Kellie Richardson: To stage or not to stage - that is the question home sellers need to know and why
Announcement posted by Invigorate PR 21 Jan 2026
As the property market becomes more competitive heading into 2026, sellers are being urged to rethink how their homes are presented, with professional staging now viewed as one of the most powerful tools to attract buyers and maximise sale prices.
According to celebrity interior designer, property expert and founder of Kurved by Design, buyers don't just purchase bricks and mortar, they buy a feeling, a lifestyle and a future vision of themselves in a space.
"Staging isn't about decoration, it's about psychology," Richardson said.
"It shows buyers how to live in the home, how the space flows and why it feels right. That emotional connection is what drives strong offers.
"If the property looks good and delivers the right emotional connection, staging can increase the sale price of your property by up to 15 percent. That is a huge gain when you look at the market and the value of the property."
Richardson explained the benefits of property staging when selling a home.
1. Staging removes personal distractions and creates a buyer-ready canvas
One of the biggest mistakes sellers make is leaving too much of themselves in the home.
"Buyers don't want to see your life, your photos or your collections," Richardson said.
"They want a neutral, calm canvas that allows them to imagine their own story."
Professional staging strips back personal items and visual noise, replacing them with clean, balanced styling that appeals to a broad buyer audience. It also ensures the property photographs beautifully which is essential for listing and marketing.
"Good photos bring more eyes and interest. This is an essential part of property marketing. When people are time poor or searching online, imagery is the first thing buyers look at," Richardson added.
2. It makes rooms look bigger, brighter and more functional
Staging is not just about aesthetics, it's about scale and proportion.
"Most homes are poorly furnished for sale," Richardson said.
"Furniture is often too large, incorrectly positioned or highlights the wrong features."
Professional staging uses correctly scaled furniture and intentional placement to show how rooms are meant to function, helping buyers understand space, flow and usability instantly.
"Staging can make a small room seem larger or a lower ceiling feel higher. It is all about optics and perception. Staging is more than making a room look nice, it is about transforming how a space appears to potential buyers," Richardson added.
3. It highlights the property's best features and downplays weaknesses
Every home has hero features and every home has flaws.
"Staging draws the eye to what matters," Richardson said.
"We amplify natural light, ceiling height, layout and architectural details while minimising less desirable elements. Strategic placement of colours and lighting can immediately create a feeling of space and openness.
"Staging strategically diverts attention away from negatives and in many cases makes them disappear."
This visual guidance helps buyers focus on the positives rather than mentally tallying imperfections, which directly impacts how much they are willing to pay.
4. It creates emotional connection and urgency
Buyers make decisions emotionally and justify them logically.
"A well-staged home feels aspirational but achievable," Richardson said.
"It creates a sense of comfort, desire and urgency. The clever placement of designer furniture and premium art creates a feeling of luxury. Buyers are immediately drawn to properties that make them feel special.
"Emotion compels people to act and that is the type of effect that staging can have. If the presentation delivers a 'must have' vibe and the property appears live in ready, then this can prompt buyers to move quickly and boldly to purchase the property."
Homes that feel move-in ready often attract stronger competition, faster offers and fewer objections during negotiation.
5. It increases perceived value and supports stronger sale prices
Staged homes consistently outperform unstaged properties in both buyer interest and final sale outcomes.
"When a home looks premium, buyers assume it has been well cared for," Richardson said.
"That perception of quality translates directly into value."
In a market where buyers have choice, staging positions a property as the standout option.
The bottom line for sellers
Richardson said staging is no longer optional for sellers who want the best possible result.
"You don't get a second chance at a first impression," she said.
"Staging isn't a cost, it's a strategic investment that helps your property sell faster, with less friction and often for more."
As buyer expectations rise in 2026, sellers who present their homes professionally will be the ones who win.
About Kellie Richardson
Kellie Richardson is one of Australia's most respected interior designers, Feng Shui experts and the founder of Kurved by Design. Known for her timeless aesthetic, strong media presence and practical, accessible approach to design, Kellie has transformed countless properties across Australia and internationally.
She is the Global Brand Ambassador for Barelli Bathrooms, where she brings her expertise in luxury design, spatial flow and functionality to one of Australia's leading bathroom brands.
A sought-after commentator on interior design trends, home styling, Feng Shui and lifestyle, Kellie is also a breakfast radio host and a regular contributor to national print, digital and broadcast media. Through her work, Kellie empowers Australians to create homes that not only look beautiful, but feel balanced, welcoming and aligned with how they want to live.
About Kurved by Design
Kurved by Design is an Australian interior design studio founded by celebrity interior designer and Feng Shui expert Kellie Richardson. The studio specialises in residential interior design, Feng Shui- informed spaces and creating practical, emotionally intelligent homes that feel as good as they look.
Known for its sophisticated yet highly liveable approach, Kurved by Design delivers end-to-end solutions including interior design, property styling and staging for sale, and ongoing property maintenance services. These services support homeowners, investors and developers to maximise value, presentation and long-term performance of their properties.
In addition to design and styling services, Kurved by Design offers education through the Kurved by Design Online Design Academy, providing accessible learning for homeowners, aspiring designers and creatives who want to elevate their spaces with confidence. The academy delivers practical, real- world design education grounded in Kellie's professional experience and Feng Shui principles.
Kurved by Design's philosophy centres on creating spaces that support wellbeing, flow and connection, homes designed to attract opportunity, enhance lifestyle and evolve with the people who live in them.