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.

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

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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.

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.

New Looks – Colour uplifts

Colour continues to uplift, inspire and set the mood in a space. Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2017 is Greenery. It reflects the re connection we seek with nature. A vibrant and cheery green, use it sparingly to add an element of surprise with a pop of colour in cushions, stools and artwork. And the more adventurous, choose green for your lounge.

If this zesty shade of green is not to your liking, there’s many shades to choose from this year. Here are some winning colour combinations for you to create these new looks;

• Team mint green with grey for a sophisticated and relaxed look

• Marry emerald with navy for a lux look. Add accents of gold to make it a standout

• Powder blue and tangerine. Offset the coolness of powder blue with a feisty tangerine for a fresh take on a summer vibe

• And to our delight, purple makes a comeback. Let it rain. It’s opulent, intriguing and the colour of creativity. Out tip; be bold and team purple with blues to enrich its seductiveness.

Feature chairs

It’s even more important to make time for oneself away from our busy lifestyles. To encourage escape, retreat to a cosy chair. Make a statement with the butterfly chair known for its designer look and versatility with removable covers. Our favourites are all black leather with a leather binding which can be softened with a faux fur throw or the classic tan cowhide.

Tactile and raw materials

Raw materials such as linen provide a relaxed elegance and are cooler and lighter for the summer months.

Burnished metals remind us that imperfections can make an item more beautiful as they help tell a story. Say goodbye to rose gold and embrace aged, weathered and beaten surfaces in gold and bronze tones for a timeless allure.

The artisan touch

Fringing and fraying all take us back to a time where homemade crafts were revered and a time of social gathering.

Nature in art

We are enthused to see the range available in artwork from photographic art, abstract prints and hand painted canvases. 2017 will continue to feature water laden abstract colourful artwork in harmonious tones with contrasting accents for a bolder effect.  The equestrian look gets a modern makeover featuring a moodier palette.

2017 – A time for reinvention

We hope to have inspired you with a few new looks you can try in 2017. Our team at Designs to Inspire wish you all the best for the most creative and joyful year.

The post New Looks You Need To Try This New Year appeared first on Designs to Inspire.

2016 Highlights

We have also had some amazing experiences ourselves. Here are some of the reasons why we’re brimming with excitement and even more grateful to do what we love:

• We styled a unique bush land property which will be featured on a new Channel 7 series in the new year
• Filmed three TV segments appearing on Hong Kong’s TVB network on Home Styling and Interior Design
• Awarded as a finalist in the local Whitehorse Business Excellence Awards, with our first entry
• Saw new trends including Tribal and Organic Matter at the Décor + Design fair
• Pleased to support Reverse Art Truck – a resourceful not-for-profit organisation that recycles all sorts of wonderful bits and pieces for schools and groups to use for creative projects
• Heartened to donate furniture to Crossway’s Baptist Church, who help people regardless of ethnicity, religious and socio-economic backgrounds
• Elated to meet Kai Kristiansen, Danish Master designer of the iconic #42 Dining Chair, designed in 1960
• Inspired to hear from colour aficionado and super stylist Julia Green
• Delighted to meet the amazingly talented local artists Antoinette Ferwerda and Christine Minter
• Thrilled that our team and talent has grown to include our amazing Katerina who helps promote the fabulous work the team does and occasionally dabbles on site, plus James who now looks after all admin and non-creative functions.

It’s such an exciting time to be working in our field. We have thoroughly enjoyed incorporating many new designs, colours, textures and products into our work and creating our showpieces.

Looking to 2017

As we look to 2017, are excited to share with you some new developments currently in the pipeline which will add a new dimension to our services. One of our projects involves developing new talent.  Another is heightening the sensory experience for homes. Stay tuned to hear more about this in the New Year!

Also a big thank you to the Estate Agents who work closely with us. We’re happy to be a part of your extended team helping achieve amazing results for our mutual customers.

Lastly, we also wanted to take this opportunity to thank all our wonderful clients who have entrusted us with styling their homes. We are thrilled that we have helped so many people achieve amazing results with their sale.

Most of all, on behalf of all of us, Merry Christmas everyone, and wishing you a fantastic 2017!

The Designs to Inspire team

The post It’s a Wrap – 2016 Highlights! appeared first on Designs to Inspire.

Bring nature in
Breathe life into your home with plants in your living room, kitchen, bedroom or even bathroom and transport yourself to the tropics. To add additional flair, choose a pot with personality. There are many stylish designs, shapes and sizes available with geometric patterns, in a concrete planter or a solid color for a classic look.

Looking for a DIY project? Freshen up a pot with spray paint in your choice of color or create your own fairy or rock garden in a glass terrarium.

Botanical motifs are always in vogue and this year inspired by the Rio Olympics are more widely available. With cushions, artwork and even bedding inspired by nature, there are even more ways you can add a lush look to your home!

Woven baskets are on trend and can be used to store cushions or magazines or act as a plant holder.

Brighten the indoors
Change your winter soft furnishings to brighter colours to instantly lift your mood. Try one of these schemes:

• Greens provide a luscious feel
• Blues are soothing and cooling
• Fresh neutrals are breezy and calming

Remember to continue the colour scheme outdoors to connect the spaces visually:

Enjoy alfresco living
Want to enjoy the outdoors all year around? An Alfresco expands your living space and encourages outdoor entertaining:

Choose versatile furniture that looks equally good inside and out, such as rattan or wicker chairs for a relaxed elegance. Look for Sunbrella fabrics as they are durable and UV, water, and mildew resistant, making them suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

If you want to take your outdoor even further, there are stylish blinds available that allow you to enclose your outdoors.

Set your table with natural style
Summer settings can look great with natives combined with twigs and branches from your garden. Layer with natural textured table runners, placemats, napery, and plates in contrasting textures for interest.

Limited space?
With smaller outdoor spaces such as courtyards or balconies, dwarf potted plants, such as Citrus Meyer ‘Lemonicious’ or cumquats in a topiary offer an ambulance of fruit as well as greenery. Channel your inner Martha Stewart and create your own lovely marmalades and preserves.

Vertical gardens allow you to reach new heights to maximise precious floor space for your outdoors.

Choose water wise plants
Choose water wise plants such as cacti, succulents, Australian natives or Yuccas. In addition to being hardier, they look sculptural and modern. For more information on water-wise plants for your area see ABC Gardening.

Image by Designs to Inspire

Let the summer entertaining begin!

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Home Stagers, Stylists, Interior Designers and the like flock to this annual event that showcases the latest in interior furnishings and products from leading brands nationwide.

Highlights of the show

The show’s exhibitors outdid themselves this year – from huge contemporary art pieces to lush botanical displays – I was feeling completely heady and spoilt for choice.

It was evident that the top trends of 2016/ 2017 forecasted by Victoria Redshaw of leading UK trend forecasting agency Scarlet Opus were featured throughout the show.

As Victoria terms ‘Organic Matter’, wild natural elements are incorporated into the designs.

Indoor plants/foliage and lush green botanical influences on soft furnishing create a nature-inspired space.

Another key trend that stood out was the Tribe. This trend is urbanised by bold images of women and tribes. I would personally not have considered this trend in my designs. However, a few small touches in this style can add warmth and interest to a room. It can also work well with the enduring Scandinavian trend.

Seduction of the Senses

Emerald green and sapphire blue were standout colours of the show and were splashed across the displays in inspiring fashion. I am quite excited about incorporating these rich colours in my designs, and I envisage them in stunning velvets either on the occasional chairs or soft furnishings.

Soft furnishings like cushions and throws are not as embellished nor as bright and bold. Instead, they are neutral and have intricate designs that make these pieces versatile and complimentary of their surroundings. As a nod to the 1970s, macramé wall hangings and fringing on cushions also featured in the designs lending an organic feel to the rooms.

On the other end of the spectrum, the artworks were spectacular – contemporary pieces made of interesting materials like glass, 3D foil, and huge portraits, tribal photographic art and abstract landscapes adorned the rooms. Interesting to note that equestrian artwork still features prominently as it did last year. A unique sculptural piece was actually at the Australian International Furniture Fair (AIFF) held in conjunction with the D+D show. The OFYR, a contemporary outdoor piece, makes a grand statement in a garden as both a sculptural feature and functional barbeque.

Go Forth & Decorate

As a home stager and interior designer, I have seen my fair share of homes that take a key trend and get too carried away. For me, it’s not so much the trend that you should completely replicate, but it is taking the bits and pieces that complement your lifestyle and expresses your personality.

A simple and affordable way to update a room is to replace cushions or soft furnishings with pieces in the current colour trend. A small investment in a decorative piece, wall art or an occasional chair, ottoman or rug can give your home an ‘a la mode’ look without having to break the bank completely. Perchance you have a bigger budget and are able to purchase larger items like sofas, I would recommend investing in versatile pieces in neutral tones versus items that are on trend. This will allow you to evolve continuously with the trends against a neutral backdrop.

I hope you have enjoyed this review of the Décor + Design show and key trends as much as I have enjoyed writing about it.

Until next time,

x Georgia K.

The post Latest Design Trends – An Insider’s View from Décor + Design 2016 (Melbourne) appeared first on Designs to Inspire.

Have you ever wondered just how much return on investment home staging has when you place your property on the market? The NAR (National Association of Realtors) released results to their survey on home staging, and there were some significant findings. Statistics show:

• Professionally styled homes spend an average of 50% less time on the market compared to non-staged homes
• Styled homes sell on average for between 10% and 20% more than self-presented homes
• 81% of buyers find it easier to visualise the property as their future home when it is staged.

I was recently asked by one of my regular and well-respected agents to view and quote a 5-bedroom property in Kew, Victoria.  This property had been for sale for almost 2 months with another agent with no offers coming close to the reserve price.

Meeting with the lovely vendor, I empathised with her situation – the presentation wasn’t bad, but I felt it lacked style and required some edge. I studied the floor plan; working out the best solution for furniture placement – as admittedly the orientation of living zones was tricky. Finding the balance between functionality and sophisticated style was a challenging experience, and I knew the pressure was on to transform this home to reap the maximum desired return for the vendor.

My first aim was to visually expand the living zones by creating a sense of depth and space. Secondly, it was imperative the style of furniture and colour of furnishings appeal to the right target market, in this case, young professional families. As this was a fairly new home with modern features, I designed an aesthetically pleasing interior that offered a mix of classic yet contemporary sophistication that young families could aspire.

The new sales campaign together with Designs to Inspire was off to a great start gaining lots of interest in the first weeks, so much so that 2 weeks before auction day there was an offer for $50,000 above the reserve price and the property was sold.

This gave me a satisfaction beyond belief and was far more rewarding than any monetary amount.  This is the driving force behind every project and illustrates the power of home staging.

Until next time, G x

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