Edinburgh period properties are always in demand, so do you really need to think about styling your property for prospective buyers? Yes! Styling your property can influence the sale price and it can help you attract more highly-qualified buyers. Follow our eight top tips for styling period property to sell to give your period property an edge or let us help you maximise your property’s potential.
1. Bring your doorstep to life
First impressions count, so make sure your front garden and front door set the tone and wow buyers from the moment they step into your property. Doors painted in red, dark green or navy can add a striking accent to your home. Consider adding shaped conifers or other plants to complete the look. Make sure any pants are well-kept when buyers arrive to reassure them that the entire property is well-looked after.
Don’t worry if you’re stuck for ideas. As period property lovers ourselves, we have helped clients style their front door and have plenty of ideas up our sleeves.
2. Make the most of your entryway
To keep buyers’ interest high, consider adding a must-see feature in your entryway. A piece of original artwork or an enlarged print of Edinburgh’s skyline can draw prospective buyers’ eyes, capture their imagination and set the tone for the rest of the viewing.
The goal is to engage prospective buyers right from the start and pique their interest, so they can’t wait to see the rest of your property.
3. Show off your space
Edinburgh period properties benefit from large rooms and high ceilings. In most cases, they’re far more spacious than modern homes. Allow buyers to get a feel for those spaces by moving or even removing unnecessary furniture.
You’ll allow buyers to imagine the room as their room and understand your home’s full potential with their decor. Place lights to highlight your best spaces.
4. Keep bedrooms neutral
Carefully chosen colours can draw the eye of buyers, but when it comes to bedrooms it’s often better to opt for neutral tones. More subdued colours avoid overwhelming buyers and create a relaxed, restful atmosphere.
Remember when you’re selling, you want to focus on matching potential buyers’ tastes rather than your own. In some cases, that means painting over feature walls to keep bedrooms simple and neutral. Crisp white bedding and freshly pumped pillows, complete with a throw and matching cushions can make your bedrooms look even more inviting.
5. Show off your kitchen and dining spaces
Many of us love to cook or at least leaf through beautiful cookbooks! Create an inspiring or even mouth-watering experience for potential buyers in your kitchen by leaving a cookbook casually open or displaying high-quality cookware. If you like, you can take your preparations a step further by warming bread in the oven and bringing an irresistible smell to your period home.
Don’t forget the dining table. Rather than leaving it empty, why not set the table with your best dinner set? If you’re stuck for time to prepare the full display, let us help or choose a pared-down version of placemats, plates and glasses. Add some flowers and see how these small touches transform your space.
6. Draw attention to your fireplace
Let’s be honest, Edinburgh is prone to having four seasons in one day, and everybody loves to gather around a fireplace. Well-presented fireplaces are definite selling points. If you have a working fireplace, make the most of it by laying a fire and storing a few logs beside it. You could even consider lighting it for viewings.
Alternatively, you could fill the space with pillar candles to recreate the atmosphere of sitting around a fire and give the illusion of warmth for viewings. Remember to pay attention to your mantelpiece as well. A few decorative items or candles can go a long way in drawing buyers’ attention while still allowing them to imagine themselves in the place.
7. Use mirrors to make spaces look bigger
No matter the size of your home, most Edinburgh period properties have a few small spaces. Adding mirrors can create the impression of space and bring light to dark corners. Consider replacing pictures or paintings with mirrors to create a more neutral space. And never underestimate just how much a couple of well-placed mirrors can transform small bathrooms or closet spaces. Mirrors can also make narrow spaces like hallways and landings look wider.
8. Add splashes of colour sparingly
Styling your home with neutral colours is great before viewings. However, there’s a fine line between neutral and bland or even boring. If your period home has crossed that line, it’s time to add splashes of colour. Soft furnishings are perfect for that – add interest with rugs, throws and cushions that draw buyers’ attention to them and give your home a wow factor without being overwhelming.
Final Thoughts
Styling your home for prospective buyers to view can feel a little tricky. Perhaps you’re simply lacking the time? Allow us to help you by styling your home for you and giving it the wow factor it deserves. Get in touch for a chat about how we can help you maximise your period property’s potential. Contact us today!
