I’m a millionaire, here’s how to make your home look expensive on a budget – and you’ll get a much higher asking price
HAVING been staging properties for more than a decade, Liv Conlon is the go-to person for tips and tricks when it comes to making your house look more expensive on a budget.
What’s more, seven-figure entrepreneur Liv, 25, originally from Glasgow but who now lives in Marbella, can also give style advice to sellers who are looking to achieve above the asking price.
Mum-of-one Liv is the CEO of ThePropertyStagers which furnishes more than 300 homes a year to make them more appealing to potential buyers. She was crowned Young
As well as advising what to do to your property to make it look better – whether that’s for you or for a potential buyer – bestselling author Liv can also advise on what not to do.
Here, Liv shares her expert advice on everything from how to make your living room feel cosy, to why towels are an important must-have.
Living Room
The living room really is considered the central room of the home. 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 souless.
The ideal vibe you’re looking for is inviting and cosy – as this is what potential buyers will be feeling when relaxing in their next home.
Here are my top tips for achieving this:
Oversized everything:
The mistake most people make when furnishing their home is underestimating the sizes of lamps and accessories that are required to make an impact.
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.
Add a touch of gold:
It’s one of the most symbolically loaded colours, and by incorporating accents in gold into your decor, you will add a touch of glamour and elegance to any space.
Gold has been used for centuries to indicate wealth, status and desire and has long been associated with wealth and status, royalty and nobility. And it’s a colour ThePropertyStagers use when staging properties.
But before heading out to buy gold paint, it doesn’t have to be that obvious. 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 decor.
Prints:
While you might see a piece of art you adore in Vogue, Elle or hanging in your favourite five-hotel, finding the right picture to hang on your walls at home doesn’t have to mean paying through the nose.
But it is essential to dress your rooms, as this will not only make them feel stylish and desirable, but also aspirational.
Instead, look online to source your favourite print – it doesn’t need to be an original – and, so long as you have a decent printer that can do it justice (or you might need to buy one), then print it and purchase an affordable frame – just like I have done in my own lounge.
Feather insert cushions:
Cushions are a brilliant addition for adding a pop of colour as well as a perception of luxury to a sofa or living room chair.
But rather than letting your slumped pillows do the talking, upgrade them by buying feather inserts – this will give them a more plush and luxurious look (oh and you’ll be able to perform the ‘cushion chop’, too!).
Kitchen
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.
Styling your kitchen so it extends beyond functionality is incredibly important to any potential viewer. They must be able to visualise using the area and it serving multiple purposes.
Here is how to maximise the space:
Shelving Rather Than Units:
Opt 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.
Strategically Placed Lighting:
Illuminate key areas of your kitchen with strategically placed lighting fixtures to enhance functionality and ambiance.
Incorporate pendant lights above a kitchen island or sink area, under-cabinet or shelving lighting for task lighting, and recessed lighting for overall illumination.
As you can see from my own kitchen, I have installed both floating shelves and strategically placed lighting under the shelves and pendant lights.
Hide Your Appliances:
While potential buyers need to be able to use their kitchens in a functional way, they don’t want everything to be on show!
Conceal bulky appliances such as microwaves, blenders and toasters to maintain a clean and streamlined look.
Consider integrating appliances into cabinetry or investing in sleek and modern appliances that seamlessly blend into the design scheme.
Bedroom
All bedrooms are important when it comes to selling a house, but spotlighting the master bedroom is key. Potential buyers are going to need to be able to envisage themselves relaxing, getting a good night’s sleep – and they want that while enjoying a splash of luxury too.
Consider the following ways to differentiate the primary bedroom while adding special touches too:
Layer the Bed:
Create a sumptuous and 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.
Seating area at bottom of bed:
Divide your bedroom into functional zones to maximise space and functionality. 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.
Mannequin:
Incorporate a stylish mannequin into your bedroom decor to add a touch of vintage charm and elegance. Use it to display your favourite clothing pieces or accessories, adding personality and visual interest to the room.
Bathtub in bedroom:
Having a bathtub in a bedroom might not seem a budget-friendly idea, but it really can be. It’s a design item that many five-star or boutique hotels opt for, and it really is a wow feature.
This tub cost just £100 at a warehouse clearance. We placed it in the bedroom and it certainly completes the look!
Bathroom
The bathroom can often be an overlooked room in any home, and it’s often left looking bare. The secret to create a warm but luxurious atmosphere in any bathroom is to add layers of texture and small luxuries to bring the space to life. Here’s how to do that:
Hotel toiletries:
Don’t want to pay for expensive bath and body products? Collect hotel toiletries on your travels, these can elevate your bathroom both aesthetically by placing them on countertops and in the shower or both and experientially by using them.
Add Layers and Textures:
When adding towels, bath mat and shower curtains in your bathroom, opt for a matching colour scheme throughout, but mix it up with varying textures such as waffle, towel, or jacquard.
Add Interest through Items:
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.
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.
Whether you’re entertaining guests or preparing to sell your home, creating an expensive look has never been more achievable.
