Making a seasonal impression: How to style your Canberra home for sale this Autumn

There’s an old saying that suggests you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.

That can certainly hold true as far as on-market properties are concerned.

Emma Baker of inStyle Estate Agents says sellers need to be aware that all-important first sighting often happens online.

“Most buyers check out properties of interest on popular websites before deciding on inspections,” she says.

“That makes it even more important to ensure a home is effectively styled and professionally photographed.”

Baker says it’s essential that homes are presented to appeal to the widest possible audience, and care should be taken to limit highly personal touches.

“Buyers have to be able to imagine how they can integrate their own style,” she says.

“If you’re styling yourself, get an objective opinion from your agent or a trusted family member or friend.”

Karen Wheelwright of Sold On Styling says sellers considering presenting those first impressions in autumn should bear in mind a seasonal fashion for warmer tones.

“It’s a beautiful time in Canberra with clear skies, mild weather and our trees are putting on an incredible show of colours – gold, russet, ochre, orange and crimson,” she says.

“In terms of trends, natural, earthy tones are in through soft, warm and comforting tones and textures.”

Wheelwright says it’s time to bring those autumn hues inside. A vase of autumn-coloured flowers or some beautiful branches of leaves. Think cosy knit throws and textured cushions in autumn hues.

• Style. Those all-important first impressions are created online through professional photography that captures your home in literally the best possible light. That demands the home is also styled to be picture perfect.
• Maintain. It’s that time of the year when the leaves are falling – and you need to be on top of raking them up to present that low-maintenance impression. Maximise your kerb appeal.
• On trend. This season’s fashion colours have fallen into line with glorious autumn hues. Shades of brown, stone, oranges and reds are making their presence in soft furnishings, including throws, rugs and cushions.

Check out our top pick of styled homes for sale:

Farrer

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There’s nothing quite like a brand-spanking-new home and here’s one that’s packed to the gunnels with sought-after features.

This Farrer Home by Benchmark Projects delivers nearly 324 square metres over two levels under roof, complemented by low-maintenance landscaping that backs onto a nature reserve.

Interior highlights include soaring ceilings, large picture windows and several skylights that draw in an abundance of natural light.

Entry leads into the lower floor where a fourth bedroom enjoys a kitchenette, en suite and a walk-in wardrobe.

This offers the opportunity for, perhaps, a teenage retreat or even a home office. There’s a study nook under the staircase to the upper living level.

Upstairs is where you will find a large family room that flows on engineered oak timber floors toward the central kitchen-dining and living area.

The kitchen features 20-millimetre thick quartz benchtops, a double drawer dishwasher, two Smeg ovens and an induction cooktop – plus a Vintec 35-bottle wine fridge.

And the modern home necessity; a walk-in butler’s pantry.

This living area seamlessly flows onto an al fresco terrace that captures a northern aspect with bushland views.

Three further bedrooms are on this level, including a main with en suite, walk-in wardrobe and access to a balcony. A two-way main bathroom features high-end fixtures with a bath.

There’s an oversized double lock up garage that offers plenty of storage space and internal access.

Price guide: $1.55 million +

Private sale

Agent: inStyle Estate Agents, Emma Baker 0415 533 483

Or try these:

Griffith

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Price guide: $550,000 – $590,000

Private sale

Agent: Belle Property Canberra, Amy Wilson 0405 130 332

Garran

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Price guide: $1.8 million +

Auction: 6pm, April 22

Agent: Luton Properties Manuka, Sophie Luton 0410 750 413

Macquarie

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Price guide: $250,000 +

Private sale

Agent: Edge Sam Buchanan, Sam Buchanan 0402 838 949