Why Less is Always More: The Secret to a Home That Feels Bigger and Brighter
I was really excited to sit down with Adam from Blake Fox Interiors for this blog. As a home organizer, I’ve always felt that staging and organizing share so many of the same intentions. We may approach things differently, but at the end of the day, both of us want people to feel good in their space, free their brains from all the excess, and create a home that allows them to function calmly.
Adam and I couldn’t agree more on one simple truth: why less is always more. Whether through staging or organizing, clearing out the extra is the secret to making a home feel bigger, brighter, and more inviting. From the moment we started our conversation, I loved Adam’s perspective on staging—and I can’t wait to share it with you.
From Visual Merchandising to Staging
Adam’s journey into staging began with visual merchandising. He used to design storefronts—creating layouts that guided traffic flow and highlighted focal points. It was a natural step into interiors, where the same principles apply inside the home. Staging is really about directing the eye, creating function, and helping buyers imagine their life in the space.
The First Step: Declutter
The very first thing Adam notices when staging? Clutter.
He encourages clients to:
Sell, donate, or let go of items they don’t need (moving is the perfect excuse!).
Do a deep clean—because no buyer wants to walk into a house that smells like pets.
Depersonalize—family photos, religious items, and personal collections can make it hard for buyers to see themselves in the home.
Decluttering makes the house feel bigger, brighter, and more marketable—proof that less truly is more.
Create Clear Traffic Flow
Another key piece of staging is ensuring walkways and traffic patterns are open. People should be able to easily navigate from room to room without bumping into furniture.
Adam also makes sure every space has a defined purpose:
A walk-in closet should function as a clothing closet.
A hallway closet should store linens.
The front entry closet should hold coats.
This is so aligned with organizing! Both staging and organizing are about creating intentional homes for things so spaces feel purposeful and easy to maintain.
Kitchens, Lighting & Curb Appeal
In kitchens, Adam pays close attention to the details:
Cabinets shouldn’t be overstuffed—buyers should never think there isn’t enough storage.
Counters should be clear.
Lights should all work and feel warm and welcoming.
Seasonal décor gets packed away so buyers focus on the home itself.
And of course—curb appeal matters! The exterior should be just as inviting as the interior.
Colors, Textures & Common Mistakes
When it comes to design choices, Adam leans toward a neutral palette—think beige, gray, wood tones, and leather. These neutrals pair beautifully with accent colors like pinks or blues while keeping the space calm and serene.
Some common mistakes homeowners make?
Too much artwork. Multiple small pieces can make walls feel busy. Instead, he suggests choosing one impactful piece per space.
Dark paint colors. These often make rooms feel smaller. Adam always recommends a consultation before choosing paint.
Oversized furniture. For example, China cabinets can overwhelm a dining room. Removing them opens up the space.
His rule of thumb: keep it light, open, and intentional.
Why Staging Is Worth It
Staging isn’t just about looks—it’s an investment. According to Adam:
Staged homes spend 73% less time on the market.
Sellers often receive stronger offers.
Return on investment can increase sales prices by 5–15%.
Staging signals credibility, professionalism, and care—and it typically focuses on the main living spaces: living room, dining room, family room, kitchen, and primary bedroom.
The Overlap with Organizing
Everything Adam shared resonated with me. Just like staging, organizing is about decluttering, creating intentional spaces, and making homes work for the people who live in them. When you clear the excess and design a space with function in mind, you’ll naturally feel lighter, healthier, and happier.
At the end of the day, whether it’s through staging or organizing, less is always more—and it’s the key to a home that feels bigger, brighter, and better.
Want more inspiration?
Explore staging projects from Blake Fox Interiors at Blake Fox Interiors or on socials.