Decor items that instantly cheapen a home for sale

Few real estate agents (and house hunters) can argue the impact a well-styled home has on boosting a property’s value.

While not every seller has the budget to hire a professional stylist, removing just a few dated items can sometimes make all the difference.

Director of The Real Estate Stylist Sara Chamberlain reveals common home items to ditch when styling for sale.

Silver

Update your silver stools to wooden or even a Tolix stool to freshen your home’s look.

Silver-based furniture is a fast-track way to cheapen any home’s styling. This includes hydraulic stools with vinyl cushions often seen in newly renovated kitchens.

“The silver base on these stools will immediately date your home and ruin the new investment you made with updating your kitchen,” Chamberlain says.

“Update with a simple wooden stool or even a replica Tolix in your colour choice – a great option for industrial vibe or casual spaces.”

When updating furniture and fixtures, opt for warmer metals such as bronze and copper.

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Black leather

Black leather screams bachelor pad, according to Chamberlain.

While a black lounge may be godsend for homeowners keen to disguise mess, when it comes to selling, it’s best to hire a replacement.

“Black leather sofas are impossible to style with,” Chamberlain says.

“Black will always scream bachelor pad and no cushion suits a black leather modular.”

Avoid shiny finishes and look for classic, neutral shades such as charcoal or navy.

Budget homewares

Red, yellow and teal vases are too bright for current interior trends. Change them for something from a softer palette. Photo: Stocksy

Homewares on sale at big retail stores such as plastic cups, wire door mats, wooden “welcome home” signs and daggy vases are best left on the store shelves.

“Vases are an essential styling product but holding onto outdated colours and shapes can ruin any other updates you invest in elsewhere. For example, teal, red and yellow are too primary for current trends and will pop out in any interior,” Chamberlain says.

If your children are still at the age where plastic cups are a necessity, make sure the colour is in keeping with overall styling.

“You would be surprised how often you will see that lime plastic cup ruining your interiors now.”

While you’re at it, replace the letterbox to something fashionable that will also help potential buyers recognise the home.

“A pop of colour or something smart that reflects the pride you have in your home speaks wonders,” Chamberlain says.

Red

Red will make a comeback, but for now sellers should swap out red decor when prepping to sell. Photo: Mike Baker

The desirability of all home decor is subject to changing trends. With that in mind, it’s best to steer clear of bold, contentious colours such as red when styling for sale.

“Red will make a comeback … but at the moment it’s very hard to work with. It dates the space and demands attention,” Chamberlain says.

“It contrasts too much against trend neutrals such as grey and navy.”

Red-based wood furniture such as old desks, dining chairs, side tables should be the first thing to go.

For those desperate to hold on to a red lounge or curtains, you may be able to get away with in warmer shades.

“As a rule, orange-based reds are currently dated and warmer reds (think raspberry velvet) are best,” Chamberlain says.

Personal photos

Removing personal photos from your home during the sales campaign will help buyers better envisage themselves in the home.

Personal photos should be kept to a minimum to help prospective buyers envision themselves in a home.

“Especially the style where everyone is wearing the same colour shirt. These will distract buyers and create a sense of outdated style in the mind of the buyer. You would be surprised what they remember,” Chamberlain says.

Remember, it’s the little things that count. Chamberlain has seen buyers won over by even the smallest decor items.

“We have had buyers love a space and want to buy based on a coloured kettle. We didn’t have the heart to tell them the kettle was sold separately.”