See photos and updates from listings directly in your feed
Share your favorite listings with friends and family
Save your search and get new listings directly in your mailbox before everybody else
If you’re like most people, your kitchen is the heart of your home. It’s where you cook, eat, and hang out with family and friends. So it’s no wonder that potential buyers are always keen to take a look at the kitchen when they come to visit your home. Unfortunately, if your kitchen isn’t looking its best, it could give them the wrong impression and cost you the sale. Don’t worry – these 23 kitchen staging tips will help you get your space spick and span and ready to sell in no time!
The Benefits of Staging Your Kitchen
When you’re selling your home, it’s important to make an excellent first impression. Staging your kitchen is one of the best ways to do this – it shows potential home buyers that you’ve taken care of the space and makes them feel more comfortable about the rest of the house. A well-staged kitchen can also help you sell your home faster and for more money.
11 Low-Cost Kitchen Staging Tips
You don’t have to be an interior designer with design trends in tow to improve the look and feel of your kitchen, nor do you have to have a big budget to add the necessary kitchen features to sell quickly. What follows are 11 easy-to-do, cost-effective improvements you can make to create a properly staged kitchen.
1. Declutter Your Kitchen
The first step to staging your kitchen is to declutter it—clear that counter space by eliminating any items you don’t regularly use, such as small appliances that you never use or are out of date. If you have a lot of small items, consider storing them in another room or outside storage so that they’re out of sight.
2. Deep Clean Every Surface
Once you’ve decluttered your kitchen, it’s time to give it an excellent deep clean—cleaning all surfaces, including the counters, backsplash, appliances, and floors. Don’t forget to empty and clean the fridge and freezer as well!
3. Remove All Personal Items
Once your kitchen is clean, it’s time to remove any personal items, such as family photos or kids’ artwork. You want potential buyers to be able to envision their own family in the space, so it’s essential to make it feel neutral and clutter-free.
4. Organize Your Cabinets And Pantry
Take some time to organize your cabinets and pantry so that everything has a place. Doing so will make it look tidier and put-together, which will impress potential buyers—give the impression that there is enough storage space to meet their needs.
Additionally, consider removing a couple of cabinet doors to give the impression of open shelving.
5. Paint The Walls A Light, Neutral Color
If your kitchen walls look a bit dated or dingy, consider giving them a fresh coat of paint. Stick to light, neutral colors so that the space feels open and inviting.
6. Update The Old Hardware
Another quick and easy way to update your kitchen is to replace cabinetry hardware. New cabinet knobs and drawer pulls are a relatively inexpensive way to impact the space significantly.
7. Add Some Greenery
Adding some greenery, such as plants or flowers, can really brighten up a kitchen and make it feel more welcoming. Just choose low-maintenance plants, so you don’t have to worry about them while your home is on the market.
8. Swap Out Old Towels And Dishcloths
If you’ve had the same kitchen towels and dishcloths for years, it’s time to swap them out for some new ones. Choose neutral colors that will match any kitchen décor.
9. Create A Focal Point
Every room needs a focal point, and your kitchen is no exception. If you have a beautiful view, make sure to showcase it by staging your kitchen accordingly. If not, you can create a focal point by staging your countertop or backsplash.
10. Set The Table
If you have a dining area in your kitchen, take the time to set the table with decorative place settings—pretty white dishes, clean placemats, etc. This will give potential buyers an idea of how the space can be used and help them envision entertaining in the kitchen.
11. Add Some Finishing Touches
Once the main parts of your staging are complete, it’s time to add some finishing touches, such as:
- Adding a fresh fruit bowl to the countertop
- Placing a vase of fresh flowers on the table
- Lighting scented candles or diffusing essential oils
- Playing soft, relaxing music in the background
- Etc.
6 Kitchen Staging Ideas Worth Considering
Even though these next handful of kitchen improvements border on kitchen renovation, they are typically a worthwhile investment.
1. Replace Old Kitchen Appliances
If your appliances are old or out-of-date, it’s worth considering replacing them before putting your home on the market. Stainless steel appliances are still popular, cost-effective, and excellent options here.
Overall, new kitchen appliances are a great way to make your kitchen look more modern and appealing to potential home buyers.
2. Update The Backsplash
Another way to modernize your kitchen is to update the backsplash. Again, this is a relatively inexpensive project that can make a significant impact on the space.
3. Install New Countertops
If your kitchen countertop is old or damaged, it’s worth considering replacing them before staging your home for sale. While this is a more significant project, it can really up the value and transform the look of your kitchen.
Granite countertops are still in high demand; however, quartz countertops can provide a big bang for the buck as well. Either way, upgrading your countertop is a great way to add value to your home and make it more appealing to buyers.
4. Paint The Cabinets
If your kitchen cabinets are in good shape, but the color is dated, consider painting them. This is a much cheaper option than buying new cabinets and can make a huge difference in the look of your kitchen.
5. Update Your Light Fixtures
Old, outdated light fixtures can make your kitchen look dated. Updating them with new ones is an easy and inexpensive way to freshen up the space.
Additionally, consider adding task lighting to highlight focal points or undercabinet lighting to make the space feel cozy.
6. Hire A Professional Staging Company
If you want to ensure that your kitchen looks its best, you may want to hire a professional staging company. They will be able to help you declutter, clean, and organize your space so that it’s ready for an open house.
Remember, kitchen staging is an integral part of selling your home.
Common Mistakes Homeowners Make When Staging Their Kitchen For Sale
When staging your kitchen for sale, it’s important to avoid making common mistakes that can turn off potential buyers. Here are a few to keep in mind:
1. Overlooking The Details
The details matter when staging your kitchen for sale. This means taking the time to declutter, deep clean, and organize every nook and cranny.
2. Not Making The Most Of The Space
When staging your kitchen, it’s important to make the most of the space—consider rearranging the furniture or removing unnecessary pieces.
3. Making It Too Personal
Stage your kitchen in a way that appeals to as many people as possible. Keep the decor simple and avoid personal photographs or mementos.
4. Not Maximizing Natural Light
Natural light can make a massive impact in a kitchen—it can even bring life to a drab kitchen. So make sure to open the curtains and turn on the lights before showings.
5. Neglecting The Appliances
Before staging your kitchen for sale, your appliances should be clean and in good working order. This includes the refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, and range hood.
6. Forgetting About The Floors
The floors should be clean and in good condition before staging your kitchen for sale. If they’re not, consider refinishing or replacing them.
By following these tips, you can avoid making common staging mistakes and maximize the appeal of your kitchen to potential buyers.
Final Thoughts On Staging Your Kitchen
Staging your kitchen is a great way to make an excellent first impression on potential buyers. By decluttering and organizing the space, adding pops of color, and making the kitchen look more spacious and inviting, you’ll impress anyone who comes to visit. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!
Contact one of our real estate agents today if you’re looking for more detailed staging advice to sell your Long Island home quickly! We’ll be happy to guide you in staging your kitchen for success.
