How to style a house for sale

So you’ve decided that it’s time to sell your home. We learnt how to get the best return to vendor, and how to prepare each room for inspection, but what about styling your home to impress potential buyers?

Is it something you can DIY or is it better to shop around for a stylist? Either option has their pros and cons, and Australian House & Garden’s senior features editor Elizabeth Wilson has recommendations for whichever you choose.

The right styling can give your home a winning edge. “A carefully presented property photographs well and this will boost its presence in the marketplace, both on the internet and in the flesh,” says Jonathan Ford, a realtor from the McGrath agency who sells in Sydney’s inner west.

We styled our home ourselves but many selling agents recommend using a professional stylist. There is a range of services available, including a ‘walk-through’ consultation, during which a stylist provides recommendations on rearranging rooms; a mid-level service, in which the stylist replaces some of your furnishings with selected display pieces; and a full installation of furniture and accessories, which requires you (and your belongings) to move out during the sales campaign.

“Often owners don’t see facets of the property that detract from its appeal, so a trained outside party can make a big difference,” says Jonathan. “At a minimum, have a stylist walk through and make recommendations. This could cost as little as $300.”

For a full installation, expect to pay $4000-$7000 for a four-bedroom home over a six-week campaign, depending on the profile of the stylist. And for those who decide to style their own home, Ford offers some sage advice: “Be honest about your ability to achieve a quality outcome.”

In order to style your home for sale, it’s a wise idea to refresh your interior with some stylish new furniture and home décor items to ensure your home looks its best. To avoid forking out thousands on brand new furniture just before you move, hire what you need for the on-sale period.

With packages individually tailored to suit, Domayne Hire aims to enhance your property’s appeal when putting it on the market. Select from Domayne’s exclusive range of quality, on-trend furniture and homewares to enhance your home’s style and make it stand out from the rest. An appealing aesthetic is so important when attracting potential buyers as they are more likely to form a positive emotional response towards your home if it looks fabulous and inviting.

Whether you are a professional designer, architect or stylist, or you plan on styling your home yourself, Domayne Hire can help you. As well as loaning out their beautiful furniture, Domayne Hire offers expert stylists and design teams to help you style your home for success by coordinating new looks with existing furniture, while giving you a variety of pricing options to suit your budget.