I read an article recently about a new wave in Staging that focuses on selling a 'lifestyle' as well as the features of the house.
Lifestyle Staging included setting up games, setting tables, leaving a book by a chair, trays on beds etc. They wanted the buyer to feel that the seller had just left the room. 
I guess all that is old is new again as they say. Ten years ago I was taught this approach in my staging classes. Since then it has been described as 'too staged' and used far less.
The basic principle has always been used. Show the buyers how their lifestyle will fit into your home. This is done by :
- removing very personal items so that the buyer focuses on themselves and not your lifestyle.
- leaving empty spaces in rooms for the buyers to imagine placing an item they own.
- setting out your patio furniture to help buyers imaging that morning cup of coffee or BBQ time. Leaving a few toys on the back lawn.
- creating a warm fuzzy feeling in the buyer when they look at a child's room to evoke that emotional response.
- leaving the game on in a 'man cave'.
- showing a tidy organized home that works.
- opening and turning on the hot tub.
No matter how overt or subtle the suggestions, we will always be selling the lifestyle along with the home.
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