Home staging versus interior decorating: What’s the difference?

Home staging is the opposite of interior decorating. When I stage a home, I’m not designing around personal taste—neither mine nor the seller's. I'm only thinking about the buyer.

If it's an Art Deco house, the buyer will likely be someone who loves that style, so the furnishings should nod to that era. If it’s a sleek, modern apartment with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, the décor should reflect that contemporary feel. A lover of Art Deco isn’t going to buy a stark, minimalist apartment, and vice versa. Good staging speaks to the buyer's likes and lifestyle.

A modern apartment like this Cape Town apartment should be staged simply, with neutral but warm colours. Here, we used greys and greens.

Can I live here?

My focus is on flow, light, warmth, and highlighting key features like views or architectural details. Furniture should be strategically placed to give the impression of spaciousness. A home should feel inviting, not over-styled. Buyers aren’t scrutinising whether the couch is modern or classic; they’re stepping inside and asking,Will I love living here? 

They’re not making a decision to buy or not based on the colour or texture of the rug. They don’t walk in and examine the specifics—the lampshades, the vases, or whether the lemons in the bowl are real. They’re taking in the feeling of the space.

Does it feel bright, spacious, and welcoming? Does it flow well? Can they picture themselves living here? That’s what staging is about—creating an atmosphere that makes buyers feel at home.

The same Cape Town apartment: staged bedrooms should look cosy and inviting.

Colour plays a vital role in influencing buyer emotions; warm hues often elicit a sense of calm while brighter shades like yellow can inspire happiness. A strict black-and-white colour scheme can often feel harsh, stark, or even cold—especially in a home that’s meant to feel warm and inviting. Buyers aren’t drawn to bold, dramatic contrasts; they’re looking for a space that feels comfortable and livable. The goal isn’t to create a statement but to create a space where buyers can imagine themselves living.

This staged outdoor area aimed to maximise the view of Cape Town harbour.

Design elements can trigger emotions and create a sense of nostalgia, comfort, or aspiration. A chair with a soft throw and a lamp in a corner of a bedroom can evoke feelings of relaxation, encouraging buyers to visualize themselves enjoying quiet moments at home.

Interior decorating is personal

Interior decorating, on the other hand, is deeply personal. It’s about designing a space around the owner’s taste, whether it’s bold colours, vintage pieces, or a minimalist aesthetic. While staging removes personal elements to appeal to a broad audience, decorating adds them in to make a space feel uniquely yours.

My own home in Cape Town is a riot of colour, totally eclectic and eccentric. It’s my style. But when it's time to sell my own house, I stage for the every person who is likely to buy that property. I tone down the colours, remove at least half of the paintings, and simplify. I want a buyer to see themselves living in the house, not living in my house.

Improving property appeal increases the likelihood of faster sales and higher offers. For instance, homes that are professionally staged sell 73% faster compared to those that are not. These statistics highlight the importance of a well-thought-out design strategy aimed at optimising appeal.

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