If you’ve finally found that luxury home you’ve sought after for years, or maybe you’ve outgrown your current space, it’s time to get your property ready for the market. Most buyers in the upper-scale real estate market seek spaces that are modern and move-in ready. However, you also want a semi-blank canvas for them to add their own personal touches.
When home staging is done well, it can increase the value of your home by up to 10%. This is an additional £50,000 for a £500,000 home. To give you some inspiration, we discuss some high-end tips to help you stage your property to find a buyer willing to pay the maximum price.
Create sensory ambience throughout the home
While visual appeal should be a priority, you need to engage all the senses of whoever visits your property. Easily elevate your project through fragrances that promote relaxation and ensure a memorable experience. Scents should consist of clean, comforting scents such as citrus or woody aromas rather than something too heavy. Create this atmosphere by placing lit scented candles in the main living areas. For lasting fragrance, use reed diffusers in bathrooms and hallways, and plug-in diffusers in reception rooms or conservatories.
Maximise the natural light of your home using strategically placed mirrors directly opposite your windows. This will reflect light around the home, brightening even the darkest of corners and the dullest of walls. Swap out any existing bulbs from your lights for warm-toned LEDs. Ensure there is layered lighting through the use of tripod lamps, dimmable spotlights, accent lighting, under-cabinet lighting, and table lamps. Aim for between 5 and 7 sources of lighting per room for the best depth.
Mask any external noise from outside or neighbours by using soft instrumental music or nature sounds. Additionally, appeal to gustatory senses through placing refreshments on countertops, such as bowls of fresh fruit or branded snacks. Indoor plants are also a great way of making rooms feel more zen, particularly Fiddle-Leaf Fig, Philodendron Birkin, and Kentia Palm.
Ensure each room has its own purpose
It’s common for homeowners to use rooms for several uses, whether this is a spare bedroom as an office space or a conservatory as a washroom. However, it’s key when staging to revert all of your rooms to their intended purpose.
This means that if you are listing the property with five bedrooms, buyers must be able to see this during viewings. Also, move around furniture to highlight your open plan space if needed and define the function of both your living room and kitchen.
Tidy the front of the property
First impressions make a big difference in the world of real estate. A home that looks dated from the outside can often indicate the inside will also be neglected. Improve your kerb appeal by jet washing your front patio and paving, removing any weeds and investing in a few carefully selected flowerpots, painting the frame around your door, and hiding the bins around the corner.
Get in touch with a local window cleaner and have them polish the entire house, if you don’t already. Give fences and gates a quick paint touch-up so they look fresh and welcoming. If you don’t have a green thumb, hire a gardener to mow the lawn and trim back overgrown hedges that block natural light.
Invest in luxury touches
Avoid overdesigning your layout when selling, as buyers need to envision making the space their own. Start by clearing personal items like photos, toiletries, worn rugs, and visible clothing to maximise appeal.
Purchase elegant textiles such as velvet cushions and cashmere throws for your furniture in neutral colours like grey or beige. You should also swap out existing bedding for something plush in neutral or white, almost mirroring a premier hotel room.
Recreate a spa-like atmosphere in your bathrooms using luxury branded items like Rituals bath milk or a Jo Malone candle. Complete the look with fresh white towels, either neatly folded or hung up.
Swap outdated kitchen hardware for brass or chrome handles to elevate the space without a full renovation. Similarly, choosing polished brass or matte black taps adds a premium feel without complex plumbing fixes.
On the walls, keep things classy and simple. Large-scale art pieces are the focal point here, making spaces feel larger and reducing visual clutter. High-end photography works best, particularly artwork of natural landscapes or those with texture. Art frames should be roughly two-thirds the width of the furniture below them. They should also complement existing finishes, like marble or wood.
Prioritise a deep clean of the property
After years of living comfortably in a home, it’s common to find yourself with countless belongings and lots of clutter. High-end home staging only requires custom-made furniture that adds value, like fitted wardrobes or shelving. Complement these with essentials like a plush sofa, solid wood tables, accent chairs, beds, and premium kitchen gadgets. Anything else should be placed into storage.
Once the room is bare, you might notice flaws more easily. Even a few scuffed skirting boards, worn sealant, flaky wall paint, or chipped counters can greatly affect the value of your home. That’s why it’s vital to conduct a thorough deep clean of the property.
Kitchen Area
Start in the kitchen, where the most mess accumulates, making sure the oven looks brand-new. Next, soak the extractor fan filters in detergent to remove grease, then air-dry and reinsert them. Empty your fridge and cabinets and clean everything thoroughly, throwing away anything that isn’t needed.
Bathrooms
Next, move on to the bathroom, removing any built-up limescale on shower heads and taps with industrial-strength cleaning products. Tile grout should be clean or touched up, mirrors polished, and toilets left pristine. Consider new soft-closing seats for an easy yet luxurious touch.
Hallways and Living Spaces
Wipe down all skirting boards and door frames to remove scuffs from daily living. Paint any areas that need a refresh, making sure to protect your carpets or flooring first. Once all of this has been achieved, you can finally focus on your flooring. Hard floors, such as laminate and wood, must be mopped and any stains removed. Steam clean your carpets to remove odours and wear and tear.
Keeping up with maintenance can be tough if you have a large home, a full-time job, or a family. Hiring local cleaners and handymen quickly handles these tasks, letting you focus on what matters most.