Melbourne’s property market has softened in 2026, with dwelling values slipping and buyers taking longer to make decisions. Recent market data also suggests softer demand, more selective buyers and conditions that increasingly reward strong presentation, realistic pricing and standout listing photography.

In a market like this, first impressions matter more than ever.

That’s why home staging can be one of the smartest investments a seller makes before putting their property on the market.

Why Home Staging Matters More in a Softer Melbourne Property Market

When the market is booming, buyers often overlook presentation because they’re worried about missing out.

In a slower market, the opposite happens.

Buyers compare more properties, attend more inspections, and become far more selective. They look for reasons to eliminate a property from their shortlist.

A poorly presented home can be overlooked, even if it has great features.

A professionally staged home helps your property stand out from the competition and creates a stronger emotional connection with buyers.

Why Online Listing Photos and First Impressions Matter

Today, most buyers start their search online.

Before they attend an open inspection, they scroll through dozens of listings on realestate.com.au and Domain.

If your property doesn’t grab their attention in those first few seconds, they may never inspect it.

Professional staging helps create better photos, stronger online engagement and more inspection enquiries.

Simply put, more buyers through the door usually means more competition and stronger offers.

Do Staged Homes Sell Faster?

One of the biggest risks in a softer market is becoming a stale listing.

When a property sits on the market for too long, buyers often assume something is wrong with it. This can lead to lower offers and price reductions.

Industry studies have found that professionally staged homes can sell significantly faster than unstaged properties.

Selling faster can help reduce:

• Mortgage holding costs
• Utility costs
• Stress and uncertainty
• The risk of further market declines

Can Home Staging Increase Sale Price?

In a falling market, many sellers focus only on saving money.

However, spending a few thousand dollars on staging may help protect tens of thousands of dollars in sale value.

Australian industry research suggests staged homes can achieve between 5% and 12% higher sale prices compared to similar unstaged homes.

For a $1,000,000 property, even a modest 5% improvement could mean an additional $50,000.

That’s why many real estate agents view home staging as an investment rather than an expense.

Why Buyers Respond to Professionally Staged Homes

Most buyers don’t purchase based on logic alone.

They buy based on emotion.

Staging helps buyers picture themselves living in the home. Instead of focusing on empty rooms or outdated furniture, they see a comfortable family home, a welcoming living area and a relaxing bedroom.

That emotional connection often translates into stronger offers.

Home Staging FAQ

How much does home staging cost in Melbourne? Home staging costs in Melbourne vary depending on property size, the number of rooms styled and whether the home is vacant or occupied. While costs vary, many sellers view staging as a pre-sale investment because even a small improvement in buyer competition or sale price can outweigh the upfront spend.

Is home staging worth it in a falling market? In a softer or falling market, staging often becomes more valuable because buyers have more choice and compare homes more carefully. Better presentation can help your property stand out, generate more enquiries and reduce the risk of becoming a stale listing.

What rooms should you stage before selling? The living room, kitchen, main bedroom and dining area usually have the biggest impact because these spaces help buyers imagine everyday life in the home. Good styling in these rooms also improves real estate photography and online listing appeal.

The Bottom Line

Melbourne’s property market is more competitive in 2026, and sellers need every advantage they can get.

With buyers taking longer to decide and more listings competing for attention, home presentation, property styling and high-quality photography have become critical parts of a strong sales strategy.

Home staging won’t change the market, but it can change how buyers respond to your property.

In a rising market, staging can help maximise your result.

In a falling market, staging can help protect it.

For many Melbourne homeowners, that makes home staging one of the most valuable investments they can make before selling.

Updated Sources and Market Context

• Cotality (formerly CoreLogic) Housing Value Index data referenced by multiple 2026 market reports showing Melbourne dwelling values softened through early 2026.
• PropTrack and realestate.com.au reporting on Melbourne buyer hesitation, slower decision-making and changing market conditions.
• Industry home staging research and agent surveys indicating staged homes can improve buyer engagement, reduce days on market and support stronger sale outcomes.

Statistics quoted are industry averages and individual results will vary depending on location, property condition, pricing strategy and market conditions.

The post Is Home Staging Worth the Cost in Melbourne? appeared first on Designs to Inspire.

When selling your property, first impressions truly count. A well-selected property styling company can transform your space, elevate your home’s appeal, and contribute to a faster, more profitable sale. There are many styling services available, so how do you find the right partner to represent your property at its best? Let’s explore what to consider, and how embracing the latest global home staging trends for 2025 can give your property a decisive edge.

What to Look for in a Property Styling Company

1. Explore Their Portfolio and Reviews
Begin your search by browsing through the company’s portfolio. High-quality before-and-after photos demonstrate their ability to handle a variety of properties and situations. Reading customer reviews and testimonials can provide insight into their reliability, customer service, and outcomes.

2. Focus on Personalisation
No two homes are the same, and staging shouldn’t be either. The best stylists will develop a tailored plan to highlight your property’s strengths while appealing to the most likely buyers. Ask about their design process and how they adjust each project to suit individual needs.

3. Up-to-Date on Design Trends
A top property styling business will be in tune with current trends and able to explain how those can enhance your sale. Styling that reflects what buyers are seeing in design magazines and online can help your property stand out in a busy marketplace.

4. Quality and Versatility of Inventory
Review the quality, condition, and variety of the available furniture and décor. A strong collection of on-trend pieces and versatile accessories will help create polished, on-point interior looks.

5. Depth of Experience
Look for a team with an excellent reputation and a proven track record across a range of property types. Established companies will have the expertise to deliver consistently beautiful and functional styling results.

Top 5 Home Staging & Styling Trends for 2025

Pairing your property with the right modern styling amplifies its appeal. Here are the current global trends making an impact for 2025:

1. Warm Earthy Tones and Organic Materials
Warm terracottas, muted olives, and natural beiges—along with timber and rattan furnishings—bring instant comfort. Buyers respond positively to homes that feel welcoming and grounded.

2. Greenery and Biophilic Design
Incorporating an abundance of high quality artificial indoor plants, living green accents, and designs that maximise light and air flow is high on the list of buyer preferences. Nature-inspired styling continues to trend upward for its calming effect.

3. Vintage Touches and Personal Flair
A move towards “collected not copied” spaces means more stylists are using vintage or retro elements—such as statement mirrors, unique side tables, or mid-century pieces—to make interiors memorable and full of character.

4. Bold Accents and Statement Pieces
While layered neutrals are still a foundation, introducing strong pops of color through cushions, art, or a feature wall adds energy and sophistication. Statement light fixtures are also in demand, serving as practical art within each room.

5. Multipurpose and Flexible Spaces
With many buyers now seeking flexibility, rooms that demonstrate dual uses—like a workspace that transforms into a guest room, or a dining area doubling as a study—showcase adaptability and help buyers envision living in the space.

Elevate Your Sale with the Right Styling Partner

Working with a property styling company is about more than furniture—it’s about crafting a lifestyle and an emotional connection for buyers. The right team will blend professionalism, creativity, and insight into buyer behavior, ensuring your home is styled impeccably and in line with the strongest current trends.

Ready to present your property at its best?
Get in touch for a personalized consultation. Discover how contemporary, creative property styling can help your home achieve its full potential.

Final words

Designs to Inspire is a Melbourne based property styling business having worked in the industry for over 15 years. We pride ourselves on offering honest and open advice to help clients make the right decision for their unique circumstances.

To check out our portfolio, visit the Designs to Inspire Instagram page or https://www.designstoinspire.com.au/recent-projects.

Not ready to engage a stylist? Check out our ten tips for preparing your property for a successful sale, www.designstoinspire.com.au/top-tips-for-a-successful-sale/.

The post Chosing the Right Property Styling Company for Your Home appeared first on Designs to Inspire.

As we enter a post-covid world, some of us have transitioned to a work-from-home life. While we grapple with this new reality, one important aspect of working from home is the space in which we conduct our zoom meetings and/or get inspired to complete those overdue projects.

I’ve come up with some ideas on creating the ideal space for a home office that will hopefully inspire you and help you get through lockdown. Keep a lookout for my tips & tricks and recommendations!

How To Design A Home Office

Location is Key

You may be lucky enough to have a spare bedroom dedicated to a study. But for most, space is a precious commodity especially for families with little kids. Unused space from a landing, hallway or even under the stairs can make a purposeful, functional space. Ideally, this space will be void of distractions and will keep you focused as you buckle down to business.

An interesting way to use closets is to repurpose them into a home office. Wardrobe/ closet doors can be removed and its shelves readjusted to make room for a desk within the space. Add file cabinets, shelves and vision boards and you’ll have a dedicated space for a home office.

Lighting & Ambiance

Lighting can transform the way a room looks and feels. In a home office, lighting can help keep you engaged and focused. Where possible, position your desk near a window and keep heavy window treatments like drapery to a minimum letting in as much natural light in.

Should you have a nook without a window, consider layering the lighting with standing floor lamps and table lamps. Quirky lamps and lanterns add interests in a dull corner.

A windowless wall is also the perfect canvas for you to get creative within your home office. Framed prints, mirrors, tapestries that resonate with your personality adds character to your home office and will provide a brilliant backdrop to all those virtual video meetings.

What Do I Need For A Home Office?

Furniture & Ergonomics

Comfortable furniture within your home office should fit not only your needs but also your space.

Choose a desk with drawers to tuck away small items such as stationery. Where space is available, bookshelves or floating shelves on the wall provide you with a display space without taking up precious floor area. Your shelves can be painted in the same colour as your wall for a modern look.

If you are spending hours on end in your home office, an ergonomically friendly office chair is essential. 

Important Tip: When seated, your feet should rest flat on the floor with your thighs parallel to it. Choose a chair that offers ample back support, supporting the natural curve of your spine.

Extra Tips For Designing Home Offices

Get Organised!

A well-organised space will not only look good, but also enable you to be fully productive. Labelling your filing and storage boxes help to keep your office organised. 

Georgia’s Tip: My bookshelf is stacked with labelled boxes of the same style and design, a mix of books placed both vertically and stacked horizontally. I also include a few special and meaningful trinkets and photos to the shelf. I love having some hanging greenery that gives a lovely effect on the shelf. 

Cables and wires that run rampant are not visually appealing, much less safe for you to work in! So tidy up with cable tidies, or reusable Velcro wraps that can be strapped under your desk.

Touch of Green

Natural greenery will bring life and a sense of tranquillity into your home office. Plants also act as a noise barrier and air filter that will certainly keep your workday feeling fresh and relaxed.

Where space allows, having your plants on different levels on a bench, windowsill or trolley will give your home office a nature-reserve vibe. 

Georgia’s Tip: Fill the top shelves of your bookcase with a collection of ferns and leafy indoor vines like philodendrons and hang some macramé planters by the window. 

Final Words

While it is uncertain if we will ever get back into our offices this year, we can take into our hands the design of our home offices and create the space we need to feel happy, content and productive. Hopefully, my tips can help you start on that journey! 

If you’re still feeling creative and want to spruce up the rest of your home, check out our guide to designing your living room.

Keep well and stay safe

xGeorgiaK.

The post Designing Your Home Office appeared first on Designs to Inspire.

Tips on how to redesign your living room space

Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, people around the world are mostly staying home. To say that we are all coping well is polarising given the level of comfort one feels at home.

For us fortunate enough to have space, staring at the same four walls may start to feel dreary. But before you reach for the paintbrush, here are some styling ideas for your living room that may help beat the isolation blues.

Follow these easy steps when designing your living room:

1. Organise, Organise, Organise!

With all the time we have in isolation, we may find ourselves sharing small spaces with things that we haven’t used let alone looked at since 1999. Embrace one of interior design’s sacred rules – ‘love it or lose it’ – and get clearing.

Georgia’s tip: Use stylish wicker baskets or canvas boxes to store small items we still need and use (kids toys, tv remotes, pet toys) which end up on the living room floor or taking up space on the coffee table.

2.Repurpose

Some items that you find while you are organising/decluttering your home can be repurposed in a different space. This is especially helpful at the current time when popping out to the shops during lockdown is restricted.

( a ) Table or Floor Lamps

Give your existing floor lamp or table lamp a fresh new look with new shades. Ambient lighting and task light is not only practical but can change and lift the mood of your living room.

( b) Photos

Framed photos are a great way to change things up.

Georgia’s Tip: Pull out old photos that establish a theme (travel photos, wedding photos/ family tree) and frame each in the same black or white frames. These can be hung at varying heights to create a cool gallery effect, or if you prefer symmetry they can be hung evenly either horizontally or vertically.

(c) Books and Ornaments

Whether it’s dressing your coffee table or bookshelves in your living room, a collection of books both new and old makes a home feel more cultivated and well-read.

Create a few small stacks of hardback coffee table books on your coffee table and place scented candles on top of the books for a layering effect. You can also add a small grouping of your favourite and sentimental ornaments to the surface of your coffee table or bookshelves.

3. Zoning The Room

Do you have nook or corner in your living room that does not serve a purpose? Create a functional and useful space that will bring you enjoyment and purpose. Consider either a comfy reading nook with a cosy chair and floor lamp, or a small desk to create a useful study nook.

Creating an ideal work environment with a respectable background is especially recommended right now with the increase of virtual meetings. Should you have access to wall paints right now, consider colour blocking one wall or place a piece of art on the wall to give you a great background for your virtual calls in your living room.

4. Bring the Outside In

Plants are also a great zoning tool if you have a large open plan living room. Indoor plants are an easy and affordable way to make a stylish statement to your living room. Plants are also proven to have calming properties and can do wonders to our well-being. Consider varying heights of plants to create interest and place them in similar pots of different sizes.

Cutting fresh flowers or foliage from your garden bring the natural element into your home, elevating your senses, and creating a beautiful and stylish display.

5. Add Luxury & Ambience

The living room is usually the centre-piece of a home that showcases your design aesthetic. A well-designed living room is both functional and stylish.

(a) Cushions & Throws

Give new life to your living room sofa by replacing old worn cushions with luxuriously textured and woven designs.

As we head into winter, adding a soft throw or faux fur evokes the feeling of instant warmth and cosiness.  It also creates a sense of opulence and triggers a feeling of relaxation.

(b) Floor Rug

A rug can transform the look and feel to a room and add comfort and warmth under your feet.

Georgia’s tip: As a rule, the rug should be large enough to slide under the front legs of a sofa and chairs in a seating arrangement, unifying the area.

( c ) Curtains

You can also frame your living room windows with elegant sheer curtains that drape to the floor.  This creates ambience and an element of luxury and comfort to any room.

Georgia’s tip:  Hang curtains as high and wide as possible to make windows appear larger.

The post Designing Your Living Room appeared first on Designs to Inspire.

With a new year upon us, home makeovers are often at the very top of our new year’s resolutions.

So, whether you are styling your home for sale or to usher in a new decade, we have some ideas to inspire your inner interior designer.

How To Style Your Home For Selling

Inside the Home

By the end of the year, most homes are filled with items that don’t seem to belong or aren’t needed any longer.  The new year is a chance for us to take stock and declutter by donating or selling those items.  By removing unnecessary items & furniture, you will find your rooms look more spacious and surprisingly bigger.

Outside the Home

The garden often gets neglected as the year winds down, yet it is one of the most important aspects of the home when selling. First impressions are crucial and can either make or break a sale. Repair patchy and thinning lawns and replace tired looking plants to give your home a fresh look without splurging on landscaping.

TIP: Decorating your front porch with some potted plants can create a beautiful first impression and boost curb appeal.  Place either a grouping of 2-3 potted plants, or one on either side of the front door for an instant facelift and a welcoming appeal.

Painting

Sprucing up your wall colour is one way of updating your home. Going neutral with white walls plays it safe, and you can add colour through artwork or prints and add more warmth with rugs, cushions and throws.

Replacement

Removing old worn carpets and polishing your boards can dramatically improve the look of your space. Carpets retain odors and dust, therefore your home will instantly smell, look and feel so much cleaner. If your budget allows, replace heavy patterned curtains with lighter and clean line window coverings.  This will instantly update a room, provide more light and give the illusion of more space.  The most popular and cost effective window coverings are dual roller blinds and faux timber venetians.

Bathrooms and kitchens can benefit from a facelift by replacing cabinet knobs/ handles and revamping the look of your cabinet doors with a coat of paint.  Old bath tubs, vanities and shower bases can also be painted to give a modern and fresh clean look.

TIP: Dulux has a renovation range for tiles and benchtops.  Also don’t forget to fix those leaky taps !!!

Repairs

Visible areas of external weathering around window frames and more importantly the front door, should all be sanded, filled and repainted.  Old weathered concrete patios and steps to the front porch, can be given an instant new look by painting over with a hard wearing concrete paint. This is an easy and affordable way to add value to your home.  Dark shades of grey are the most popular look.

Extra Styling Tips For Selling Your Home

LIGHT IT UP!

Never underestimate the importance of natural light. Pull back curtains, roll up blinds, and turn on the lights.   Where there is limited lighting, a great option can be to update the globes and compliment ceiling lights with table or floor lamps. Warm globes add ambience and can instantly change the feel of a room. To create a visually clean line space, consider replacing pendant ceiling lamps with downlights, especially in small low ceiling rooms.

To brighten up dark nooks around your home, hanging a mirror on the wall or above a mantel display will help reflect light throughout the space.

Final Words

We hope we have given you some inspiration for styling your home. Whether it is for making your home stand out in the ever-competitive housing market or making your home an aesthetically stunning haven – Happy Styling!

P.S. Check out our other blogs on topics, such as choosing the right property stylist or designing and staging your living room, for the latest tips!

The DTI Team xx

The post Styling Tips For Selling Your Home appeared first on Designs to Inspire.

There’s less competition in winter because many sellers opt to put their homes on the market during the spring instead.  This means there may be fewer houses on the market, driving up the demand amongst buyers.

However, regardless of the lack of competition, it’s as important as EVER your home is a standout in the winter months, in order to leave a lasting impression

We’ve got some ingenious (& often overlooked) tips on how to get the best sale price… in WINTER!

1. Let there be Light

As the mercury falls and the day shorten, it’s important to capture as much natural light as possible.

Draw back the curtains, pull up the blinds and let the winter sun stream through.

Important note: ensure windows are squeaky clean inside and out !!!

Turn on all lights especially if it’s a grey day, you want your buyers to actually be able to see your property.

Compliment ceiling lights with table or floor lamps and opt for warm globes over cooler options.
Lighting adds ambience and drama and can also make your room feel larger.

Bonus Tip: To brighten up dark areas in a room, hang a mirror on the wall or above a mantel display. This will help reflect light throughout your space.

2. Turn up the Heat

Inside:

At least half hour before every open, turn on the heating.  It’s better to heat the house a degree or two warmer than usual and then set the temperature to normal.

You want the temperature inside to be comfortable and to give the buyer more incentive to stay longer, especially on a cold day.

Heating also helps to dry out bathrooms from any condensation and removes any dampness.

If you have a fireplace, then winter is the perfect time of the year to show off one of your home’s most appealing features.
Nothing is more cosy and relaxing than a burning fire on a cold winter’s day.

Outside:

Outdoor entertaining areas can also be showcased in the colder months.

Investing in an outdoor gas heater and installing café/alfresco blinds, is particularly appealing for young families.
It shows an extra living space that can be used comfortably throughout the colder months and can help to add value to your home.

Hot Tip: Keeping the outdoors presentable in winter is just as important than any other time of the year.

3. Create the Mood

Winter is the PERFECT time to create warmth and character by adding layers.
You want all bedrooms and living areas to appear especially warm, cosy and inviting.

Using soft fluffy throw rugs, plump feathered cushions and plush floor rugs all evoke a sense of warmth and cosiness in a home.

Colours in rich jewel tones of green, navy, plum and mustard paired with neutral colours add a sense of luxury and warmth, especially in velvet textures and faux furs.

Adding a few lit candles with soft music in the back ground and with the smell of cookies baking, all help to play with the senses and make the home feel cosier and inviting (We know you’re feeling relaxed already!)

Adding plants indoors has made a huge comeback and help to add life to a room especially on a dark and dreary day.

4. Finishing touches

Purchasing a new doormat ensures the outdoors don’t get brought in during open for inspections. This means all your hard work cleaning won’t be in vain (we got you).

Another way of ensuring maximum cleanliness is by requesting that shoes be taken off before entering. This is not an uncommon request, and it not only helps to keep he floors clean but also shows a sense of pride and assurance to buyers that your home is respected and well looked after.

Happy Selling!

The DTI Team xx

The post How to Sell Your Home in Winter (The Snuggle is REAL) appeared first on Designs to Inspire.

3 things to focus on in the bedroom this Autumn

Colour

Okay don’t freak out. We’re not telling you to paint your walls bright red (Unless you love that idea, in which case, GO FOR IT)
But colour is the best way to make your bedroom feel more… ‘You’

We’ve found two best ways to use colour – especially when staging a home for sale.

1.Use subtleties.

Your walls make up your room, so let’s include them in this section! We recommend keeping your walls neutral as this enables you to swap and change the colour in your bedroom as your style and taste changes. We recommend the Dulux ‘Hampton’ colours (greys, warm whites and taupes) – Greenery also adds an organic element that we’ve found changes EVERYTHING.

2. Deep & Bold.

We are currently LOVING jewel tones. Deep navy, emeralds, burgundy & mustards are continuing to be a favourite in Autumn 2019. These rich colours evoke warmth and cosiness. We especially love these colours in velvet textures in both throws and cushions.
Whether you paint your whole room or use soft furnishings to bring in these delicious colours, they are sure to make a statement this Autumn.

Furnishings

A trend we’re still LOVING this year is minimalism (Marie Kondo we see you girl)

One thing to note about a bedroom is its main purpose… SLEEP (and late nights scrolling through Instagram and catching up on Netflix original series)

So when styling your haven of rest, try and limit clutter. Even trinkets and ornaments can appear messy at times.
Clutter doesn’t promote good sleep, and so by keeping the mess at bay, you promote healthy sleep and create that totally Zen feeling you pay so much $$$ on at day spas.

Hot Tip: Minimalistic styling doesn’t mean you have nothing. Try styling your bedsides with a reading lamp, a book and a small plant. Trust us, this is all you need sometimes!

Linen

Make comfort a priority.
The season is changing again, and as we come into cooler mornings and nights, there’s nothing better than sleeping in under plush linen. Or even going to bed amongst fresh sheets and new scrunchy pillows.
We’ve been LOVING on organic linen for a while now however this new season is demanding slightly warmer bedding.

We’d recommend refreshing all your bedding, instead of using linen sheets, perhaps opt for heavier, more luxe bedding with similar neutral colours & minimal pattern.
It will give the same refined effect, with DOUBLE the comfort (you’re welcome!)
We also layer our beds with throws to add a new element of texture to our place of rest. We even layer with doona covers as these often have beautiful patterns with colours we don’t always find in throw blankets.

Keeping our bed covers neutral allow us to layer with luxe textures, patterns & colour (this way we can change our minds frequently about what colour we’re obsessing over at the moment)

If you use any of our tips, tag your photos with #designstoinspire

We’d love to see your work!

The Designs to Inspire Team

X

The post Sleeping Beauty – 3 Ways To Make Your Bedroom A Haven appeared first on Designs to Inspire.

Property styling, also known as home staging or home styling, has become a key factor for a successful sale. As your home is your most valuable asset, selecting the right stylist is crucial. But how do you separate the novices from the experts? Here are the top questions you should ask to find the right property stylist for your home.

What Questions Should You Ask Your Property Stylist?

1. As a property stylist, what are your qualifications and experience?

Anyone can start up a home styling business. Qualified interior designers understand more than just the decorative elements. They are trained to recognize the architecture, design and style that will complement and enhance the presentation of your home. They are also trained to provide advice on enhancements to both the interior and exterior of your property. Remember one style does not fit all.

2. Do you cater to diverse styles?

Does the stylist you are considering have a variety of styles to suit the style and era of your property or do they cater for one style? A good stylist can create a range of looks from classic to modern and everything in between.

Look at your stylists work on social media and ask for recent examples of similar homes they have styled. Remember, one style can limit your buyers. Your aim is to make your home a standout and attract the right buyers.

3. What’s the ‘real’ cost of your hire?

Most property stylists offer furniture hire for 4-6 weeks. This allows for photography and a 4-week sales campaign. But what is the extended hire cost beyond the initial term?

Be mindful, higher end properties and/or changing market conditions can mean it takes longer to sell. Or, what happens if your home is one that doesn’t sell at auction or the sale falls through?

Do your research. Independent sources such as REIV offer market statistics on the number of days it takes for properties to sell. Statistics from the Domain Group also highlight the range of the days on the market according to the suburb and dwelling type.

Also, consider the time of year you are selling how this may impact the length of your sale.

As an example, property stylists Designs to Inspire Home Staging & Interior Design was asked to provide a quote to style a home on the market. This property was being sold over the summer holiday period and the client was dissatisfied with the amount her current stylist would be charging for the additional weeks hire required. It would cost the client more in extended rental charges than to have the home newly styled again!

It is crucial you understand the cost of ongoing rental charges and factor this into your decision up-front to avoid any nasty surprises.

4. Can I hire your furniture while living in my home?

Not all stylists will supply furniture for lived-in homes due to the risk of damage and wear and tear.

If you find yourself needing to live in your home while selling, then this should be a leading question to help narrow down your stylist.

For these ‘partial’ styling requests, where stylists work with your existing furniture, expect advice for which furniture pieces they can be used and those that should be placed into storage. Ask for advice on how you can maintain that show-worthy look throughout your open for inspections.

It’s always important to understand styling to sell is different from interior design. Styling to sell is about de-personalizing your home and creating wider appeal whereas styling to live in a home is tailored to your personal taste.

5. Is your stylist’s advice truly independent?

Your stylist is there to give you honest and independent advice to help maximise the sale price of your property and generate a faster sale.

Independent stylists work for you and can be hired irrespective of the agent you employ. We find many homeowners ask for our advice before they decide on their real estate agent. The advantage is that they can begin preparing their home for sale as the process can take longer than anticipated. Consultations can vary from a paid redesign service which includes advice on cosmetic renovations, such as which paint colours would suit your home or a free onsite quotation which provides advice on the items that can be used for staging which can help you in the decluttering process.

Make sure you ask your stylist if they have any preferential deals with estate agents. Ensure the quality and style of the work of a recommended stylist is of the standard you would expect. Lastly, use these questions as a checklist when interviewing a home stylist.

Why Choose Designs to Inspire for your Property Styling needs?

Designs to Inspire is a Melbourne based property styling business having worked in the industry for over 7 years. We pride ourselves on offering honest and open advice to help clients make the right decision for their unique circumstances.

We have written this article to help property owners avoid any nasty surprises and ensure transparency in the industry.

To check out our portfolio, visit the Designs to Inspire Instagram page or https://www.designstoinspire.com.au/recent-projects.

Not ready to engage a stylist? Check out our ten tips for preparing your property for a successful sale, www.designstoinspire.com.au/top-tips-for-a-successful-sale/.

The post How To Choose Your Property Stylist appeared first on Designs to Inspire.

1. Today I want to be.. Decide on the look and feel for your event

Pictured: (Top to bottom) Designs to Inspire Coastal Styling and Oz Design Furniture as seen in Home Beautiful, https://www.instagram.com/homebeautiful.

The look of your table should complement the style of your home. Think about the mood you want to create for your fabulous get together-

– Coastal and laid back: Think pale colours, linens, rattan and washed timber for a coastal look

– Lux and classy: A touch of shimmer and shine like gold cutlery

– Monochrome and hip: Go for modern black candelabras for some drama!

2. Add layers to your table settings- Place mats, napkins, boards, dinner plates, side plates and more

Pictured: Designs to Inspire Rustic Styling

The more layers, the merrier!

For a different take on your traditional placemat, check out Provincial Home Living Kriss Paper Placemat. Set with colouring pencils for some fun at the table, http://www.provincialhomeliving.com.au/christmas/set-the-christmas-table/paper-placemat-4011.

If you’re unsure of how to set out the cutlery and piles of plates, see how with this video from https://www.brosa.com.au/blog/how-to-set-a-table-guide.

3. Create your centerpiece

Pictured: Designs to Inspire Styling

This can be as simple as using:

– 1 board or tray with a stack of crockery for a casual get-together

– 2 candelabras create symmetry for a formal dinner

– 3 vases with flowers or ornaments for a more eclectic look

Check out these 7 Tips from Ash Bailey from The Byrd Collective for Creating Beautiful Flower Arrangements at Home, http://www.hgtv.com/design/make-and-celebrate/entertaining/7-tips-for-creating-beautiful-flower-arrangements-at-home-pictures

4. Add personality

Get creative with finishing touches to add more character to your table

– Greenery from your garden or fruit is a great way to add interest and colour to your table!

– Personalise your table setting with chalkboard signs or wine markers to write guests names on glasses, https://www.house.com.au/cellar-glass-marker-pens-2-pack

Pictured: Designs to Inspire Styling

5. Repeat

Pictured: Designs to Inspire Styling

Repeat the pattern – everything in rows looks pretty and plentiful!

Final words

Lastly, make sure you prepare as much as can in advance to make enjoy every moment your time with family and friends.

Oh, and if you want to extend your style to the rest of your home, why not style your console to create that wow moment your guests arrive into your home! Check out our blog, https://www.designstoinspire.com.au/consoles-5-steps-style-perfectly/

Here’s to a summer of fun!

Happy styling,

The DTI team x

The post Table Settings – 5 Steps To A Stylish Soiree appeared first on Designs to Inspire.

After enjoying the most blissful summer holiday in Europe and the UAE (sorry, I don’t mean to rub it in), I was both overjoyed and underwhelmed with many hotel rooms. And why is that? It all came down to one reason. Poor decision making and not a lack of money. So here are the top 5 style lessons learnt from my holiday vacay that you can apply to your own home.

Top interior design tips – what hotel interior design can teach us

Style Lesson 1 – Monochrome magic

There’s a certain feeling a monochrome room evokes. A sense of restrained drama,
class and timeless style.

Remember going without colour means you need to add interest. To do this, try mixing styles of furniture, adding patterns and contrasting fabric types. Here this Lebanese restaurant in the UAE nails the look with patterned tiles and hanging pendants in contrasting yet harmonious shapes. And the best part, the food was amazing!

Image: Ayamna Restaurant, UAE

Style Lesson 2 – The journey makes the destination sweeter

Led across floating slabs of stone and down a dimly lit passage, I entered the most amazing foyer at ShuiQi Spa. Transported away with this visual?

Image: ShuiQi Spa, UAE

While water passages may not be pragmatic for your home, you can leverage elements of this design. Here I’ve used paving with aggregate to a similar effect, which helps guests slow down their steps and take in the surroundings.

Image: Kat Peri Design

Side note. Melbourne’s Vue De Monde is a must for the sensory and culinary experience as you’re lead down dark halls before the dazzling Melbourne skyline views are revealed.

Style Lesson 3 – Never enough storage 

As Shaynna declares on The Block, a lack of storage at face height is a sin. I would have been happy with hip storage in some boutique hotels. This gorgeous angled waterfall vanity is drool-worthy but where do you place your toiletries? Storage is always a must.

Style Lesson 4 -Poor colour choices spoil a room

One of our splurges was to stay at The Atlantis Hotel, which is the size of the Crown Casino and with a price tag to match. Unfortunately the riot of bright colours let this luxury hotel down. Despite any theme (think you can guess this one!), downplay your accent colour to add sophistication. You can try the 60:30:10 rule as a guide when planning your home colour scheme.

Image: Atlantis Dubai

Style Lesson 5 – Love luxury fittings

When the fam saw this amazing shower we immediately said, we need one! If you can splurge on luxury fittings for your bathroom, especially those that are pragmatic yet indulgent such as this multiple shower head, you’ll enjoy the indulgence every day.

Image: AD Athens Luxury Rooms and Suites

Holiday Snaps – Enter to win!

Do you have any holiday snaps of a great hotel style you loved?! Share them with us on Instagram @Designstoinspire with the hashtag #style, and we’ll randomly give away 3 of our Designs to Inspire – Home Staging + Interior Design Fragrances “Intrigue” to lucky Australian followers in October to transport your mind to an exotic location.

The post 5 Style Lessons – From Hotels Around The World appeared first on Designs to Inspire.