Staging home for sale is NOT interior design

Interior design's purpose is to create a specific design based on the owner's taste and interest.  But staging is all about creating a warm home that is inviting and most attractive to a broader set of buyers.  So one of the first is to declutter and cleanup. Next you need to make the home more inviting by emphasizing the good features and de-emphasizing the not so good elements.  Based on the budget, some very cost effective changes can give big returns.  An example is changing out old out-dated light fixtures or painting out-dated walls.  Once the home is painted and cleaned, placment of furniture and art work is key to making a home sell fast.  There are many staging companies (ones focused on lower end homes vs high end homes) so contact them and see which will be most appropriate for your situation.