Home Stager Overdoes It: Why Staging Trends Need a Colorful Overhaul

As someone who tours homes regularly, I have a unique perspective on what really makes a home inviting. While home stagers, sellers, and agents aim for a neutral ambiance, the current trend of pervasive grey hues has reached a critical point. This saturation of muted tones is not only redundant but also morose and lacks the artistic flair needed to showcase a home's unique strength and warmth.

Why the Grey Haze is a Downer

Home stagers often paint walls, furniture, and accessories in an array of grey shades, from lighter tones to darker, bluish, or even brownish hues. This trend might work in some settings, but it is far from appealing to the general public. For me, it’s reminiscent of the 1960s palette of orange and harvest gold, which might be nostalgic for some, but it's certainly not reflective of today's vibrant and diverse tastes.

The primary issue with this trend is its repetitiveness and lack of creativity. Neutral colors are crucial in helping a home stand out, but when all homes end up looking the same, visitors can get lost in a sea of sameness. White walls with pops of cheerfulness and vibrant colors through fabric, throw pillows, and artwork can make a significant difference. Fresh flowers, scented candles, and bright paintings bring life and warmth to a space, creating the inviting atmosphere that “welcome home” truly means.

Trends in Decor: Not Just a Fashion Statement

It's understandable that fashion trends can influence home staging, especially when it comes to what feels trendy at the time. However, it's important to differentiate between neutral tones and a monotonous grey palette. Just as we value personal style in clothing and car choices, our homes should reflect a personal touch and message. The current trend of grey-on-grey can come across as a lack of creativity and originality, and it can even give the impression that those who embrace this trend are out-of-touch.

For example, consider the following:

Clothing: Some might claim they’re not into fads, yet they proudly flaunt their fashion statements, making a conscious choice to project a unique personal identity. Cars: Similarly, owning a classic car like a 20-year-old Subaru Outback can be a statement of personal taste, despite it being a departure from current trends.

However, when it comes to home staging, the decision to stick with a monotonous grey palette can be seen as a lack of creativity and originality. It’s important to recognize that home staging is more than just a fad, as it often affects potential buyers' first impressions of a home. A vibrant color palette can make a home more appealing and personal, demonstrating the future homeowner's unique taste and style.

Towel Art: A Symptom of the Problem

One particularly egregious example of the current trend is towel art, also known as "towel re-paints." This involves taking plain bath towels and painting flower designs or other motifs onto them. Towel art not only looks out of place, but it also adds a level of absurdity to the overall design. It’s an over-the-top solution that simply reinforces the notion of a home lacking personality and individuality.

This trend is more than just a matter of taste; it’s a reflection of a larger issue in the home staging industry. Stagers should focus on highlighting the strengths of each home, rather than relying on a uniform, bland aesthetic. Each property has its unique charm, and it’s essential to showcase that charm in a way that reflects the homeowner's personal style and taste.

In conclusion, the current trend of grey walls and furniture is not only limiting but also uninspired. A well-staged home should be welcoming and reflects the homeowner's personal touch, not a generic, over-used color palette. It’s time to push back against this monotonous trend and embrace a more vibrant and colorful approach to home staging.