Buying a home is a deeply emotional experience. While buyers may believe they are focused on the number of bedrooms or bathrooms, their decision often hinges on how a property feels.
Styling your home effectively can evoke the right emotions, helping buyers envision themselves living there. Both agents and professional stylists understand the subtle strategies that make homes more appealing. Here are six expert tips to help your property feel inviting - and ultimately, more saleable.
1. Start with Street Appeal
A well-maintained exterior creates a strong first impression.
Tidy the garden by mowing the lawn, edging garden beds, trimming hedges, and removing weeds. Clean out the gutters and use a high-pressure hose to wash away dust, dirt, and cobwebs.
A fresh coat of paint and clean, functioning windows can instantly lift the home’s appearance. When a property looks well cared for, buyers are more likely to trust that it has been looked after behind the scenes as well.
2. Light Every Room
While ambient lighting suits entertaining, inspections call for bright, open spaces.
Open all the blinds, switch on ceiling lights, and turn on lamps in every room. Homes that are flooded with light feel safe, fresh, and spacious—nothing should appear dark or hidden. A well-lit space invites buyers to linger.
3. Embrace a Fresh, Natural Scent
Tempting as it may be to use candles or diffusers, fresh air is often the most inviting scent.
Avoid fragrances that might be overpowering or perceived as masking odours. Instead, open windows in the lead-up to the inspection, and consider placing fresh flowers throughout the home.
Pet owners should be mindful - remove dog beds and thoroughly air out the home. Lingering animal smells are a common buyer turn-off.
4. Clear the Clutter
Decluttering is essential. Personal items like family photos, sports memorabilia, and pet toys should be packed away.
Spaces that feel overfilled can suggest a lack of storage and make rooms appear smaller. Remember, serious buyers will open cupboards and wardrobes, ensure these are neat and organised to convey ample space.
5. Match Furniture Scale to Room Size
Oversized furniture doesn’t shrink a room - it enhances it.
In large living areas, use big sofas, generous rugs, and bold artwork to define the space. A small couch or rug in a large room can make the space feel disjointed and underwhelming.
Good stylists know how to accentuate a home’s best features using high-quality, well-proportioned furnishings, often bringing in beautiful, statement pieces for the duration of a sales campaign.
6. Create Visual Harmony
Cohesive styling can tie a home together. One effective approach is to repeat key colours or materials throughout a space.
For example, a timber feature - such as oak - can be echoed in a coffee table or picture frame. Start by removing colourful items, then reintroduce two to three complementary tones for a clean, balanced look.
This creates a consistent and calming visual experience that feels polished and intentional.
Effective property styling is more than just aesthetics, it is about creating an emotional connection. With the right attention to detail, you can turn your home into a place buyers don’t just see, but feel.