Home Staging vs Interior Design: Exploring the Difference

Many people wonder about the difference between home staging and interior design, especially those needing home design knowledge. Both aim to enhance a house's appearance but have slight differences, as discussed in this article.

This similarity often confuses people when choosing the right option for their home improvement needs. Before discussing the key differences here, it is important to grasp the definitions of each term.

What Is Home Staging?

Home staging is a powerful marketing tool highlighting a home's best features, making it more attractive to potential buyers. This process helps sell the house quickly and fetches a higher market value.

The increasing demand for home staging services in the online real estate market has become an essential strategy for selling houses effectively.

What Is Interior Design?

Interior design enhances the look and feel of a home through artwork, various color schemes, themes, and accessories, window treatments, catering to the occupants' needs. It is a popular strategy in the design industry for improving homes.

Differences Between Home Staging and Interior Design

The Audience

General Buyer vs. Specific Owner

Home staging and interior design have distinct purposes. Home staging aims to attract a wide range of potential buyers, while interior design caters to the unique aesthetic preferences of individuals or families.

For instance, a home stager would opt for neutral colours like grey or cream on most people, accompanied by tasteful artwork. On the other hand, an interior decorator would skillfully incorporate your family photos and cherished memorabilia into their room designs.

The Decision Maker

Professional Home Stager vs. Owner

Professional home staging and interior design differ in terms of design decision-making. While an interior designer follows the homeowner's choices or the owner's ideas, a professional stager takes the lead in home staging.

Maintaining homeowner detachment is crucial in home selling; professional home staging facilitates this. They are not "cluttering" the space, but there's no need for home sellers to emphasize creating a larger space overly.

The ultimate goal of the home staging course on creating open and clean rooms highlighting a home's features and floor plan. On the other hand, interior decorating considers the family's needs using the space and maximizes its potential by incorporating furnishings, decorative items and accessories.

The Objective of the Makeover

Asset Merchandising vs. Personal Lifestyle Functioning

Home stagers and interior designers enhance property aesthetics with different approaches to design decisions and goals. Home stagers focus on merchandising the property as a commodity for sale, using design principles, market knowledge, and current trends to appeal to potential buyers.

Their ultimate end goal is a quick and profitable sale. On the other hand, interior design focus on creating a comfortable and visually appealing living space that meets the homeowner's specific needs regarding functionality and lifestyle.

For instance, based on the home's location in an area renowned for excellent schools, a home stager may choose to showcase a bonus room as a versatile family space. On the other hand, an interior designer will cater to the homeowner's preferences for personal items by transforming the same space into an exercise room, art studio, or man cave.

The Speed and Time

Days vs. Weeks or Months

Real estate staging requires significantly less time compared to interior design, and this can be attributed to two distinct reasons:

When professional real estate stagers step into a home, their process is already underway. They have gathered the necessary information, such as market research, current trends, and neighbourhood demographics.
On the other hand, the interior design process involves a meticulous decision-making process that frequently requires homeowner approval for each detail.
Experienced professional staging companies possess a comprehensive inventory of materials and furnishings essential for crafting an enticing space that captivates the intended audience. In contrast, interior designers must allocate significant time researching and shopping for furnishings and finishes based on homeowner preferences while patiently awaiting the arrival of ordered items.

Home stagers quickly prepare properties for sale or sell the house fast, while interior designers take their time to create a cozy home. For example, proficient real estate agents and staging teams can stage an empty 4-bedroom home in about 4 hours, while professional interior design projects can take months, focusing on surfaces, furniture, flooring, and accessory design based on specific project requirements.

Selling Your Home? Get in Touch with Virtual Restaging Today!

Now that you know the difference between the jobs of an interior decorator and a home stager, are you ready to bring in an accredited home stager to help you sell your house faster and for more money?

Virtual restaging is the way to go if you're in the market to make your home more desirable to potential buyers. It will help you create an inviting atmosphere that entices prospective homeowners and allows them to envision themselves living in the space.

At Virtual Restaging, our experienced team will guide you to achieve the best results for your home. We'll help highlight features and downplay others to create a highly appealing and uniquely reflective space that matches your style.