Interview with a Property Stylist

Here at #teametchells, we often get asked about new trends, styles, and all things design when discussing the best way to present their home for sale with our vendors.

It can be daunting to some of us that don’t have the ‘eye-for-it’ to know what is going to work, what won’t date, what’s on-trend – and the list goes on… So, we thought the best way to get these answers would be to delve into the mind of a property stylist and who better than our very own Advantage Property Styling. We’ve sourced out some of your most common questions and picked Peter’s brain to determine precisely how a creative thinks. And here it is…

What is the difference between property styling and interior design?

Property styling is the process of preparing the home for a sales campaign. Pieces are selected specifically to attract the attention of potential buyers and appeal to a wide demographic. Special attention is also paid to the layout and size of furniture to showcase the best use of space and improve flow through each living area.
Interior Design is where you are consulting/collaborating with a client to understand their tastes and preferred style and how they would like to live in/use each space within their home.
The designer would then develop a design concept/scheme explicitly tailored to the clients’ needs, incorporating preferred colours, fabrics, furniture styles, etc.
To break down the difference simply, Property Styling is designing a home to sell, and Interior Design is creating a home to live in.

What is the benefit of property styling, and is it worth the cost?

The benefit of property styling is that it helps showcase your property in the best possible light. It can encourage an emotional connection to the space, leading to a higher sale price and potentially a quicker sale. I do believe that property styling is worth the cost. I think that you only get one chance to make a first impression, so why not make it count! As a vendor, you want your listing to sit a head above the rest in a competitive market.

What is your favourite trend right now?

My favourite trend would have to be velvet! I love incorporating it in my schemes at the moment as it brings in a luxurious element. The trend colour that I love right now is rust/burnt orange. This colour is great for styling in the colder months as it feels warm and inviting.

What is the most timeless style in your eyes?

Hamptons. It’s a great look with which you can mix contemporary pieces with older treasured items. Such a layered and sophisticated look too.

How do you get inspired?

I get inspired everywhere! Pinterest, Instagram, design magazines, showrooms, galleries and especially travel.

What is your process of selecting pieces for a space?

Firstly, I think of what style of furniture would complement the look and feel of the space, then I start the selection process based on that whilst considering what particular pieces of furniture within that style would have the right size and scale to fit the space.

What’s on your wish list right now?

New black and rattan dining chairs from McMullin & Co ❤️

What are your top 3 design tips?

1. Choose the correct scale/size of furniture to suit the size of the room.
2. Don’t be so driven by design trends. Good timeless design never goes out of style.
3. Lighting is so important! Make the most of natural light and add different lighting types, i.e., overhead lights, floor lamps, and table lamps. This helps create a cosy ambience.