How to Style Your Home Like a Pro

First impressions count, particularly when it comes to selling your home. Whilst some potential home buyers might be able to see a home’s true potential, even if it’s hidden under piles of clutter and mess, many others won’t.

If you read and were inspired by our “9 Ways to Renovate Your Home in a Day” and now want to style your home like a pro, keep reading for more inspiration.

Leading real estate agent John McGrath says it’s definitely worth styling your home before a sale. “Most people spend between $3,000 to $8,000 on professional styling and my gut feel is that it adds between 5% to 10% sale value,” he says. A survey of LJ Hooker agents also found that property styling added between 7.5% to 12.5% in value.

Property stylist Leah Fotofile of The Beholder Styling + Design says getting a professional stylist is always a good idea to consider. “A stylist approaches a home with fresh perspective and no emotional attachment, they look at homes through the ‘buyer’s eyes’,” she says.

“Stylists understand buyers and stage homes with a focus on creating an aspirational space that encourages a new emotional connection between the buyer and the property, creating a space they can envisage themselves living in. Research shows once there’s an emotional connection with the buyer and the home it increases the perceived value of the property and therefore drives up the price the buyer is willing to pay.”

Joanna Pretty, general manager of mortgage lender State Custodians Home Loans says good styling is now more important than ever given the current housing market climate. “Property prices have been flat for some time, particularly in major capital cities. Auction clearance rates are down which means vendors need to work even harder to ensure their house will sell. Properties really need to be well-presented in order to entice more buyers.”

If you want to save cash, you can always style a house yourself which is better than no styling at all. You also get to keep all the stuff you buy. You probably only need to spend between $500 to $1,000 on décor which could potentially add thousands more to the sale price.

Follow These Tips To Style Your Home Like a Pro:

Declutter all rooms

If you’re selling get ruthless. You don’t have to get rid of everything but do hide excess stuff. A tidy home is a must. Remove all photographs and overly personal touches. Personal décor can sometimes detract from the features of a home, particularly if it is not to the buyer’s taste.

Make your lounge room feel spacious

The lounge area needs to shine and be roomy. If your sofa is grubbier than a compost bin, hire a couch or buy a new one. Get one in white, beige or grey which you can dress with colourful cushions and a throw. Neutrals are also the favoured shades for the walls as they allow the buyer to more easily imagine they could live there. An armchair or two situated nearby will complete the room’s ‘talking space’. A good artwork, which has colours that reflect some of the accent pieces, is also essential. A bright abstract print has more universal appeal. Don’t get something avante garde like a nude, or graffiti painting. Finish everything off with a few knickknacks such as a vase, candle or ornament on a mantelpiece or small coffee table.

Create a serene bedroom

Ditch the daggy doona for a start! A classically staged bedroom features all white fitted sheets, top sheet, doona cover and pillows to create a tranquil blank canvas. For a queen-sized bed, the doona cover should be king-sized so it can hang all the way down around the sides. Position four pillows – all in white pillow cases - at the head of the bed. Arrange two cushions vertically against the pillows. Position two smaller cushions against these and finish with one accent cushion. At the foot of the bed drape a colourful throw. Install two bedside tables with two identical lamps. Even if you live alone, buyers still want to envisage how the bedroom will look for a couple.

Scrub up the kitchen and bathroom

These rooms often “sell” a house, so it’s vital they’re styled. The number one priority is to thoroughly clean both rooms. There’s no bigger turn off than stray hair or mysterious stains. The kitchen needs little more than a bowl of green apples, a cookbook, a few herb pots or mortar and pestle. Remove towels, shower curtains and everything else from the bathroom. A toothbrush holder or pot plant on the vanity will do the trick.

Add eye-catching pops of colour

When choosing art and accents make sure they pop with colour as this will draw in the buyer emotionally and add the finishing touch. Soft blues and greys create a feeling of relaxation so they’re good for the bedroom. Meanwhile bright colours such as red, orange and yellow will energise living areas. Greenery and flowers will also add freshness and create a connection to the outdoor areas.

Have tips on how to style a room like a pro for cheap? Leave a comment below.