By Lucy Marshall
Selling ahouse isn't any easy task in the highly competitive market - and when someone is spending a fortune on a property, perfection is expected to win them over.
But if you are moving to the house of your dreams or choosing to downsize, the last thing you need is the added expense of buying new furniture or decorations to jazz up your home for selling. But one expert says there are a number of ways you can significantly improve the look of your house - ready for the market and without having to spend a fortune.
Having been staging properties for more than a decade, expert Liv Conlon is the go-to person for tips and tricks when it comes to making your house look more expensive on a budget. The seven-figure entrepreneur from Glasgow, who lives in Marbella, Spain, furnishes more than 300 homes a year to make them more appealing to potential buyers.
"Whether you're entertaining guests or preparing to sell your home, creating an expensive look has never been more achievable," the 25-year-old said.
Mum-of-one Liv is the CEO of ThePropertyStagers says some easy changes to your home could help sellers achieve offers above the asking price. She said: "By implementing these tried and tested tips and tricks, which have certainly worked on the properties I have staged over the past few years, you can transform your home into a stylish sanctuary that exudes luxury and sophistication, all the while staying within your budget."
Liv said one of the most important rooms in a house is the living room. She said: "If you're looking to sell your property, and want to get the best price possible, be mindful that buyers focus heavily on their living space when it comes to making a decision on choosing their next or first property.
"The skill when it comes to style and design is to make your living room feel as spacious as possible without allowing it to feel empty or soulless." She says it is key to make the space inviting and cosy, and using accessories really helps make an impact.
The expert added: "When it comes to dressing your room, think big - you really want these soft furnishings to make an impact while oozing luxury. Instead of tiny, cluttered accessories, consider choosing oversized lamps to place onto side tables, and think along the same lines for accessories such as candle sticks, glass vases and photo frames."
She also says incorporating accents in gold into your decor, will add a touch of glamour and elegance to any space. But before heading out to buy gold paint, instead look to bring in hints of this shiny hue by incorporating gold-finished accessories, such as picture frames, mirrors, or decorative objects, to elevate the sophistication of your living room. Liv also said prints can have a similar effect.
She advises accessorising your sofa or chairs with feather cushions. "This will give them a more plush and luxurious look," she explained.
As we all know, the kitchen is often at the heart of the home; it's the hub of all activity and conversation for most families and guests. Often, the kitchen needs to be many things - not just where meals are prepared and cooked and then eaten. Today, modern kitchens can also be our living rooms, a play room, a homework or work-from-home area, as well as where we socialise when friends or family come round.
The property expert says you can maximise the space by opting for open shelving instead of traditional upper cabinets - as well as saving money by using this design, it also creates an airy and expansive feel in your kitchen. "This gives you the option to add more style to the kitchen by displaying decorative items, such as glassware and cookbooks, on the shelves to add personality and visual interest to the space," the expert said.
She also advises hiding away any bulky wires from appliances to make the space look neat and tidy.
When it comes to the bedroom you can create an inviting bed by layering multiple textures and fabrics. Use another duvet as a throw to add warmth and depth to your bedding ensemble, and don't skimp on the number of pillows — three cushions at the back of the bed provide a polished and inviting look, Liv added.
She also advises to divide your bedroom into functional zones to maximise space and functionality. She added: "Consider creating a cosy seating area at the bottom of the bed using accent chairs or a chaise lounge, providing a relaxing retreat for reading or lounging."
The bathroom can often be an overlooked room in any home - the secret is to create a warm but luxurious atmosphere and add layers of texture and small luxuries to bring the space to life. Expert Liv says that if you don't want to pay for expensive bath and body products, when you stay in a hotel room it is a good idea to pick up the complimentary toiletries often put out; these can elevate your bathroom.
When adding towels, bath mat and shower curtains in your bathroom, opt for a matching colour scheme throughout, the expert said. "But mix it up with varying textures such as waffle, towel, or jacquard," she suggests. She added: "Consider a floor-standing plant, jute basket of rolled towels or a ladder with more towels to your bathroom to avoid a barren cold feeling when bathing."
Do you have a property story? Get in touch via Lucy.Marshall@reachplc.com.