Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Decorating

5 clever tricks property stylists use to pull the wool over your eyes

Don't fall for these. - by Livia Gamble
  • 13 Jul 2022

First impressions are everything, especially when buying a house.

Watch: How to style a coffee table

Properly stylists have one job: to make you feel like you could live in the home you’re looking at - and fast. 

You might not know it, but in the few minutes you have to inspect a property, many things will be at play to make the place more appealing to you. 

Michelle May is the Principal of Michelle May Buyers Agents and Host of Buy Your Side. She says she still feels the emotional pull created by impeccable styling. 

Here are her top tips on some of the most common tricks to look out for.

property styling tips
Getty

5 clever tricks property stylists use

1. Removing the curtains

Have you ever looked at a house and wondered why there aren’t any curtains? It has nothing to do with them being daggy and outdated and everything to do with making the room seem bigger and brighter. Don’t be fooled by this trick. Another thing to consider when buying a home without curtains is that you will need to purchase them at some stage, which can be pricey. 

2. Turning the lights on

Not only is it a waste of money, but turning every light on in the house is a great way to make you feel like natural light is abundant in the home or apartment. Before you sign on the dotted line, do yourself a favour and turn the ceiling lights off while inspecting the property. The illumination might not be as it seems. 

property styling tricks
Getty

3. Swapping out furniture for smaller pieces

People will go to great lengths to get a reasonable price for their home, including swapping out their furniture for something smaller. Think practically about your furniture, whether it will fit, and if you would be happy to downsize your belongings if needed. 

4. Playing music

The right music can evoke all the feels and hide everyday annoyances, like a barking dog or noisy traffic. If there’s music playing, take a moment to listen a little closer for any noise disturbance. 

5. Putting items into storage

Removing clutter and pieces of furniture the owners can live without for a few weeks is worth the cost of storage to make the space feel clean and open. Make a mental note of the furniture and appliances in the property and ask yourself what’s missing? What else do you need to fit in the area besides what’s already there?

You may also like:

7 telling signs you’re drawn to a coastal theme

The ultimate guide to styling living room decor

Livia Gamble
Based in Newcastle, Livia Gamble will not sleep until she has discovered every possible way to use bi-carb soda and vinegar. When she isn’t reporting on ways to improve your home and garden, she can be found knitting socks (by choice) and will never say no to pizza.

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Recommended to you

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

Amazing homes: The Coogee castle

Amazing homes: The Coogee castle

Before and after: Adam and Melissa's courtyard makeover

Before and after: Adam and Melissa's courtyard makeover

Johanna visits Broger's End

Johanna visits Broger's End

Amazing home: Kallista log house

Amazing home: Kallista log house

{headline}

{headline}

Johanna visits Lyon Housemuseum

Johanna visits Lyon Housemuseum

5 tips that will help you buy your first property sooner

5 tips that will help you buy your first property sooner

Live off the grid with these shipping container home designs

Live off the grid with these shipping container home designs

{headline}

{headline}

5 easy ways to pay off your mortgage faster

5 easy ways to pay off your mortgage faster

5 legal ways to reduce your capital gains tax on investment property

5 legal ways to reduce your capital gains tax on investment property

The 3 most popular decorating styles for 2021

The 3 most popular decorating styles for 2021

Johanna and Pete visit Bismarck House in Bondi

Johanna and Pete visit Bismarck House in Bondi

Johanna and Charlie visit the Oye Mi Canto House

Johanna and Charlie visit the Oye Mi Canto House

Johanna visits Layne Beachley and Kirk Pengilly at home

Johanna visits Layne Beachley and Kirk Pengilly at home

Johanna and Pete visit an amazing beach hideaway

Johanna and Pete visit an amazing beach hideaway

Bhg
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Bhg Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • All Recipes
  • BHG Shop
  • Girlfriend
  • Home Beautiful
  • New Idea
  • New Idea Food
  • Practical Parenting

Our Network

  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • Who
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • That’s Life
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Better Homes and Gardens

Magazine Subscription Offer

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Shop This Offer
Treat yourself to a subscription