The luxury real estate market, according to Investopedia, consists of homes priced from as little as $500,000 to multi-million houses. The price ultimately depends on the location, with the metropolitan areas boasting significantly higher prices. Luxury real estate is a very small market, but it's also one that's very lucrative because those homes usually sell very quickly and often at an above-market price.
If you're selling a luxury home, the first thing you might think to do is hire an expensive professional stager to transform your space into the most lavish and impressive home imaginable.
However, staging a regular home, let alone a luxury one is a costly and time-consuming process, with thousands of dollars going on upkeep costs alone. This can seriously decrease the profit margin once the home is sold.
But how do you stage a high-end property without spending thousands of dollars?
Here are some tips on how to make your luxury property really stand out:
1. Why Minimalist Staging Works
First impressions matter—especially when selling a home. Minimalist staging is one of the easiest, most effective ways to make a space feel clean, open, and inviting.
Instead of cluttering rooms with bulky furniture or over-accessorizing, minimalism keeps the focus on the space itself. It helps buyers imagine their own style in the home, without distractions.
Less furniture, fewer decorations—just enough to highlight the layout and flow. The result? A calmer, more spacious feel that sells.
2. Stick to the Neutral Color Palette
Neutral colors like beige, cream, and taupe make a home feel timeless and elegant. They don’t distract from the home’s features, and they appeal to more buyers by creating a clean, blank slate.
A consistent neutral palette also makes it easier to match furniture, flooring, and finishes. It helps buyers imagine their own style in the space without being thrown off by bold or trendy colors.
In luxury staging especially, neutral tones make a property feel fresh, open, and move-in ready—letting the space, not the paint, do the talking.
3. Add Interest with a Range of Textures
Liven up your staging with rich textures. This can be done by adding a Persian rug over hardwood floors or by placing a woven basket next to a leather ottoman. As far as furniture goes, velvet and leather are especially effective—and if you're going with leather, bring out a velvet pillow to balance it out.
Textures are also present in artwork and wall coverings—if you're using bold colors in an accent piece, like a vibrant painting or an antique mirror, pair it with neutrals (like white) so that it doesn't become too overwhelming for potential buyers.
You can use different textures throughout your house to add visual interest and create a sense of depth in your staging. From polished wood floors and stainless steel appliances to rough-hewn wooden shelves and hand-thrown pottery, including contrasting textures will make the space feel much more interesting, even if it's not the most obvious choice for your space.
When you're deciding how to fill out a room, think about what textures would feel natural in that space—and then mix and match those elements throughout! Rather than packing your rooms with extra furniture, use textural elements to make it look like there's more stuff in the space than there actually is.
In order to really make the space pop, always go for texture—it can go a long way towards creating a luxurious feel in any room.
4. Showcase Unique Artwork
Artwork is one of the easiest ways to add personality and warmth to a space. A single well-placed piece can change how a room looks and feels — making it more memorable to buyers.
- Choose art that suits your target audience – Abstract pieces work well in modern homes and appeal to a younger crowd, while traditional art may be better for older buyers.
- Avoid cluttering the space – Keep flow in mind. Don’t place large artwork in tight transitions like doorways or narrow hallways.
- Use art to spark emotion – Great art can create a mood, serve as a conversation starter, or help buyers imagine the space as their own.
5. Sell Your Clients on the Luxury Lifestyle
When selling high-end homes, staging should reflect the lifestyle buyers expect. Every detail matters.
Use quality linens, stylish tableware, fresh flowers, and coordinated decor to create a polished, upscale feel.
Stage key areas like the kitchen, dining room, and living space to help buyers imagine hosting guests or enjoying the space themselves. Highlight the property’s unique features—whether it’s a scenic view, spa-like bathroom, or built-in bar, to create a sense of exclusivity and value.
Make sure everything looks clean, fresh, and high quality; luxury buyers expect perfection and notice even small flaws. The goal is to create a sophisticated, inviting atmosphere that helps justify the price tag and makes the home feel worth every penny.
6. Choose Lighting Fixtures That Look High-End
Lighting can completely change the feel of a room — and it’s often overlooked in staging.
- Invest in upscale-looking fixtures – Even affordable lights can look premium if you choose clean, modern designs.
- Match lighting to mood – Soft and warm light is inviting; cool, crisp light feels sleek and modern. Use each strategically.
- Make a statement – A stylish chandelier or pendant light can become a focal point buyers remember.
- Don’t go over the top – Aim for elegant, not flashy. Subtle sophistication goes further in luxury staging.
Good lighting adds polish, enhances features, and leaves a lasting impression.
7. Don’t Forget About the Exterior Spaces
Proper landscaping makes a home look more attractive and increases its curb appeal. Consider that your lawn is also one of your biggest marketing tools—a well-maintained lawn can be worth thousands of dollars when putting your home on the market.
Well-maintained landscaping can have a massive impact on how a buyer feels about the property. Not only can it help you sell your home quickly, but your buyers will appreciate the extra effort you put into maintaining your yard and garden.
One of the direct consequences of the pandemic is that home-buyers care about exterior spaces now more than ever. If you want to sell your property for top dollar, you need to make sure that the exterior is staged correctly. That may include a fire pit, sunbeds, a pool house, and more. It will be worth the effort, trust me.
8. Spotlight Unique Amenities
Real estate agents will tell you that the number one way to attract buyers is to have unique amenities in your home. Immaculate, updated kitchens are great for selling a house. However, luxury kitchens with chef-quality appliances and the latest in high-end design are the type of amenities that will put your house at the top of everyone's wish list.
Some examples of luxe amenities include:
- Built-in wine cooler and handcrafted cabinets
- Master bath with whirlpool tub and steam shower
- Fireplace with surround sound system and state of the art heating
- Indoor/outdoor kitchen with gas line to hook up the grill and pizza oven
- A room dedicated solely to games, including a pool table, dartboard, foosball table, and more
So, think about it — what sets your house apart from the others on the market? Do you have a mountain view? Is there a hot tub or pool in your backyard? Maybe you have an onsite gym or even a putting green. Whatever it is, make sure it's included in all of your photos.
How to Achieve a Luxury Staging Look with Virtual Staging
Luxury staging is a powerful way to attract serious buyers, but getting the look right—especially on a tight timeline or budget—can be a challenge.
Virtual staging can help you maximize your returns. It is up to 96% cheaper than traditional staging. And best of all, you can still achieve that luxurious look you are going for, just now for a fraction of the cost.
At VirtualStaging.com, we have a wide selection of 3D models at our disposal. This means that we can achieve the high-end look easily and quickly, saving you time and money in the process.
We can also spruce up the exterior of the property, making the grass greener or adding a twilight backdrop to the photos of your listing.
Explore our offering to see all the ways we can help you improve your online presence.
