Expert advice on how to make a new property feel like home

For the design-conscious, an empty home waiting to be unpacked, filled and styled can put the brakes on any joy surrounding a new purchase.

“By the time you move in you are exhausted,” says interior stylist Lisa Koehler. “It is a feeling of being overwhelmed from making all the decisions on renovating and building, and then having to start the process of furniture selection.”

So how do you make your new home feel less like a place to live and more somewhere to love? Industry insiders show us how.

Take your time

As impatient as you may be to feather your nest, experts advise that you take your time.

“Bring things into your new home that you love,” says architecture director at SJB, Adam Haddow. “Don’t throw out your furniture and replace it all. Live with the space for a while, let it grow on you, and if in the end you need a new couch or painting, hunt it out. You’ll know exactly what you’re looking for.”

Plan and plot

Before making a single purchase, plan the look, feel and purpose of each space.

“Never make decisions based on what is in stock in the showroom,” says Koehler. “Styling a home is about telling your story. Create a mood board so you have a framework to make all your decisions regarding furniture and styling. Then enjoy the process of finding the perfect piece.”

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Mix-it-up

Take your time and make your home an assemblage of objects that reflect you.

“The trick to making a new house feel like a home comes down to the mix,” says stylist Jason Grant. “Collect things over time and take your time – don’t do a one-stop-shop at the one place. Mix styles, genres, new with vintage, high with low. It’s all about creating layers and interest. Most of all, it’s about creating a home with your unique style.”

Interiors director at SJB, Leo Terrando, agrees. “Resist overpopulating the space too quickly. A home will feel like a home when it has been lived in. Take time to build up styling items and curate the space. Collect items along the way from travels, and items that represent memories.”

Big-ticket items first

Once you understand the function of each room and how it will be used, select furniture to suit its needs.

“Purchase your big-ticket items first, like your sofa, and build your furniture story from there. It sets the framework for everything else,” says Koehler.

Before ordering anything, step out the space properly to ensure each piece of furniture fits perfectly.

“A common mistake is ordering the wrong size furniture,” she says. “Measure the room and mark out each new piece of furniture. It’s important to understand the scale of each piece and how it effects the traffic flow of the room.”

Add art

“Artwork is the best way to express personality in a space,” says Terrando. “Choose pieces that reflect your taste and individuality. It will make the property feel like a home.”

If you are new to hanging art, seek out some advice from someone with an eye. There is nothing more distracting than a painting hung too high or a wall gallery that is not well curated.

“A wall gallery should have the flexibility to evolve and change over time,” says stylist Rachael Honner. “It gives a home real personality and lived-in feel.”

Dose of patina

Make a home that feels lived in and loved, rather than a spotless space.

“A house looks better with a bit of patina and emotion under its belt,” says Haddow. “Enjoy the home, play with it, enjoy the light and views.

“Oh, and buy a dog! They make a house feel like home in an instant.”