9 Kitchen Staging Tips From the Pros

Staging your kitchen effectively can make a significant impact on potential buyers. As one of the most important rooms in the house, a well-staged kitchen can highlight your home’s best features and help buyers envision themselves living there. This comprehensive guide provides nine expert kitchen staging tips to help you prepare your kitchen for a successful sale.

9 Kitchen Staging Tips From the Pros

Staging your kitchen involves creating a clean, inviting, and functional space that appeals to potential buyers. This guide explains the following:

Declutter countertops and cabinets
Deep clean every surface
Update hardware and fixtures
Add a fresh coat of paint
Showcase ample storage
Highlight functional workspaces
Use neutral decor and accents
Incorporate fresh flowers and greenery
Set the stage with inviting aromas

Here’s a closer look at each.

Declutter Countertops and Cabinets

One of the first steps in staging your kitchen is to declutter countertops and cabinets. A clutter-free kitchen looks more spacious, clean, and inviting. Here’s how to do it:

Clear Countertops: Remove small appliances, utensils, and other items from the countertops. Only keep a few essential items, like a coffee maker or a decorative bowl of fruit, to maintain a tidy appearance.

Organize Cabinets: Buyers will likely open cabinets to check for storage space, so ensure they are organized. Remove any unnecessary items and arrange the remaining contents neatly. Consider using shelf organizers and bins to keep everything in place.

Minimize Personal Items: Remove personal items such as magnets, photos, and notes from the refrigerator and other visible areas. A neutral space allows buyers to envision their own belongings in the kitchen.

Related: Scottsdale homebuying advice

Deep Clean Every Surface

A sparkling clean kitchen is essential for making a positive impression on potential buyers. Deep clean every surface to ensure your kitchen looks its best:

Clean Appliances: Thoroughly clean all appliances, including the oven, stovetop, microwave, and refrigerator. Stainless steel appliances should be polished to remove fingerprints and smudges.

Wipe Down Cabinets: Clean the exterior and interior of cabinets to remove grease, dust, and grime. Pay special attention to handles and knobs, which can accumulate dirt over time.

Scrub Countertops and Backsplashes: Use appropriate cleaning products to scrub countertops and backsplashes, removing stains and ensuring a spotless finish.

Sweep and Mop Floors: Sweep and mop the kitchen floor to remove dirt and ensure a clean, polished look. Consider using a steam cleaner for a deeper clean on tile or grout.

Update Hardware and Fixtures

Updating hardware and fixtures is a cost-effective way to give your kitchen a fresh, modern look. Here are some simple updates you can make:

Replace Cabinet Handles and Knobs: Swap out old or outdated cabinet handles and knobs with modern, stylish options. Choose finishes that complement your kitchen’s overall design, such as brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, or polished chrome.

Update Faucets: Replacing an old faucet with a new, sleek model can instantly modernize your kitchen. Look for faucets with contemporary designs and features like pull-down sprayers.

Install New Light Fixtures: Updating light fixtures can enhance the kitchen’s ambiance and functionality. Consider installing pendant lights over the island or under-cabinet lighting to brighten up workspaces.

Add a Fresh Coat of Paint

A fresh coat of paint can work wonders in revitalizing your kitchen and making it more appealing to buyers. Here are some tips for choosing the right colors and applying paint:

Choose Neutral Colors: Opt for neutral colors like white, beige, or light gray to create a clean, timeless look. Neutral tones appeal to a broader range of buyers and provide a blank canvas for their personal style.

Paint Cabinets: If your cabinets are outdated or worn, consider painting them for a fresh, updated look. White or light-colored cabinets can make the kitchen feel more open and airy.

Refresh Walls and Trim: Don’t forget to paint the walls and trim to ensure a cohesive, polished appearance. Use high-quality paint with a satin or semi-gloss finish for durability and easy cleaning.

Showcase Ample Storage

Storage is a key selling point for any kitchen, so it’s important to highlight the available storage space. Here’s how to make the most of your kitchen’s storage:

Organize Pantry: Clean and organize the pantry to showcase its capacity. Use clear storage containers, labels, and baskets to keep items neat and accessible.

Maximize Cabinet Space: Use shelf risers, pull-out drawers, and other organizational tools to maximize cabinet space and keep items tidy. Show potential buyers how they can efficiently store their kitchen essentials.

Add Storage Solutions: If your kitchen lacks storage, consider adding portable storage solutions like a kitchen island with built-in shelves or a rolling cart. These additions can enhance functionality and appeal.

Highlight Functional Workspaces

Functional workspaces are essential in a kitchen, so make sure to highlight areas where buyers can prepare and cook meals:

Clear and Clean Countertops: Ensure countertops are clear and clean to showcase ample workspace. A clutter-free countertop makes it easier for buyers to envision meal preparation.

Stage Work Areas: Create designated work areas for cooking, baking, and prep work. For example, place a cutting board and a set of knives on the counter to highlight a food prep area.

Showcase Appliances: Ensure that essential appliances like the stove, oven, and microwave are clean and in good working order. Highlight any special features or upgrades that make meal preparation more convenient.

Use Neutral Decor and Accents

Neutral decor and accents can enhance the kitchen’s appeal and create a welcoming atmosphere. Here’s how to use decor effectively:

Add Simple Decor: Use simple, neutral decor items like a vase of flowers, a bowl of fruit, or a set of cookbooks to add visual interest without overwhelming the space.

Choose Coordinating Colors: Select decor items in coordinating colors to create a cohesive look. Stick to neutral tones with occasional pops of color to keep the design balanced.

Keep It Minimal: Avoid cluttering the space with too many decorative items. A few well-chosen pieces can make a big impact without distracting from the kitchen’s features.

Incorporate Fresh Flowers and Greenery

Fresh flowers and greenery can breathe life into your kitchen and create a welcoming atmosphere. Here are some ideas for incorporating plants:

Use Fresh Flowers: Place a vase of fresh flowers on the countertop or kitchen island to add a touch of color and elegance. Choose flowers that complement the kitchen’s color scheme.

Add Potted Plants: Small potted plants, such as herbs or succulents, can add a pop of greenery and create a homey feel. Place them on windowsills, countertops, or shelves.

Rotate Arrangements: Change out flower arrangements and plants regularly to keep the space looking fresh and vibrant. Seasonal flowers can add a timely touch to your staging.

Related: How do HOA dues work?

Set the Stage with Inviting Aromas

Inviting aromas can enhance the overall atmosphere of your kitchen and make it more appealing to buyers. Here’s how to create a pleasant scent:

Bake Fresh Cookies: Baking a batch of cookies before a showing can fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma. Place a plate of freshly baked cookies on the counter for an added touch.

Simmer Spices: Simmer a pot of water with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and citrus peels to create a cozy, welcoming scent. This natural air freshener can make your kitchen feel more inviting.

FAQ About Kitchen Staging

Check out these commonly asked questions about kitchen staging. If you don't see your question here, please call our office and we'll find you the answers you need.

How Much Does Kitchen Staging Cost?

The cost of kitchen staging varies depending on the extent of the changes and whether you hire a professional stager. Simple DIY staging can be done on a budget, while professional staging services may cost more.

What Are the Benefits of Staging My Kitchen?

Staging your kitchen can make it more attractive to potential buyers, highlight its best features, and create a positive first impression. A well-staged kitchen can help your home sell faster and for a higher price.

How Can I Make My Kitchen Look Larger?

To make your kitchen look larger, declutter countertops, use light colors, and incorporate mirrors or reflective surfaces. Keeping the space clean and organized can also create the illusion of more space.

Should I Hire a Professional Stager for My Kitchen?

Hiring a professional stager can be beneficial if you’re unsure how to stage your kitchen effectively or if you want to achieve the best possible results. A professional stager has the expertise to enhance your kitchen’s appeal and attract buyers.

How Long Does It Take to Stage a Kitchen?

The time it takes to stage a kitchen depends on the extent of the changes needed. Simple decluttering and cleaning can be done in a day, while more extensive updates and staging may take several days to complete.

Staging your kitchen is an essential step in preparing your home for sale. By decluttering countertops, deep cleaning every surface, updating hardware and fixtures, adding a fresh coat of paint, showcasing ample storage, highlighting functional workspaces, using neutral decor and accents, incorporating fresh flowers and greenery, and setting the stage with inviting aromas, you can create a welcoming and attractive kitchen that appeals to potential buyers. Follow this comprehensive guide to make your kitchen shine and increase your chances of a successful home sale.

Are You Buying or Selling a Home in Scottsdale?

If you’re selling a luxury home in Scottsdale, we can help. You can use our home value calculator to get a ballpark idea on what your home may be worth – and you can call us at 602-694-3200 to talk to a REALTOR® about how we can market your home to all the right buyers.

If you're also looking for a new home, we’ll be happy to show you the homes that interest you most. While you’re here, explore all our Scottsdale real estate listings or look in specific communities:

Don Matheson
REALTOR® | Founder
The Matheson Team
RE/MAX Fine Properties
21020 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85255
602-694-3200
[email protected]

9 Kitchen Staging Tips From the Pros