Home Staging. Home Styling. Property Styling. Interior Decorating. Interior Design. So many terms are used today it’s hard to understand what the difference is so let’s break it down and discuss what to look for when it’s time to utilize one of them.

While home staging, interior design and interior decorating all enhance interiors, they are completely different services. Everything is different—how and what you buy, how you bill, how you install and what you deliver. I always say they are as different as an apple and an orange. Sure, they are both fruits – but that’s where the similarity ends.

Let’s Start with Home Staging. What EXACTLY Is It?

Home staging – also referred to as home styling and property styling) is all about preparing a property for sale, making it as appealing as possible to potential buyers. The goal is to create a neutral, inviting space that allows buyers to envision themselves living there. It’s not about reflecting the homeowner’s personal style—it’s about maximizing the home’s strengths and minimizing any distractions. 

Home staging is temporary and designed to help a property sell quickly and at a higher price. The changes made aren’t necessarily what the homeowner loves but rather what appeals to the broadest range of buyers. Think of it like detailing your car when it’s time to sell. That’s when the tires get shined, the floors get vacuumed, the windows are cleaned, and the little smelly tree gets hung from the rearview mirror. Well, home staging is the exact same premise…only with a larger investment than a car. 

Key Elements of Home Staging:

• Depersonalization: Removing personal items, family photos, and unique decor to create a neutral space.

• Neutral Color Palettes: Light, neutral tones create a clean and fresh look.

• Furniture Placement: Arranging furniture to highlight flow, function, and maximize space.

• Decluttering & Organization: Removing excess furniture and decor to create a sense of openness.

• Enhancing Curb Appeal: Ensuring the exterior of the home is just as inviting as the interior.

What are Staging Rentals and How Do They Work? 

Often home stagers will recommend bringing in rentals in order to help update and enhance the look of an occupied home, or to completely furnish a vacant one. It is the job of a professional stager to create a lifestyle for the potential buyer for them to envision themselves living in the space. It is NOT just about putting furniture in an empty home.  

Rentals are one of the key differences to pay attention to when looking for a home stager. This is the difference between a company that has invested hundreds of thousands to millions of dollar in their inventory and somebody who has a storage unit with some key pieces of furniture. 

What Is Interior Design?

Interior design is an entirely different process. It’s about personalizing a home to reflect the owner’s lifestyle, tastes, and needs. Unlike staging, where items are rented and temporary, interior design involves selecting furnishings, materials, and finishes that will last for years. The focus is on both beauty and functionality, ensuring a space that not only looks great but works for everyday life.

Key Elements of Interior Design:

• Personalization: Creating a space based on the homeowner’s style, needs, and preferences.

• Color Theory & Material Selection: Choosing colors, textiles, and finishes that complement the home and its owners.

• Functionality & Space Planning: Ensuring the layout supports the daily routines and activities of the household.

• Custom Design Elements: Incorporating unique furnishings, artwork, and decor to create a one-of-a-kind space.

• Long-Term Investment: Unlike staging, design is meant to be a lasting transformation.

The Key Differences

Aspect	Home Staging	Interior Design
Purpose	To sell a home faster and for a higher price	To create a personalized, functional living space
Focus	Neutralizing the space to appeal to buyers	Customizing the space to the homeowner’s style
Timeframe	Temporary (for the sale period)	Long-term investment
Design Approach	Uses rental furniture & decor	Incorporates permanent design choices
Budget Considerations	Cost-effective, short-term updates	Varies widely based on scope & materials

Why Novari Collective Offers Both Services

For years, I resisted diving into interior design because I knew it required an entirely different process. But once I realized how many homeowners needed help styling their spaces to live—not just to sell—I knew we had to find a way to do both successfully. The key was creating two separate divisions within Novari Collective, each with a team dedicated to their specialty.

And because staging is high-paced, with a demand for fast turnarounds, design clients often get pushed to the back burner in a business that tries to do both without a dedicated team. That’s why at Novari Collective, we have separate divisions with staff dedicated to each, ensuring the best experience whether you’re staging to sell or styling to stay.

By keeping home staging and interior design separate, we ensure that staging clients get the quick turnaround they need, and design clients receive the attention and thoughtful approach their homes deserve. Whether you’re preparing to sell or settling in for the long haul, our experts are here to help.

Need help staging your home for sale or designing your dream space? Let’s talk!