Dressed for success: How to style your open home in Canberra

Homeowners will need to match the bounce of the season and spring into action if they want to sell their properties.

Home-staging specialists Melinda Jamieson and Suzy Piani of Sold On Styling say presentation can make the difference between success and disappointment.

Jamieson’s first step is a big de-clutter.”Some rigorous editing is likely, but not to the point of sterility; your home still needs to reflect your personality,” she says.

“Store the heavy throws and quilts and go for lighter accessories with texture.”

Jamieson is a big fan of quality artworks that can bring interest and personality to rooms.

“Look to a professional to help you to hang your artwork in the most effective way,” she says. “It makes an enormous difference when you connect artwork to other furnishings in a room.”

Piani recommends a close look at the state of painted walls, windows and door frames.

“A lick of paint instantly refreshes a home,” she explains.

“Look at the home features to help decide colour. White is often regarded as a safe choice.”

Piani recommends Dulux Mount Buller – PN2F3 – for walls and Dulux Natural White for trims. She also urges homeowners to consider an injection of vibrant colour through fabrics, cushions, throws and rugs.

“Trending colours include earthy tones with an exciting punch of magenta or hot pink,” she says.

“Then there are greens, like sage, earthy saturated reds and mustard, and majestic purple and blues.”

And add plants, plants and more plants.

Spring clean

• Declutter. if you’re preparing to sell, it’s time to carry out some serious home editing. Critically assess room by room. What needs to stay to provide context and personality? Store – or bin – the rest.
• Colour. There’s nothing like a fresh lick of paint to brighten up a home. Whites or neutrals are still popular, but an occasional pop of colour can add extra zest and appeal.
• Fabric. Colour can also be introduced into a neutral background through careful selection of accessories including cushions, throws, rugs and window treatments. Consider the room as a whole and carefully balance your selections.

Top pick of homes for sale on the market right now:

GOULBURN

15 ABBEY ROAD

Price guide: $2.2 million-$2.4 million

This is arguably one of the best homes in Goulburn and could better be described as a country manor on nearly a hectare of extensively landscaped grounds: 15 Abbey Road fuses heritage-inspired style with the highest standards of contemporary living from an elevated position in an exclusive cul-de-sac.

It’s a home for all seasons and one that embraces the concept of resort-style living, highlighted by a solar-heated pool, gas-heated spa and a championship-sized tennis court.

Inside, the residence is drenched in natural light while a flowing floor plan emphasising its grand proportions.

The entry leads into a spacious foyer and on to formal living and dining rooms highlighted by timber flooring and other federation style features.

Further inclusions are a large reception room or (gym), media room, rumpus and study.

The luxe gourmet kitchen with butler’s pantry will appeal to the home chef with a mother of pearl splashback, huge island bench with 40-millimetre Caesarstone top, two double-drawer dishwashers, and a five-gas cooktop and 900-millimetre oven.

There are five generous bedrooms. The master has a spa ensuite and a large walk-in-robe.

The home features two further bathrooms and extensive storage.

Outside, the entertaining options are endless with deep wrap-around verandahs. Guests will enjoy the pool house that comes self-contained with a kitchenette, bathroom and bedroom.

There is garaging for five vehicles with rear lane access.

Tenders close: September 13

Agent: Maria Selleck Properties, Maria Selleck 0417 258 803

Or try these:

AINSLIE

1 CAMPBELL STREET

Price guide: $900,000

3 bed 2 bath 2 parking

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YARRALUMLA

89 SCHLICH STREET

Allhomes Sep 8 – Or try these

Price guide: $2.399 million

5 bed 3 bath 2 parking

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FARRER

144 HAWKESBURY CRESCENT

 

Price guide: $1.345 million

4 bed 3 bath 3 parking