What Working on HGTV Taught Me About Property Merchandising: Episode Two

The Power of Flow

If curb appeal is the handshake, flow is the conversation—the part where buyers start to imagine themselves living, moving, and feeling at home in the space.

When I worked on HGTV’s Restored as Art Director, one thing became crystal clear: homes don’t just need to look beautiful, they need to make sense. Homeowners want to walk through a home and feel a natural rhythm—an unspoken invitation to explore. When that flow is missing, a home can feel disjointed or even uncomfortable, no matter how gorgeous the finishes are.

Why Flow Matters

I’ve walked through homes where furniture was either oversized, crammed into corners, or scattered without purpose. The result? Buyers feel awkward. They slow down, hesitate, and start to wonder if the home “works” for their life.

Reimagining flow isn’t about filling rooms with furniture—it’s about shaping an experience. I think of it like directing a scene on set: each placement, each line of sight, is designed to guide the story buyers tell themselves as they move from one room to the next.

From Awkward to Inviting

Recently, I staged a listing where the dining area felt like an afterthought. It wasn’t clear how the space between the front door and garage should be used. Buyers walked in and got stuck—literally and mentally.

From awkward to inviting—when I reimagine flow, I’m not just moving furniture. I’m shifting how buyers feel in the space.

By redefining sightlines and creating clear paths, we turned confusion into clarity. A simple table, correctly scaled chairs, and strategic styling suddenly made the home feel open, warm, and functional.

Big Spaces Need Purpose

Open-concept layouts are a blessing and a curse. Without walls to define zones, buyers can feel lost. That’s where thoughtful staging earns its keep.

Want a purposeful space that sells? I design flow that connects. Every area gets a role to play—whether that’s a cozy conversation corner or a dining space that feels like the heart of the home.

Ready to Stage for Flow?

Good staging is more than “pretty.” It’s strategic design that guides buyers through the story of a home—from the first impression to the last step out the door.

Want buyers to feel at home the moment they walk in? Let’s design a space with purpose, warmth, and flow that sells.

- Wendy