If you’re planning to sell your property, investing in professional property styling is one of the best ways to ensure your property looks great in marketing photos.

A professionally styled home will also accentuate the space, give the property a fresh feel and help prospective buyers see your home as an attractive, modern space with plenty of lifestyle appeal.

While home staging isn’t always essential – such as when you’re selling your home as a “knock-down” – most real estate experts agree that styling is one of the best tips for selling your property at the highest price.

If you’re thinking about staging a house for sale, here are six essentials to bring your space to life.

Artwork

We all know what it’s like to walk into a home and be met be an endless stretch of beige walls lacking even a hint of character. Adding some artwork to your space will help liven it up, but be careful not to choose anything too niche or “out there”. Beachside scenes, cityscapes, black-and-white photos and neutral pieces work best here to create a welcoming and stylish atmosphere.

House plants

Real or fake, plants are a great way to inject a bit of drama and organic appeal into any room. Juxtapose different shapes, heights and room placements to create visual appeal: think fresh herbs in the kitchen, succulents on the living room windowsill and a bouquet of flowers in the bedroom. Choosing the faux variety for home staging is probably your best bet to make sure they look fresh throughout the sales process.

Books

A strategically-placed stack of books or even a full shelf of books can add lots of personality – and colour – to a room. Cookbooks, art books and oversized coffee table books are ideal for enhancing your space and upping the perceived liveability factor for buyers.

Cushions and throw rugs

Everyone wants to feel like they’re going to be comfortable in a home, and soft, plush pillows and throw rugs will instantly elevate the feeling of cosy luxury in any room. Layer up different shapes, colours and textures for added visual appeal, but steer clear of anything that clashes with the overall tone of the room.

White bedcovers

When it comes to bedding, a fluffy doona with a crisp white bedcover is the best option to make a room feel fresh, spacious and sophisticated. Finish off the look with some plush pillows, a few feature cushions and a soft throw rug at the end of the bed.

Lamps

Although you want to be able to showcase your home in its best natural light, adding a few lamps to the bedrooms and living room will add a touch of warm ambience – which is especially useful if your home doesn’t get a lot of sunlight. Stick to a neutral base and shade, and use warm-toned bulbs.

If you’re planning on selling your home any time soon, talk to one of our agents about our professional styling options, and start your journey with a free, no-obligation property appraisal.