers visualize how they’ll entertain family and friends. Focus on these details:
Arrange barstools at the kitchen island to showcase seating capacity & added function
Set the dining table with tasteful place settings to emphasize its functionality.
Highlight how many people can comfortably fit in the space, whether it’s a casual breakfast nook or a formal dining room.
These thoughtful touches help buyers imagine themselves hosting gatherings in their new home.
The kitchen and dining spaces are where buyers envision spending quality time with loved ones. A beautifully staged kitchen can be the deciding factor for many buyers. Thoughtful home staging adds a designer touch and helps your property stand out in Wilmington’s competitive real estate market.
Looking for Professional Home Staging Services in Wilmington, NC?
If you want to sell your home faster and for top dollar, Mickler & Co. specializes in professional home staging for Wilmington, NC, and surrounding areas. Let us help transform your space to appeal to potential buyers. Contact us today to get started!
People spend a lot of time in their kitchen and dining spaces, and these can be the selling point for many buyers. Adding a designer touch to these rooms can make a huge impact right off the bat. Let Mickler & Co. Design Studio make your home irresistible to buyers. Together, we’ll get your property ready to sell quickly and at the best price possible!
Say Hello To Mickler & Co. Welcome to the Mickler & Co. Design Studio blog, your go-to source for expert interior design, home staging & rental design tips, the latest trends, and creative inspiration to transform your home into a personalized haven.
Visit us at 2007 Dawson St., Wilmington, NC 28403, or shop our online store for inspiration! https://shop.micklerco.com/
