People often focus on updating colors when staging because it’s a quick, visible change that creates a fresh impression, but they forget that effective staging also relies on lighting, layout, cleanliness, and depersonalization.
To truly appeal to buyers, sellers must consider furniture arrangement, curb appeal, and clutter to highlight the home’s best features.
Reality #1: Paint Can’t Fix a Poor Layout
Color alone can’t fix the flow of a room because it doesn’t address how people move through or function within the space. Staging creates a clear vision for how buyers can use each area, making awkward layouts feel intentional and inviting. It can downplay a home’s flaws while strategically highlighting its strengths, helping buyers emotionally connect to the property.
Reality #2: Paint Won’t Set the Right Price
While color has no real impact on a home’s perceived value, staging directly influences how buyers judge its worth because the quality, materials, and style of furnishings signal a lifestyle and price point to buyers.
Thoughtful staging helps buyers see the home as more luxurious or move-in ready, which can justify a higher list price. In contrast, poor or no staging can make even a well-maintained home feel underwhelming and undervalued.
Reality #3: Paint Doesn’t Connect with Buyers
Color won’t connect with a potential buyer because it’s just surface-level. However, staging tells a story about how the space can support their lifestyle. Staging is thoughtfully designed with the ideal buyer in mind, focusing on the lifestyle, design preferences, and functionality that will resonate most with them.
This targeted approach helps buyers see themselves in the home, making it far more compelling and marketable.
Key Reasons Staging Matters More Than Paint When Selling Your Home
Staging highlights flow, layout, and functionality that paint alone can’t fix.
Home staging increases perceived value by showing buyers a lifestyle and quality that supports a higher list price.
Staging connects emotionally with buyers by telling a story about how they can live in the space, while paint is only surface-level.
Professional staging helps homes sell faster and for more money, giving your listing a competitive edge in today’s real estate market.
If you’re ready to sell your listing profitably, reach out to us before you reach for that paintbrush! We will help you stage with intention.
Warmly, Christa
Meet the Designer
Mickler & Co. is a full-service interior design studio based in Wilmington, NC, led by Principal Designer Rebecca Mickler and Designer Christa Mitchell.
With over 20 years of experience in architectural design, staging, and interiors, Rebecca and her team create spaces that are both functional and beautiful, tailored to reflect each client’s unique lifestyle and vision.
First impressions are crucial with homebuyers because the exterior is the first thing they see. If it feels neglected or uninviting, many buyers won’t even step inside. A home could have the perfect interior, but if the curb appeal falls flat, it might never get the chance to shine.
Tip #1: Deep Clean for a Fresh Look
There are key details often overlooked, such as washing all exterior windows, clearing or replacing old gutters, and power washing siding, driveways, and stones. These make a big impact on overall appearance! Don’t forget about cobwebs, trimming overgrown plants, and hiding trash bins.
Tip #2: Simplify Decor to Showcase the House
It’s best to remove bold exterior décor that might distract buyers or make the yard feel cluttered. Simplicity helps buyers focus on the home’s features. Pruning unruly hedges, trimming low-hanging branches, and pulling weeds all create a clean, well-maintained look. Adding a few potted or in-ground flowering plants can provide inviting pops of color that enhance the space.
Tip #3: Add Small Touches with Big Impact
A full exterior remodel isn’t necessary to boost curb appeal. Small, budget-friendly upgrades can make a big difference. Consider painting the front door in a fresh, welcoming color, updating outdated house numbers or the mailbox, resealing the driveway, and swapping out old light fixtures for more modern styles. Even simple touches like a new doormat, fresh mulch, or seasonal wreaths can elevate the overall look without major expense.
Tip #4: Stage With Subtle Lifestyle Touches
Once the exterior is cleaned and refreshed, staging it with subtle lifestyle touches helps buyers envision themselves living there. I like to create inviting spaces like a cozy front porch seating area, a simple grilling station, or poolside dining setup to evoke a sense of relaxation and everyday enjoyment. Thoughtful staging sells more than a home, it sells a lifestyle which creates an emotional connection with buyers.
Key Exterior Staging Takeaways
Buyers often decide whether to tour a home based on its exterior.
Power washing, clearing gutters, and trimming landscaping can instantly refresh the look.
Painting the front door, updating light fixtures, or adding fresh mulch are affordable ways to upgrade.
Adding porch seating, planters, or a grilling area helps buyers imagine living there.
Exterior staging not only attracts more buyers but can also increase the selling price and reduce time on the market.
Looking for home selling and staging tips that will make your life easier? Sign up for our monthly newsletter so you don’t miss out.
Warmly, Christa
Meet the Designer
Mickler & Co. is a full-service interior design studio based in Wilmington, NC, led by Principal Designer Rebecca Mickler and Designer Christa Mitchell.
With over 20 years of experience in architectural design, staging, and interiors, Rebecca and her team create spaces that are both functional and beautiful, tailored to reflect each client’s unique lifestyle and vision.
A small staged home lives large with an easy-flowing layout, airy color palette, and strategic use of mirrors and natural light. Sleek, low-profile furniture and minimal decor create a sense of calm and spaciousness, proving that with the right styling, less truly is more.
Tip #1: Let the Light In
Add sheer, airy window treatments that let sunshine pour in. Keep furniture away from windows to avoid blocking light, and place mirrors across from windows to reflect brightness and create the illusion of more space. The lighter and brighter your home feels, the larger it will appear to potential buyers.
Tip #2: Blend the Ceiling with the Walls
For a more expansive feel, paint your ceilings the same color as the walls. A stark white ceiling can create a visual break that boxes in the space. In contrast, keeping the color consistent helps blur boundaries and enhances the sense of openness. Consider adding trim detail or wood beams painted the same color to add more dimension.
Tip #3: Choose a Monochromatic Palette
Opt for a monochromatic color scheme–think soft neutrals–for the walls, flooring, and furniture to create a cohesive, serene space that feels larger and more open. Introduce pops of color through accessories like throw pillows, rugs, and artwork. This adds personality without taking away from the home’s features.
Tip #4: Raise Your Curtains
To make your space feel taller and more expansive, mount curtain rods as close to the ceiling as possible. Make sure the curtains are only a few inches above the floor. Be sure the curtains can be pulled back well beyond the window frame to allow maximum light to flood the room and open up the space.
Tip #5: Start with Strong Curb Appeal
Curb appeal plays a critical role in attracting buyers, especially for smaller homes, first impressions count even more. Ensure the paint is fresh, the landscaping is neat and purposeful, and the entryway is well-lit and thoughtfully accessorized. These small touches instantly make the space feel inviting and well-maintained.
A small home is far from an obstacle. When staged thoughtfully and with the right design tips, it can feel just as appealing as a home twice its size. With the right touches, the perfect buyer will see the charm and potential that make it a perfect fit.
If you need help staging your property, we would be happy to assist you. Contact us here to set up a discovery call.
4 Bathroom Staging Tips to Instantly Elevate Your Home
Bathrooms might be one of the smallest rooms in the house, but when it comes to home staging, they can leave a big impression. A clean, well-styled bathroom signals that the home is cared for and move-in ready. If you’re preparing to sell—or just want to freshen things up—these bathroom staging tips will help your space feel polished and inviting.
1. Clear the Clutter
Nothing turns off a potential buyer faster than a messy countertop. Take a few minutes to put away personal items like toothbrushes, razors, and skincare bottles. Limit what’s left out to just a few neatly arranged essentials.
Tuck daily items in baskets or drawers
Remove old rugs and used bath mats
Wipe down mirrors and clean the sink area
2. Go for a Spa-Like Feel
Think about how a luxury hotel bathroom looks—calm, clean, and styled with intention. You don’t need a full remodel to get that feeling. A few thoughtful touches can make your bathroom feel like a retreat.
Roll or fold fluffy white towels
Set a candle or diffuser on the counter
Add greenery or a small potted plant
3. Keep the Colors Soft and Neutral
Bright or bold colors can be distracting and aren’t always to everyone’s taste. Stick to soft, neutral shades that make the space feel brighter and cleaner. A light gray, soft beige, or warm white works well on walls and towels.
Repaint if needed using light, neutral tones
Swap out any patterned or colorful shower curtains
Match your accessories for a clean, coordinated look
4. Add a Little Style
You don’t need to overdo it. A simple piece of art or a sleek mirror can finish off the look and give the room a more styled feel. Choose something calming and clean—nothing too personal or busy.
Hang one framed print or canvas in a neutral tone
Replace dated mirrors with a clean-lined option
Use decorative trays to keep things tidy and chic
Bonus Tip: Pay Attention to Scent
A fresh-smelling bathroom makes a big difference. Open a window before a showing, use a light air freshener, or add fresh eucalyptus to the shower. Just keep it subtle—no heavy perfume smells.
Why Bathroom Staging Works
Buyers notice the details. A thoughtfully staged bathroom helps your home stand out and sends the message that it’s been well cared for. It’s a small investment of time that can have a real payoff when it comes to selling your home.
Need Help Staging Your Bathroom?
If you’re not sure where to start—or want to leave it to the pros—our team at Mickler & Co. is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how our staging services can transform your space.
A well-staged bathroom should be spotless and clutter-free. Make minor upgrades, tailor to your target buyer, and polish it off by adding simple, feel-good decor.
If you have any other questions about home staging (in the bathroom or otherwise), please reach out!
The primary bedroom is a very personal space. It’s where we go to unwind but also where we start our day and spend a lot of time. It should invoke a calm, welcoming emotion that makes you want to stay a little longer.
Here are 4 tips in making the bedroom of anyone and everyone’s dreams…
Tip #1: Embrace Soft, Neutral Colors
Soft, earthy hues with varying texture is the way to go! Play up natural materials like linen, silk and jute in the textiles. Add light blues or greens in the artwork, rug, or throws. Stark greys tend to feel cold, whereas warm creams and browns are naturally inviting.
Tip #2: Select Minimal, Intentional Decor
Minimal and practical decor help amplify the cozy feeling in a bedroom. Use plants, candles, and neutral accessories, nothing too flashy. Remove any clutter or taste-specific items, such as swapping out a family photo with a nature scene.
Tip #3: Choose a Timeless Headboard
The bed is the focal point of the room, and a headboard frames the bed, making it a feature. Without a headboard, the room feels disproportionate. A simple yet classy headboard with complimenting pillows and fluffy bedding creates a welcoming emotion for buyers.
Pro Tip: Add warm-toned light bulbs to the lamps on the bedside tables for the ultimate impact!
Tip #4: Pay Attention to Size & Scale
Proportions play a big role in making a space look cohesive and designer. Items that are too large make the room feel overcrowded; however, items that are too small make the room feel off and underutilized. Rugs should be large enough to allow 2-3 feet on either side of the bed. Hang window treatments as close to the ceiling as possible. Add mirrors to make the room feel larger.
Minimal decor, soft color palettes and fabulous textures amplify the room’s existing appeal–sure to make an impact on the buyers. We’re here to help if you need us!
For more smart tips about preparing your main bedroom (and whole home) for the housing market, sign up for our newsletter.
5 Reasons Why Home Staging Can Help Your Vacant Listing
Stepping into a beautifully designed home that caters to comfort invites you to relax, connect, and truly live. But when that same home stands empty, it feels hollow and unfinished —full of potential, yet lacking the warmth, texture, and soul that make a house feel like home.
Reason #1: Flaws Become the Focal Point
In vacant spaces, flaws such as awkward layouts, outdated fixtures, or even the smallest knicks on the trim become instantly noticeable. There’s nothing to distract or soften the eye. The right furnishings and thoughtful staging can completely transform these flaws, guiding the eye toward a room’s strengths and creating flow, function, and visual balance.
Reason #2: You Can’t Attract The Right Buyer
Home staging is about more than just decorating. It’s about strategically appealing to the right buyer for both the home and its neighborhood. Empty rooms don’t tell a story or help buyers visualize how they’ll live in the space, which can make a listing feel cold and uninspiring. Vacant homes on the MLS often get overlooked entirely, missing opportunities to connect with the right buyer.
Reason #3: Empty Rooms Feel Smaller
Contrary to popular belief, empty rooms often feel smaller because there’s no sense of scale or flow to guide the eye. The right furniture placement not only defines the purpose of each space but can also make rooms appear larger and more functional.
Reason #4: Unstaged Homes Lack Purpose
Nearly 70% of potential buyers struggle to imagine how they’d live in a vacant home, making it harder for them to see themselves living there. Without staging, rooms lack clear purpose. This leaves buyers guessing whether a space is meant to be a bedroom, an office, or just wasted square footage. Staging eliminates any guesswork, defining each room with clarity.
Reason #5: Vacant Listings Undervalue the Home
Staging plays a key role in establishing a home’s perceived value and justifying its price point. Empty rooms rarely create a sense of luxury or worth, making it harder for buyers to connect the space with a higher asking price. In contrast, well-staged rooms with stylish, comfortable furnishings instantly elevate a vacant home, making it feel more luxurious and absolutely worth the investment.
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/
