Staging a Large Bungalow: Why Distinct Room Design Matters in Real Estate Listings
I was hired to stage what the clients described as a “little bungalow.” When I arrived, I quickly realized it was much more than that: a three-bedroom bungalow with a separate 2+1 apartment. With so many rooms to prepare, the biggest challenge became clarity—ensuring that online viewers could instantly understand which space they were looking at.
In vacant home staging, especially for multi-room properties, it’s easy for buyers to get confused when scrolling through listings. That’s why it was essential that each room had a distinct look, style, and colour story. Creating strong visual differentiation helps prospective buyers remember the layout and connect with the home more easily.
Two Living Rooms, Two Personalities
This property featured two living rooms, each with its own unique vibe.
The first living room was styled with chrome accents and white leather, giving it a sleek, modern feel. Large-scale artwork added just the right amount of glamour, while plants and small trees helped highlight the beautiful bay window and the walkout sliding doors. The overall effect was bright, fresh, and architectural.
The second living room had a completely different story to tell. With wood paneling on the walls, I leaned into that cozy character by using cream velvet, rust and cream cushions, and soft wood accents. Because of the paneling, I kept the walls simple and let the fireplace become the natural focal point. The result was warm, approachable, and visually distinct from the first living space—exactly what the listing needed.
Primary Bedroom: Bold, Textured & Unforgettable
For the primary bedroom, I wanted a look that truly stood out among the many rooms. I used a striking black leather studded furniture set, which immediately created a strong, dramatic base. While staging, I stumbled across a black leather studded oversized chain—the kind of modern designer accessory that’s trending right now. It was such a fun, unexpected find and tied in perfectly with the furniture.
To soften the boldness of the leather, I layered in intensely textured bedding—a grey, fuzzy woven pattern that added depth and comfort. The pillows were layered for richness, and the front ones were made from some of my absolute favourite fabrics. It created a room that felt upscale, memorable, and photo-ready.
Meeting High Standards
These clients had very high standards and were incredibly detail-oriented, which I always respect. They also placed a strong emphasis on inclusion and communication. I followed all their requests carefully, and hearing that they were thrilled with the final result was a huge relief—and a genuine point of pride.
There’s nothing more rewarding than meeting a client’s expectations, especially on a large, complex project like this. Helping each room stand out not only made the listing stronger but made the home feel cohesive and thoughtfully curated.