In capital city markets, particularly Sydney, home stylists (or home stagers) are in hot demand. These experts are not just about making your house look pretty and presentable when it goes on the market, they study the local real estate market closely, identify the buyers most likely to be interested in your property, then work their magic by introducing the right interior design trends to ensure your property is simply irresistible to those buyers.
Experienced property stylists claim that, at a cost of one to three percent of the current value of your home, a well-staged property will sell for seven to 15 per cent more at close of sale. Now that makes it well worth while taking into account the classic interior design trends that will appeal to a wide spectrum of potential buyers for your home.
A property stylist will first advise you to declutter and depersonalise your home, fix anything that isn't working properly then give the interiors a fresh lick of paint in neutral tones. Most of your furnishings will then need to be packed up and sent into storage. Your stylist will then bring in hired furnishings, artworks and decorative accessories carefully selected and coordinated along a theme that will appeal to your potential buyers and that will maximise the sense of space.
Juliana Gowen, of Urban Chic Property Styling in Sydney, is a big fan of Hamptons Style as a classic interior design look that appeals to a wide spectrum of buyers.
"The Hamptons Style hails from the upmarket beach houses of New York's Long Island," says Juliana. "It's elegant and sophisticated yet relaxed and beachy with lots of white timber, classic furniture and nautical touches that make it very appealing to a wide section of the Sydney real estate market. Whether your home is traditional in style or contemporary, you really can't go wrong with this appealing look that buyers love."
Another interior design trend Juliana recommends, especially for modern apartments and townhouses where creating a sense of space is imperative, is Scandinavian Style. "The white or blonde timber floors, lightweight timber furniture and natural materials and textures of Scandinavian Style create a fresh, modern ambience and feeling of space and light that buyers love, especially younger buyers," says Juliana.
According to Juliana, other classic design trends that draw buyers like magnets include:
· A neutral palette
"Choose a neutral palette for walls, ceilings and trim," says Juliana, "and you can't go wrong."
· Hardwood floors
Polished timber floors are still on trend. "Buyers just love them," says Juliana, "They look great and are easy to maintain. They're also attractive to people who have concerns around asthma."
· A luxury bathtub
"Designer freestanding bathtubs look luxurious," says Juliana. "They're both visually appealing and practical."
· A pantry
"A walk-in pantry in the kitchen is always a big hit with female buyers," says Juliana. "Good storage in the kitchen is really important to them."
Built-in storage
"Add well-designed built-in storage, such as understair storage, wherever you can," advises Juliana.
· Marble
"Marble benchtops in the kitchen and Carrara marble in the bathroom are hot luxury touches that attract buyers," says Juliana.
· White kitchens
"A white kitchen is timeless," says Juliana. "It will always look fresh and doesn't date."
· Outdoor stripes
"It's important to decorate your outdoor areas as well as your interiors these days," says Juliana. "Striped upholstery and cushions always look effective on outdoor furniture. Or try a pair of white Adirondack chairs on the lawn with navy and white striped cushions."
· Fireplaces
"A fireplace is always a big drawcard for buyers," says Juliana. "If you don't have a traditional fireplace the new bioethanol fireplaces have visible flames without the need for a flue or chimney."
· Create a focal point
"Every room in your home should have a focal point," advises Juliana, "be it an interesting chair or an artwork. It draws buyers' eyes into the room."
· Add greenery
"We use a lot of greenery when staging homes for sale," says Juliana. "It energises a room and looks great for the sales campaign photography. Touches of greenery can really add to the appeal of a bathroom, so be sure to use some there as well as in the living spaces."
·Mirrors
"Mirrors are great for bringing light into a room and expanding the sense of space," says Juliana, "but I always advise homeowners to be careful to check what the mirror reflects.
Juliana emphasises that, with rising property prices, buyers are looking for value. "How you present your home for sale is more important than ever," she advises. "With these classic interior design touches you are likely to attract more buyers to open for inspections and help your property sell for the best possible price."
If you're looking to get the maximum result for the sale of your home, your local Century 21 real estate agent can advise you on what design trends most appeal to buyers in your local area.