When you’re furnishing your home, it’s easy to forget the reason behind the decisions. Are you choosing pieces to express your personality? Or are you trying to create a clean, inviting canvas for someone else?

According to Kim van Duiven from Askö Design, your purpose should guide every choice. Because the way you furnish a home for sale is very different to how you decorate one to live in.

If you’re selling: keep it calm and neutral

When a buyer walks through your home, you want them to imagine their own life in the space. That’s hard to do if they’re distracted by oversized furniture, loud artwork or highly personal styling. “You’re selling a space, not a furniture design effort,” Kim explains. The goal is to create a setting that highlights the room’s best features, not your personal taste.

Kim works closely with stagers and interior designers who come in looking for simple, versatile pieces. “Stagers neutralise the space and highlight the space rather than the furniture,” she says. Sideboards in oak or walnut, sofas in muted tones, and rugs or lamps in natural fibres. These items let the house shine and help buyers focus on the potential, not the details.

What works for sale won’t always work for life

Staged homes often feel beautiful. But if you’ve ever moved into a house and copied what you saw during the open home, you might have noticed it felt a bit flat. That’s because staging isn’t about you. It’s about creating space for someone else to dream.

If you’re staying, Kim says, do the opposite. “This is an opportunity for you to choose pieces of furniture that reflect your personality and the way in which you’re going to live in the space,” she says.

That might mean bold colours, layered textures, artwork that makes a statement or a dining table that takes centre stage. You don’t have to please anyone but yourself. And that freedom can lead to a space that feels truly your own.

Buy slowly and with intention

Whether you’re moving in or preparing to move out, Kim encourages people to take their time. Rushing into furniture decisions usually leads to mismatched styles or pieces that don’t fit the room, either physically or visually.

If you’re staying, buy piece by piece. Start with your most-used furniture, like your sofa, bed or dining table, and layer the rest over time. If you’re selling, you might want to strip the room right back or bring in a professional stager to keep it light and consistent throughout.

Kim has seen many homeowners try to “stage” their homes themselves, only to realise too late that their personal taste may be clouding a buyer’s ability to see the space clearly. If you’re in doubt, less is more.

One space, two very different purposes

If you’re staying, decorate for your lifestyle. If you’re selling, simplify for the next one.

That might mean holding off on buying the bright velvet armchair until you move into your new place. Or storing away some of your more personal items while your home is on the market. Once the property is sold, you can bring your full personality back into the mix.

The right choice depends on your goal

There’s no single right way to furnish a home. But there is a right way for your purpose. Are you trying to attract a buyer? Or create a sanctuary? Being clear about that will make every decision easier.

Because in the end, good furniture doesn’t just look good. It supports the way you want to live or sell well.

Disclaimer: This article is based on a podcast featuring insights from experienced professionals and is intended for general information and inspiration only. While we aim to share valuable guidance, please seek personalised advice from qualified professionals before making decisions about your property, finances, or renovation plans.