LUXURY STYLING SIMPLE HACKS TO MAKE ROOMS FEEL MORE EXPENSIVE

What if we told you it’s possible to appeal to affluent buyers, reduce your property’s time on market, and maximise your selling price? You can achieve all this without major investment.

There’s a genuine craft to professional room staging that brings significant rewards. Your property can stand out from competing listings and generate enthusiasm that encourages buyers to offer premium prices.

In this week’s feature, we are sharing styling approaches from professional designers and photographers. You will discover how to achieve picture-perfect presentations, including specialist guidance for:

• Creating inviting entrance spaces.
• Designing sophisticated living environments.
• Crafting refined kitchens.
• Developing indulgent bedrooms.
• Transforming bathrooms into spa-like retreats.

The encouraging news is that you can frequently utilise items already in your possession to enhance every room’s perceived value. Let’s explore where to discover and incorporate those valuable elements of transformation.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS MATTER: ENTRANCE HALL STYLING

For most properties, the hallway provides buyers with their initial interior impression. It’s essential to offer a serene welcome rather than a cluttered first encounter.

• Excessive footwear and outerwear can overwhelm an entrance hall. Reduce your coat hooks to current seasonal items and organize shoes onto racks or into storage containers beneath a bench.
• Maximise natural illumination wherever possible. Consider glazed panels in doorways, strategically place mirrors to amplify light, and leave room doors open to enhance connectivity.
• Restore any original floor tiling or woodwork. If carpet is worn, consider engineered oak flooring or natural fibre rugs for a fresh, sustainable look.

If your entrance still appears somewhat sparse, introduce artwork or prints to add vitality and personality. These additions also protect your walls from potential scuffs during viewings.

THE HEART OF YOUR HOME: LIVING ROOM ELEGANCE

Adding textured cushions and throws to your seating instantly enhances a living area’s appeal. Several other techniques can improve the space further.

• Introduce visual interest with a feature wall in a rich paint shade or luxurious wallpaper. Try picking up one or two accent colours from your existing furnishings.
• Arrange bookshelves by colour coordination, or reverse all books to display the pages for a peaceful, organised and neutral collection.
• Select a distinctive light fixture with an elegant form and warm illumination that captures attention without dominating the space or hanging excessively low.
• Maintain adequate clearance between dining furniture and surrounding walls to prevent a cramped appearance, and dress tables with centerpieces of glass, ceramic or timber atop a stylish runner or cloth.

Homeowners occasionally ask about setting dining tables with tableware and utensils. This can make buyers feel they are interrupting your mealtime. Keep the presentation simple and natural instead.

THE TASTEFUL KITCHEN: PRACTICAL LUXURY

Unless you follow minimalist principles, countertops look more appealing when thoughtfully styled. 

Here’s guidance on what to remove and what to showcase.

• Display your quality appliances alongside select cookbooks. A tray of seasonal produce or glass containers filled with pasta or grains also works well.
• Conceal all cleaning products including soaps and dishcloths. Transfer them into attractive caddies and dispensers if you prefer to keep them accessible.
• Organize dishware and cookware neatly on any visible shelving and remove colourful packaging, then clear cabinets of expired or unused food items so they’re prepared for prospective buyers’ inspection.

Your goal is to present a well-organised, functional kitchen that buyers can envision using with pleasure. Make it a space they’re eager to call their own.

DREAMY RETREATS: BEDROOM STYLING SECRETS

When creating bedrooms that sell properties effectively, hotels offer unparalleled expertise. They understand that a sumptuous sleep sanctuary attracts clients and commands premium rates.

Consider these professional techniques that work effectively in primary, secondary and guest bedrooms:

• Arrange two rows of pillows in vertical stacks. Smooth the duvet or cover and fold it down approximately twelve-to-eighteen inches at the top.
• Create visual interest with a contrasting throw over the lower half of the bed. Use patterned fabric over solid colours or solid colours over patterns.
• Enhance freestanding bed frames with an elegant headboard. Accessorize bedside tables with curated books, a reading lamp, or a small vase with a single flower.
• Reserve surface space on drawer chests and dressing tables exclusively for aesthetically pleasing items arranged with purpose, storing everything else in drawers or decorative containers.

Finally, assess the room’s acoustics by speaking aloud.If you detect any echo, introducing a thick-pile rug will soften the sound quality into a tranquil haven.

BATHROOM BLISS: CREATING A SPA-LIKE SANCTUARY

Luxury bathrooms can feel clinical due to their hard surfaces like tiles and porcelain. With a few inspired additions, you can transform austerity into opulence.

• Purchase a coordinated set of plush towels and matching robes to display during viewings. Complement them with quality dispensers for hand soap and shower products.
• Add teak accessories like a towel ladder, bath caddy, or slatted floor mat. These elements work with any design style and bring the warm richness of natural wood.
• Remove any mould, residue and limescale using white vinegar to refresh sealant, grout lines and metal fixtures.
• Organize toiletries within an attractive cabinet, vanity unit, or wall storage. Avoid open containers filled with bottles that collect dust.
• Replace thick plastic shower curtains with flowing fabric alternatives that drape more elegantly, create a significantly more refined impression, and help reduce harsh acoustic reflections.

Whether designed for leisurely, luxurious bathing or invigorating morning showers, accessorizing your bathroom to create spa-inspired surroundings will help maximise your property’s appeal and value.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much should I invest in home styling before selling?

You don’t need to spend a fortune to make your home look more expensive. Focus on using what you already own, making strategic purchases for high-impact areas, and ensuring everything is clean and well-presented. Even a modest budget of £200-300 can make a significant difference if spent wisely.

Will home styling really affect my selling price? 

Yes, professionally styled homes typically sell faster and for higher prices. According to property experts, well-staged homes can sell for 5-8% more than unstaged properties. The return on investment for styling is often significant.

Which room should I focus on styling first? 

The entrance hall and living room create first impressions, so prioritise these areas. Next, focus on the kitchen and master bedroom, as these are key decision-making spaces for most buyers.

Should I empty my home completely for viewings?

No, a completely empty home can feel cold and uninviting. The key is to declutter while maintaining enough furniture and accessories to showcase the purpose of each room and create a warm, liveable atmosphere.

How soon before selling should I start styling my home?

Begin the styling process at least 2-3 weeks before your first photography session or viewing. This allows time to declutter, make small repairs, purchase any necessary items, and ensure everything is perfectly presented.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you are considering homes to sell and want to make every room look more valuable to get the best possible price, we’d be delighted to help! 

Contact us on 01463250000 or message askhamish@hamish-homes.co.uk to arrange a visit with one of our team and get your move underway!