7 Styling Secrets From a Luxury Home Stager

It’s impossible to find just a few favorite items whenever you’re scrolling through CB2’s website, and resisting the urge to add everything to your cart is a herculean task. But there are a few standout items that are so beloved by their customers, and so promoted on social media, the brand has decided to curate them all into their new “The Best Of” collection. (Think of it as a greatest hits playlist…but make it merch!) These coveted best-sellers are perfect for anyone who’s seeking “unique and enduring design,” according to the brand, and with how quickly trends come and go these days, we appreciate that.  

To really celebrate these iconic pieces, they needed to be styled in a space that’s just as iconic—enter the historic Plaza Residences in New York City. CB2 teamed up with the luxury home stager Jason Saft from Staged to Sell Home, a boutique home staging and marketing firm, to zhuzh up the famed apartment with their classics. The result? A breathtaking, magazine-worthy environment that makes us want to pack our bags and move right in. But alas, we can’t. So we’re stealing Jason’s tips to get the look in our own homes, and thanks to CB2’s new line, that we can totally do. Here’s what he had to say to make your home look its best, even if you’re not planning to move out anytime soon.

Play up what you love about your home… 

This is one of the first things Jason does when he’s trying to think up a game plan for a home. “It’s essential to understand the best and worst aspects of the home and then formulate a visual makeover strategy to mitigate the flaws and accentuate the home’s best assets,” he says. We think he’s onto something too. Dopamine decorating is a thing right now for a reason: You should decorate your home with things you love to make you happy, and that includes highlighting your favorite architectural details. For example, have high ceilings? Bring all the attention to them with a stunning chandelier, like the Corvina from “The Best Of” collection. Its 16 globes will make it hard not to look up!

…And minimize what you don’t love

As Jason mentioned earlier, you should also aim to understand the worst aspects of your home so you can better address them. Plus, it’ll make it easier to live with those flaws. For example, tiny rooms can look spacious when an oversized floor mirror is propped up along one of the walls. Not only does it create the illusion of more square footage, but it also bounces light around to help the room feel brighter. The Nouveau Floor Length Mirror is four feet wide and over six feet tall, and the vintage-inspired brass detail at the top prevents it from becoming invisible in the room.

Set the scene in the entry

A bare entryway is a missed opportunity! “It sets the tone for a buyer’s experience in the home, and the same can be said for everyday you. Walking in and out of your front door should be exciting and inspiring,” Jason says. He’s totally right—first impressions are so important and the entryway is an excellent chance to really wow new guests. A bold wallpaper, chunky pendant light, even a funky runner will entice them. To keep things balanced, and prevent sensory overload, Jason tempers spaces with neutral elements. We love this gorgeous burl wood console to anchor the entry and provide a drop zone.

Remember forgotten corners 

Take advantage of every square inch in your home. Instead of letting certain areas languish, rise to the challenge and dress them up. Perfect examples of these typically forgotten spaces include laundry rooms, closets, or powder rooms. A troublesome corner instantly gets a facelift when you prop it out with a swanky little marble side table like this one.

Anchor a room with statement pieces

Statement pieces are so important to really help a room feel luxurious, as if a professional designer had a hand in decorating the space. Jason’s go-to items are lighting, rugs, and oversized art for instant impact. Bigger is usually better for these things, as they set the foundation for a room. Factors Jason takes into account when he’s selecting these items: Shape, form, and functionality. “The silhouette of a piece is what makes it a statement,” he says. This graphic rug checks all those boxes. The curvy, floral design adds loads of vintage character without actually being vintage, making it easier to maintain because it’s less delicate.

Layer in some neutrals

To complement statement items and bold colors, you need some neutrals. It’ll keep things from feeling frenetic, and it’s an easy way to integrate softness and warmth to a space. Consider a few gentle, calming colors, of course, as well as plush textures and curves. We love the Rialto bench because it blends into any environment, but offers up extra storage and seating.

Inject a little humor

Jason’s last tip: Loosen up a bit; design doesn’t have to be serious. It’s meant to be fun! “I look for pieces that add a dose of humor and make people smile,” he says. Quirky wall art, funky sculptures, pillows with witty phrases, funny coffee table books—the limit does not exist when it comes to ways you can sneak in a few smile-worthy pieces.