4 Things Home Stagers Never Put in Kitchens
First impressions are everything when it comes to house-hunting, and according to Ashley Battleson, real estate expert at Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty, the kitchen can make or break it. “A well-staged kitchen not only highlights its potential, but also creates an inviting atmosphere that appeals to prospective buyers,” she says. “By presenting a clean and neutral space, homeowners can enhance their property’s value and appeal, reinforcing the kitchen’s pivotal role in family life and gatherings.”
Whether you’re about to put your home on the market, you’re hoping to simplify your space, or you just want to keep it clutter-free the next time you have guests over, these expert-approved dos and don’ts will be a breeze to implement.
4 Things Home Stagers Remove from Kitchens
1. Small Appliances
When staging a kitchen, Battleson’s stagers begin by removing appliances such as toasters, blenders, and coffee makers from countertops. “This helps maintain a clean and spacious appearance — a crucial factor in attracting potential buyers,” she explains.
Haley McKinley, owner and principal designer of McKith Interiors, will make an exception if someone has aesthetically appealing appliances, like a Smeg kettle. Even then, she emphasizes, you should only choose one from an average-sized kitchen.
2. Personalized Kitchenware
Monogrammed dish towels, unique mugs, custom cutting boards — in most cases, they all have to go. This, Battleson says, is because “neutral kitchenware photographs well and appeals to a broader audience.” You want people to be able to imagine themselves in your home, and that becomes a lot more difficult with so many individualized accents.
3. Seasonal Decor
It may be a pain to put up again later, but Battleson insists on taking down decor that’s specifically designed for a certain holiday or time of year. There are two reasons for this — the first being that “these items can create a specific vibe that may not resonate with all potential buyers.”
The other reason why keeping decor timeless is key is because seasonal decor is typically chosen to stand out from the rest of your home. You want your kitchen to make a statement for its actual features, instead of how you’ve dressed it up.
4. Clutter
“Homeowners often accumulate unnecessary items over the years, which can make the kitchen feel cramped and chaotic,” says Battleson. Sometimes, because you’re in your home every day, you don’t even notice how the vibe of the kitchen has changed over time.
That’s why, when in doubt, it’s helpful to pare your shelves, glass cabinets, and other surfaces down to just the necessities. The less the eye has to focus on, the more calm people will feel.
4 Things Home Stagers Keep in Kitchens
1. Dish Towels
You’d be surprised how much of an impact a simple dish towel can make. “Styling the space like this helps create the illusion that people live in this space,” McKinley says. “We don’t want it to feel sterile, but it also needs to be clean.” This means using a like-new towel that’s been pressed, without any stains or holes.
2. Kitchen Utensils
This may sound counterintuitive, but McKinley likes to sprinkle in new, matching cooking utensils (“usually just a select few, not a full set”). Why new? It’s not because stagers think your utensils are dirty. “Typically, the items people actually use are used often, and even though they’re clean, they’re usually worn,” she explains.
3. Simple Dishware
Is open shelving near? Have no fear — clean sets of white dishes or glassware are here. McKinley’s go-to keeps the eye focused on all your kitchen’s best qualities, instead of making people feel cramped in a cluttered space. You don’t have to spend a lot, either. Minimalist porcelain dishes shouldn’t cost more than a few dollars, which is a small price to pay for chic consistency.
4. Minimal Decor
Battleson and her stagers typically incorporate “a few stylish cookbooks, attractive pots, and effective organization” to keep the focus on the space itself instead of the items on display. Small plants, which add literal life to the scene, are a favorite of McKinley’s. The idea is for the kitchen to feel homey without feeling like a specific person’s home.
Further Reading
Why People Are Ditching Their Seltzer After a Disturbing Study
The One Cookware Brand That Gordon Ramsay Can’t Stop Talking About
