A Chicago seller’s guide inspired by Haven Home Staging
If you are preparing to sell a home in Chicago, you have likely heard the term home staging everywhere, from listing presentations to Zillow searches. Buyers ask about it. Sellers wonder if it is worth the time. And agents know it can make or break a sale.
The truth is simple.
Staging is one of the most powerful tools for selling faster and for more money.
This guide explains why staging works and how to do it properly, using professional recommendations from Haven Home Staging, one of Chicago’s most trusted home staging firms.
Why staging makes homes sell faster and for more money
Most buyers in Chicago now discover homes online first. They scroll. They compare. They shortlist. The homes that stand out visually get the most tours and the strongest offers.
Staging helps your home:
-
Photograph better
-
Look brighter and larger
-
Feel neutral and move in ready
-
Stand out against competing listings
-
Create emotional attachment before buyers ever walk in
When buyers fall in love online, they show up ready to compete.
What professional staging really focuses on
According to Haven Home Staging, staging is not about decorating. It is about removing distractions and creating a space that allows buyers to imagine themselves living there.
Their occupied home recommendations focus on three things:
-
Neutralizing bold or dated features
-
Maximizing light and space
-
Creating a clean, calm, uncluttered environment
That combination is what turns showings into offers.
Whole home staging basics
Before focusing on individual rooms, Haven recommends addressing the home as a whole.
This includes:
-
Replacing damaged or stained tile
-
Refinishing worn wood floors
-
Repainting bold or outdated wall colors with neutral tones
-
Removing personal photos and keepsakes
-
Storing children’s toys outside main living spaces
-
Keeping pets and pet items out of sight during showings
-
Using bright matching light bulbs throughout the home
-
Opening all window treatments
-
Removing seasonal decor inside and out
These steps help buyers see the home instead of the people living in it.
How to stage living rooms and family spaces
Living rooms sell the lifestyle of the home. Haven recommends:
-
Removing remotes, blankets, and excess decor
-
Editing down bookshelves and surfaces
-
Using one simple coffee table focal piece
-
Adding neutral accent pillows
-
Making sure artwork is properly sized
-
Maximizing light with lamps and fixtures
-
Removing dark or dated window coverings
-
Hiding cords and visible electronics
The goal is a clean, bright, magazine ready space that photographs beautifully.
How to stage kitchens and dining areas
Kitchens are one of the biggest decision drivers for buyers. Haven’s approach focuses on showing space, not clutter.
Key steps include:
-
Clearing countertops except for one or two decorative items
-
Storing soap, paper towels, and appliances
-
Cleaning inside cabinets, refrigerators, and ovens
-
Never leaving dishes in the sink or dishwasher
-
Storing garbage cans out of view
-
Using one simple centerpiece on the dining table
-
Replacing dated cabinet hardware
-
Removing countertop microwaves
A staged kitchen feels larger, cleaner, and more valuable.
How to stage bedrooms
Bedrooms should feel calm and inviting, like a boutique hotel. Haven recommends:
-
Neutral bedding with a few accent pillows
-
Coordinated rugs, art, and bedding
-
Larger artwork above the bed
-
Matching lamps on nightstands
-
Clear surfaces
-
Storing jewelry and valuables
This creates a space buyers can emotionally connect to.
How to stage bathrooms
Bathrooms are small but incredibly important. According to Haven, sellers should:
-
Remove all personal toiletries
-
Use baskets and caddies inside drawers
-
Add new white or neutral towels
-
Reseal or clean grout and caulk
-
Deep clean all surfaces
-
Organize linen closets and remove bold colors
Clean bathrooms signal that the entire home has been well cared for.
How to stage closets and storage
Buyers always look in closets. Haven’s strategy is simple. Less is more.
They recommend:
-
Removing at least half of the clothing
-
Grouping similar colors and items
-
Removing dry cleaning bags and excess hangers
-
Keeping floors and shelves as empty as possible
-
Using neutral entry rugs
-
Concealing electrical panels with artwork
Empty space makes closets feel larger and more luxurious.
Cleaning is part of staging
Professional level cleaning is a core part of staging, not an afterthought. Haven recommends:
-
Cleaning baseboards, doors, walls, and windows
-
Polishing sinks and faucets
-
Removing fingerprints from switches and handles
-
Deep cleaning carpets and appliances
-
Removing odors, cobwebs, and exterior debris
This is what makes a home feel move in ready.
Why I work with Haven Home Staging
At Camille Canales Group, we have seen how professional staging transforms listings. Homes staged using Haven’s approach consistently:
-
Get more online views
-
Generate stronger showing activity
-
Receive better offers
-
Sell faster
That is why I regularly recommend Haven Home Staging to sellers who want to maximize their results.
Thinking about selling your home?
If you are planning to sell and wondering whether staging is worth it, I am happy to walk you through real Chicago success stories and help you decide what will deliver the best return for your home.
Contact Camille Canales
📞 773.232.5282
✉️ [email protected]
Whether you are selling in Logan Square, Bucktown, Wicker Park, Lincoln Park, or anywhere in Chicago, the right staging strategy can make a measurable difference in your final sale price and your timeline.
