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Bland versus ‘trashy’: Avoid a decor disaster when selling

22nd July 2014 Print

We've all heard property experts talk about a ‘neutral decor’ being more appealing to potential buyers – but could plain walls, beige carpets and a lack of personal touches be detrimental to the sale of your home?

Viewers will want to be able to imagine themselves, along with their belongings, furniture and sense of style, at home in your property.

It’s easy to assume that offering a blank canvas will give potential buyers the opportunity to envisage themselves happily settled in.

But a lack of homeliness can make a property feel unloved and empty. The exact opposite of what most buyers will want to feel when they enter their future home!

It’s all about getting the balance right – say estate agents, Harrison Murray, who share tips on getting the appearance of your home perfect for viewings – and give some food for thought when it come to a spot of summer DIY or property mini makeover.

Su Snaith, head of estate agency for Harrison Murray and The Nottingham, says: “We all know that making your home clean and inviting for viewers will increase the prospects of a sale – but when it comes to the decor and the appearance of your home, it can be tricky to get the balance right between overly-personalised and cluttered through to bland and unwelcoming.

“Those looking to sell will need to look at their property from a prospective buyers point-of-view, which can be difficult especially if you’ve lived in the same home for many years.”

Start by de-cluttering your property and simplifying the decor:

Remember that what one person loves, another will hate. Pack away any outlandish artwork, furniture or furnishings ahead of viewings – that way, they’re ready for when you move but won’t obstruct viewers imagining their own personal touches being in place.

Do a bit of DIY and replace any statement wallpaper with more subtle paint. Choose a single colour for each room.

If your kitchen or bathroom has carpet, change them to hard flooring. It’s often a pet hate of homeowners and prospective buyers to see carpet in these two areas of a home.

Make the most of natural light by simply pulling curtains back well and cleaning windows. If curtains and blinds are looking a bit old, send them to the dry cleaners or invest in a new set that are in keeping with your new, muted colour scheme.

When you’ve made your home feel open, spacious and light, it’s time to add a few hints of character and personality. It’s these points that will make your property feel welcoming to viewers.

Don’t go overboard with patterned furnishings. A whole sofa in a bright pattern may be a little much, but a few brightly coloured cushions on plain sofas will add a bit of life.

Opt for one accent colour per room, and then base your furnishings for that room on that colour.

Are there any big blank spaces in your property? This is an important point to remember, because you don’t want your property to feel empty. Consider filling any blank floor space with a rug that matches your colour scheme or place some flowers in the centre of large tables to break up the space.