• Search:
  • House
  • Min Beds 1
  • Min Baths 1
  • Min Price
  • Max Price

Styling secrets: 9 ways to make buyers fall in love with your home

Selling your home can come with a flood of advice. But if there’s one piece you should take? It’s that first impressions matter. That’s why investing in professional home styling is paramount to making your property feel like home – for any potential buyer who walks through the door. We spoke with top stylists Nicole Zo from Sage White and Blake Montgomery from Delta by Design to discover how your home’s style can take your listing from ‘for sale’ to ‘sold’!

 

1. Match your home’s style to its quirks

A visually striking home has the power to create an emotional response in potential buyers. And the best way to create a visually striking home? Flaunt what you’ve got!

‘Effective home styling highlights your home’s best features,’ Blake says. ‘It can increase the perceived value and speed up the sale.’

Your home’s style should match the architecture, target market and current design trends.

For example, a modern, minimalist approach might suit a contemporary home, while a cosy, traditional style could enhance a period property.

‘The surrounding environment also influences styling,’ Nicole adds. ‘Coastal homes might need a beachy feel, while suburban townhouses could benefit from a sleek vibe.’

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. You just need to strut your stuff!

 

 

2. Have them at hello

When a buyer visits your property for the first time, the entrance is the first thing they see. And it sets the tone for the rest of the home.

‘A large mirror or bold artwork can create a striking focal point,’ Nicole says. ‘And introducing plants or flowers can bring life and freshness to the space.’

She also recommends selecting a colour scheme that ties into the rest of the home’s design. But when in doubt, take Blake’s advice – and lean hard into neutrals.

‘Neutral colours appeal to a broader audience. They also make spaces feel larger and more inviting,’ he advises.

A well-designed entryway creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere. So, trust us, you don’t want to ignore it.

 

 

 

3. Turn your living room into the ultimate cosy retreat

The living room is where buyers imagine themselves most at home. So, here, you should focus on comfort and entertainment.

‘It’s usually the first interior space people want to see,’ Nicole says. ‘It’s where they envision themselves relaxing, so creating an emotional connection is critical.’

‘It’s also where they’ll imagine themselves entertaining,’ Blake adds. ‘Which means you want it to look spacious, well-lit, and – of course – stylish.’

So, arrange your furniture to be inviting yet functional, and add pops of colour with cushions and throws.

To bring the room together, add plants for warmth and texture and a stylish rug or artwork to bring the wow.

 

 

4. Replace kitchen clutter with props

Often considered the heart of the home, a kitchen can significantly elevate a property’s appeal.

‘A clean, decluttered kitchen always creates a positive first impression,’ Blake says.

Nicole agrees.

‘You want to limit the number of items on display and opt for high-quality, attractive pieces like marble cutting boards, artisanal bowls and sleek appliances,’ she shares.

Materials like brushed metal, ceramic or wood can enhance the aesthetic, while updated cabinet handles or light fixtures add a modern touch.

‘Use open shelving or glass-front cabinets to display beautiful dishware, cookbooks or curated collections for a cosier feel,’ Nicole continues.

And for a pop of colour? If you asked Blake, you can’t beat the classics. So place a vase of flowers or a bowl of fruit on the benchtop for a touch of life.

 

 

5. Make your bedroom a plush paradise

What better place to show off your home’s serenity than in the bedroom?

‘The main bedroom is a private sanctuary,’ Blake says. ‘A well-styled space exudes comfort and luxury, providing a restful and inviting atmosphere.’

He suggests using high-quality bedding in neutral tones for a serene feel, and adding layered lighting with bedside lamps, overhead fixtures or elegant wall sconces to enhance the ambience.

For Nicole, layered textures go a long way as well.

‘Mixing different textures like soft throws, woven rugs and smooth surfaces adds depth and interest to a space,’ she advises.

It’s all about creating a space that puts people to sleep – in a good way!

 

 

6. Hide personal items and family photos

One crucial aspect of home design when selling is to avoid over-personalisation.

‘While personal items can make a home feel cozy, too many can prevent buyers from envisioning themselves in the space,’ Nicole warns.

So, to create a welcoming atmosphere, depersonalise the space by removing photos and sticking to neutral décor.

‘Your best bet is to keep your home minimalistic to keep the focus on its best features,’ Blake affirms.

It’s a simple move you won’t regret.

 

 

7. Let there be light!

We probably don’t need to tell you this, but a dark space can feel intimidating – and could ultimately drive potential buyers away.

‘It’s really important to ensure all your rooms are well-lit, with either natural light or appropriate artificial lighting,’ Blake shares.

And don’t be afraid to mix and match!

‘I like to use a combination of ambient, task and accent lighting to create a warm, inviting atmosphere,’ Nicole says.

The other bright side of a well-lit room? Your potential buyers can actually see it.

 

 

8. Stay consistent with your style

Another styling faux pas is overwhelming people with too many competing colours and styles.

‘Not everything has to match,’ Nicole reassures. ‘But there should be a unifying element – whether that’s a colour, material or overall aesthetic – that ties everything together.

‘I often pull colour from artwork, textiles or a key piece of furniture and use it in varying shades and tones throughout the space to create harmony.’

‘A consistent colour palette creates balance in the space,’ Blake agrees.

And, if you asked us, it’s nicer on the eyes!

 

 

9. Hire a professional stylist

Styling a home can be time-consuming and stressful, but you don’t have to do it alone.

Stylists like Blake and Nicole understand market trends and buyer preferences. They also have access to a wide range of high-quality furniture and décor, which can significantly improve the presentation of your home.

‘Hiring a professional stylist brings expertise, experience and an objective perspective to the table,’ Blake says.

And the best part? They are passionate about what they do and know how to get results.

‘A stylist just knows how to highlight a property’s strengths and downplay its weaknesses,’ Nicole says. ‘That’s why hiring one often leads to better results than DIY efforts.’

 

Ready to transform your home for sale? Get in touch with Nicole at Sage White or Blake at Delta by Design today!