This holiday season, there’s no better gift to give yourself than the peace of mind that comes with a new Hubbell home. The gift that keeps on giving, you’ll enjoy the comfort of wide-open spaces, private outdoor living, and quality finishes far beyond the holidays!

Once you’ve decided on your perfect new home, all that’s left to do is sell your current one. And this is where staging and design come in. Effective staging isn’t just for show — in fact, staging your home the right way will ensure that you sell it as quickly as possible and maximize its sales price. We spoke with Bailey from the Hubbell Homes Design Studio & Staging team to learn a few of her favorite tips and tricks when it comes to the art of staging:

Declutter: First and foremost, it’s crucial to go through every room in the home to clean up the “clutter zones,” or areas filled with old keepsakes, decor, and things to throw away. Either pack or discard everything to make the space feel open and inviting. (This also makes moving much easier!)

Make Quick Fixes: The next thing to do is look for the “quick fixes” — removing old area rugs to show off the hardwood floors, taking off curtains and cleaning windows, changing lampshades, replacing light bulbs for optimal lighting, rearranging furniture, etc. Remember, even little adjustments make a big impact.

Decide on Furniture: When it comes to the furniture in your home, it’s essential to make a final decision on what should stay and what should go. Always make sure to keep color, style, and function in mind to make the most confident and informed choice, and really see your home through a buyer’s eyes.

Pay Attention to Details: Incorporating simple design elements like complementary shapes, materials, and finishes in a room will make the space feel pulled together and polished. Pay attention to the scale of furniture to make sure it fits the size of the room and doesn't overwhelm it.

Feel Fresh: The majority of potential buyers see your home in photos online before they see it in person, so everything you do in your home should be about that crucial first impression. Think about touch-ups that evoke a fresh and clean feeling like bright flowers, folded towels in the bathroom, and bowls of fruit in the kitchen.

Depersonalize: Buyers want to look at your old home and envision making it their own, so make sure to “depersonalize.” Painting colored walls with trendy grays or off-whites will make your home look like an open canvas that’s ready to be personalized. Mirrors on the wall also help to create a wide-open feel.

These design tips will help you not only impress buyers but win them over, too. Once your current home sells, we can’t wait to work with you on finding your dream home in Des Moines!