The Meaning Behind My Staging

Staging As Storytelling: How I Curate Items in Every Home

When most people think of home staging, they think of clean lines, neutral tones, and a few well-placed throw pillows. But for me, staging is so much more than just making a space look presentable. It's about telling a story. A story of possibility, of local beauty, of belonging.

Each home I stage becomes its own little gallery, and each piece I bring in, whether it's a locally made throw or a bold painting by a local artist, is a piece of that story.

A Thoughtfully Collected Time Capsule

My staging process is deeply personal. Every piece I use has a memory attached. I can tell you where I bought it, who made it, and why I knew it would work in the right space. It’s like creating a time capsule, not just for the buyer walking through the door, but for me, too.

I’m not someone who buys staging items in bulk from catalogs. I go slow. I shop with intention. I support local. My listings never have that stale, cookie-cutter look because I view each home as a gallery to showcase. I walk through the home and envision what would set the scene: is this a place to cook a favorite meal, relax with a book, unwind in the spa-like bathroom, or entertain friends in the back yard? I bring that to life with my staging. 

You’ll often see the work of John Koga in my listings. His pieces bring both humor and heart to a room. I love the bold lines of Satoru Abe, the playful depth of Island Boy, and the vibrant textures of Fishcake pieces. These artists carry a sense of place that you simply can’t find anywhere else. They're part of what makes a house feel rooted in Hawai‘i.

Plants with Presence

And it’s not just art on the walls. Plants play a huge role in the emotional tone of a space. My go-to? Kawamoto Orchids. Their arrangements are striking but subtle: the kind of living detail that softens modern spaces and brings balance to traditional ones. They remind people that a home is alive, and that they can grow something beautiful there, too.

More Than Just a Look. It's a Feeling

At the end of the day, I don’t want someone to walk into a staged home and say, “Wow, this looks nice.” I want them to say, “I feel something here.” That’s the power of thoughtful staging. It’s not about perfection. It’s about intention.

Every staging is a story. And I’m honored to keep writing them, one carefully chosen piece at a time.

Want to see the stories I’ve been telling lately?
Follow along on Instagram @dianeito or contact me to talk about how I can bring this kind of storytelling into your home listing.