Minimising clutter and creating clean lines is key to property presentation, says Perth Style Company managing director Sara James.
Camera IconMinimising clutter and creating clean lines is key to property presentation, says Perth Style Company managing director Sara James. Credit: Supplied/SHOT BY THOM

Play to strengths for fast property sale: Perth styling queen

Keren BellosEastern Reporter

STYLING is key to selling homes faster and for more in a tough real estate market, according to a staging expert.

Perth Style Company managing director Sara James, who helps agents and developers including West Coast Eagles midfielder Jack Redden present properties, said seven projects were under offer within 14 days of listing last quarter.

“We style and stage homes for sale in order to create a strong marketing campaign for the home through brilliant visuals and eye-catching concepts,” she said.

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“These days, buyers have seen the entire property online before they see it in reality, so the styling needs to not only entice people to view the photos online, but also attend the home opens in person where our use of props and styling tools then creates that emotional connection.

“Our styled projects measure, on average, 28-32 days on the market therefore it is evident that the styling helped to create a beautiful connection between a homebuyer and the property in a difficult Perth property market.”

Styling queen Sara James.
Camera IconStyling queen Sara James. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Ms James said the interiors of a well-styled property should be simple yet effective.

“Less is more is certainly my mantra,” she said.

“Keeping colours calm and the floor plan minimal are the fundamentals to a beautifully styled space.”

Ms James shared her top tips to set your home apart from the competition.

Spend on your “wow” areas

Perth Style Company has styled this backyard to be a showstopper.
Camera IconPerth Style Company has styled this backyard to be a showstopper. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

If you have a dated kitchen, for example, don’t highlight it. Instead, find another space you can showcase to attract buyers, such as a great alfresco zone or a large back yard with a pool area that’s wonderful for entertaining. Allocate your budget to gardening, cushions and modern outdoor settings to style it for maximum attention.

This courtyard’s modern outdoor setting and greenery combine to entice buyers.
Camera IconThis courtyard’s modern outdoor setting and greenery combine to entice buyers. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Consider your bedrooms

Size matters when it comes to property presentation, so feature big beds where possible.
Camera IconSize matters when it comes to property presentation, so feature big beds where possible. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

If your bedrooms are big and can add value to your sales campaign, use queen beds to accentuate room size. If they’re small, find another area of the home to be the show-stopping conversation point. Also, convert the smallest bedroom into a study. If there is a small bedroom at the front of the home, transform it into a home office.

Create family areas

Zones are key to Ms James’ styling strategy.
Camera IconZones are key to Ms James’ styling strategy. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Creating “zones” is an easy and effective way to showcase a family home. Multiple TV areas or living spaces demonstrate to growing families that the home has longevity, with an array of areas for kids to play or even a quiet spot for parents to relax.

Another living area for buyers to talk about.
Camera IconAnother living area for buyers to talk about. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Reduce clutter

Living with less maximises lock-and-leave appeal.
Camera IconLiving with less maximises lock-and-leave appeal. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

If your home is on the lock-and-leave scale, emphasise it is easy care by minimising clutter and creating clean sleek lines.