How I Styled My Small Living Area to Look Bigger

by Nicolene | Mar 4, 2021 | Every day help tools, Indoor Decorating, Our Projects, Property Stylists

How I Styled My Small Living Area to Look Bigger

The key to successfully styling small areas is easier than you think. It comes down to tricking the eye into perceiving more space.

Armed with a handful of property styling and decorating tips and tricks this is how I styled my small living area to look bigger. I optimised the available space and did not skimp on style.

The Challenge

This is a relatively small apartment with a thoroughfare taking up quite a bit of the available floor space to accommodate traffic flow to other areas in the apartment.

The open plan area comprises the living, dining and kitchen area which meant these areas where to be taken into consideration when decorating.

The Walls and Flooring

Fortunately, I had the perfect canvas to work from. The walls were freshly painted in a warm, very light grey (akin to RGB: 208, 205, 201 HEX #D0CDC9) colour and the flooring was of dark brown timber. A striking combination.

How I Made My Small Living Area Look Bigger in 6 Easy Steps

Because of the thoroughfare, the living area was styled to the left of the room.

1. The Rug Defines the Area

Rug of contrasting colour defines the living area

A salt and pepper rug of thick dense pile was used to define the area.

Thick pile dampens sound and presents a luxurious softness and warmth.

Rugs pull furniture together and create a focal point.

The colour of the rug blended well with walls and added contrast and texture to the floor.

2. Nesting Coffee Table

Nesting Coffee Tables are the ultimate space savers

Nesting tables are the ultimate and most versatile space savers. They can be left “nested” together or “pulled” apart for a different look or purpose.

The smaller tables can be used for side tables.

I opt for a round mirror top iron round coffee table set. Mirrors reflect light, make spaces seem larger and more open. They also create an ambience of airiness.

To create an illusion of more space the table was placed further from the chairs more to the right, off-centre.

3. The Sofa

The light grey, low profile two-seater sofa was the perfect fit for this small area.

The wooden walnut-coloured legs of the sofa blended perfectly with the timber floor colouring.

4. The Milan Armchairs

Milan armchairs in Steel Blue velvet fabric and gold metal highlights

No matter how small your space it can still look stylish.

These two impressive Milan armchairs in Steel Blue velvet fabric and gold metal highlights certain did justice.

When styling a small area opt for “leggy” furniture that does not have visual weight. This makes the room appear larger and less full and allowing the eye to see a continuation of the floor under the furniture.

The chairs and sofa were placed about a fist-width and a half from the wall. If placed against the wall it will make the area look “quashed up” – if placed far from the wall, will make the area look smaller.

5. The Finishing Touches

Even the smallest of areas can and must be accessorised.

Adding a few accessories creates a warm, inviting, and welcoming atmosphere.

Accessories bring interest, texture, and diversity into the area.

Create a focal point with accessories.

How to Hang Artwork in Your Living Room – Tips, Tricks and Guidelines – please click here – or enrol for DIY Home Improvement Training Course, please click here

Add a plant real or faux. Plants add visual impact to the area and create a calming effect.

6. Side Table and Lamp

Use a side table and table lamp instead of a floor lamp

Instead of a floor lamp, I chose to use a side table and lamp. In doing so I created a “cosy” reading corner and an additional surface to place items; e.g a book or magazine.

THE END RESULT

Chiripa said “To be informed is to be empowered,”

For more information on how you too can style your living room and our online courses please go to

https://homeimprovementtraining.com/ or email us at

info@homeimprovementtraining.com or call us on (+61) 2 9659 2556.

Without compromising on available space and skimping on style, this is how I made my small living area look bigger.

Tips When Re-arranging Your Furniture

by Nicolene | Feb 18, 2021 | Indoor Decorating, Our Projects, Property Stylists

There is not necessarily the right or wrong way when re-arranging your furniture. Here are some tips when re-arranging your furniture.

Tips When Re-Arranging Your Furniture

“The art of decorating is to create a space that is not just functional, but a space that calms the soul. This process is designed to artfully rearrange and creatively utilise the interior of your home to transform it into a stylish, revitalising and inviting space which reflects your personal style and taste. This includes refreshing and enhancing areas with the understanding of its purpose and function.”

Interior Decorating and Re-arranging your home

Maybe you have just moved into a new place and have no idea what should go where? Or you’ve been in a property for a while but have realised that the overall flow can be improved.

Although re-arranging the furniture of your home is akin to interior decorating, there is not necessarily the right or wrong way when re-arranging your furniture.

However, here are some tips when re-arranging your furniture that can hopefully steer you in the right direction.

1. Highlight the natural focal point with a feature piece

The initial focal point should be the area that you place any feature pieces you may have. Whether it’s a piece of artwork, a sofa, bedframe or feature wall, you’ll want to make sure that it is eye-catching when you enter the room.

Embrace natural light and add lamps to darker areas

Identify the source of natural light and utilise it to the best advantage for a living area.

Identify the darker areas of a room and add table or floor lamps to these areas. If there are downlights in the area, use a light of a higher wattage rating.

NOTE

When using artificial lighting to brighten the darker area in a room, take into account the possibility of shadows being cast over focal areas. For example artwork. Should this happen, move the lamp to another position and use a downlight of lower wattage instead.

Allow for movement of traffic in the area

Consider and allow for movement:

As much as we want the space to look good, it also needs to be functional and practical. Think about where people spend their time in the space and make sure the layout compliments that. You want to ensure that your guests are not just comfortable on the sofa but can also move around easily within the space.

rug identify areas in open plan living areas

Zone areas with the furniture and rugs

It is all about personal choice when it comes to re-arranging your furniture and interior decorating. Some people prefer spaces to feel cosy and others prefer it to be spacious and open.

Whatever your preference, adjust your furniture and rugs accordingly.

If you prefer spacious and open, arrange furniture further apart. Place the sofa against the wall. Style minimalistic – a style that is simple and plain. Use a rug to merely identify the zoning area of the living space. Use neutral colours with a few bold pop colours dotted here and there.

If you prefer cosy, warm and inviting arrange furniture closer together. Place the sofa away from the wall. Use bold and autumn colours. Add throws and decorative cushions as fillers.

5. Keep it balanced

Most of the time when arranging furniture, we have our heads down and analyse the floor space only.

However, it is important to step back and bring your eyes up and make sure the space looks balanced height-wise.

If you have tall objects on one side and short objects on the other side of the room it can feel quite disproportioned.

Keeping things symmetrical is a good starting point.

Re-arranging furniture allows you to easily transform a living area into a new look without having to purchase new items.

Something as simple as placing a side table in another spot, and changing the decorative cushions according to the season, works wonders.

“Decorating is like music. Harmony is what we constantly strive for. At home, we want a peaceful atmosphere where the objects are the notes and nothing is off-key.” Charlotte Moss:”

Our Interior Decorators are masters at re-arranging and styling.

They combine your ideas with their expertise – give them a call…

How to Instantly Boost Your Curb Appeal!

by Nicolene | Feb 4, 2021 | Indoor Decorating, Our Projects, Property Stylists

How to Instantly Boost Your Curb Appeal!

How to Instantly Boost Your Curb Appeal!

Getting the outside of your property ready when selling is as important as getting the inside ready. If not more.

The outside area of your house is the first thing potential buyers see when coming to view your property. You, therefore, have to get the outside right. Buyers reach a decision about your property before reaching the front door.

Make sure your house stands out among the others

Make Sure Your Property Stands Out

For your property to be competitive in the ever-changing market, make sure it is one of the best-looking properties in your street. This does not mean go overboard or spend a lot of money renovating the front façade. Something as simple as giving your trims, gutters, and front door a fresh coat of paint or putting up a picket fence can do the trick.

Your front door must be easy accessible when staging for sale

Access to your front door should be visible!

There is nothing quite as frustrating as having to painfully navigate your way through the overgrowth to find someone’s front door. Most open homes are only scheduled for 30min. It is therefore important to ensure your buyers get into your house as quickly as possible so they can spend most of their time looking at the interior. Ensure that your path and driveway is cleared and that your property looks inviting and welcoming. There should be no confusion as to where the front door is!

Remove any obstacles on the way to your front door!

This is such an easy fix and yet, people still think that having their own cars parked in the driveway, the garden hose sprawled out over the foot pathway or even garden tools lying around like landmines, are acceptable when having an open home. However, not only is it a safety hazard for your buyers, but it is also not visually appealing. It is definitely worth spending extra time decluttering your front garden and making it safe to move up the pathway!

Trim back the unruly Ivy and ferns

There is nothing wrong with a bit of greenery, and in most cases, a beautiful front garden will add value to your property. However, if your walls are overgrown with ivy, it can have the opposite effect on buyers. They might wonder, what is lurking underneath those plants? Or the greenery looks awfully hard to maintain, I’m not sure if it is worth it? These are not the type of questions you want your potential buyers to entertain. If budget permits, get professionals in to give the front of your house a good clean and trim away any negative questions buyers may have.

Pick up loose leaves and branches scattered underneath trees.

No one has time anymore to get the rake out every weekend and gather up all the loose leaves and branches that have fallen down during the week. Therefore, if you have trees in the front yard, ensure they are trimmed back and loose leaves and branches have been picked up before open home. You don’t want potential buyers to be put off by a front yard that looks like it is high maintenance!

How Much Does Property Staging Cost?

by Nicolene | Jan 21, 2021 | Indoor Decorating, Our Projects, Property Stylists

How Much Does Property Staging Cost?

When selling property, it is important to exhibit the property at it’s best advantage for a sale. This is referred to staging the home for sale. Homeowners are advised by Real Estate Agents to have their property staged for sale. The question then asked by the homeowner is How much does property staging cost?

Property Staging is also known as Property Styling.

Meet The Property Stylist

Whether selling the house yourself or through an estate agent you would need to secure the advice and support of a property stylist in preparing your home for sale. The property stylist is a professional who will present (stage) your home in a way that is best, so as to attract the highest price possible.

Let’s Revamp, Property Styling and Decorating, Sydney:

Let’s Revamp the property styling and decorating company in Sydney, winners of 2018, 2019, and 2020 Best of Houzz Service Award, have come up with a brilliant idea. Probably a first in Australia.

A free, styling/staging calculating tool that will save you time and is easy to use

The Instant Tailored Quote Calculator.

How the Calculator Works

Use the Calculator from the comfort of your home

The Calculator can be used from the comfort of your home, during your “five-minute” coffee break at the office, or even whilst commuting on public transport, it is that easy to use.
Enter your postal code (Sydney Metropolitan)
Enter the rooms/area sizes to be styled –
Press calculate.

The advantage of using the calculator enables you to know how much it would cost to stage your house for sale. Secondly, you can always go back to the calculator to make adjustments to the number of areas to be staged to suit your budget. Once completed, further collaboration will take place between you, and the property stylist who will transform your property’s interior into an amazing space, presenting your house for sale in a most appealing way.

Welcome to OUR GALLERY

(https://letsrevamp.com.au/portfolio/)

Please do stay awhile. Browse at your heart’s content. See our amazing styling projects, marvel the beauty of homes we have staged for sale.

Our home styling professionals look forward to assisting you.

Preparing Your Home for Sale in 2021

by Nicolene | Jan 7, 2021 | Indoor Decorating, Our Projects, Property Stylists

How to Prepare Your Home for Sale in 2021

Despite the pandemic of 2020, positive trends are emerging for house prices in 2021.

Deciding on selling your property is not an easy decision to make. However, when preparing for your property for sale gives you an advantage.

Preparing Your Home for Sale in 2021

1. Compare and Price Realistically

How to do your own “comparing”.

Search online (Google) for properties in the market in your area.
Doing your own comparing will give you an idea of the possible sale price you can expect for your home and how long it may remain on the market before being sold.
Compare your property with at least three other properties up for sale or sold in your area. These properties are to have the same attributes as your home i.e. having the same number of bedrooms, bathrooms and square meters. Ideally compared property sizes should not vary more or less than +- 10%.

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2. Be Proactive and Have Your Home Inspected.

Sometimes real estate agents may advise against this. The reason being the buyers will get this done anyway.

However, investing in the costs of a basic inspection before even contacting a real estate agent means you are able to get things fixed beforehand. The advantage of this is:

– By the time your house is ready to go onto the market, all repairs and preparation are done.
– Your house is sale-ready.

3. Avoid Unnecessary Upgrades

Before going down this avenue consult a good real estate agent or property stylist. They know what potential buyers expect from the property in your area.

Without massive expenses a few upgrades that can be done.

– A good clean. This would include windows, the gardens, floor, carpets and chrome taps etc.
– Replace grouting where necessary.
– A new coat of paint will give that “new house” appeal.
– Should you decide to repaint, use neutral colours.

Updating the kitchen and bathrooms yield the highest return on investment.

Old cabinetry can be made to look appealing by simply replacing the doors and handles.

4. Contact a Property Styling Company

Let’s Revamp Property Styling

Property Stylists are recognised as a critical component of the sales team.
The Stylist adds the inspirational appealing WOW factor to your home, using a mix of furniture, artwork and accessories to maximise appeal and space.
The Property Stylist can be consulted right from the start even before you start preparing your home for sale, for advice and input.
A component of property styling would include depersonalizing your property i.e. removing all your personal paraphernalia. This will make it easy for potential buyers to visualize themselves and their personality in your house.

5. Contact a Real Estate Agent

• Find an estate agent that knows the market.
– They can help you price your home competitively for the area you are in.
• Find a reputable agent – word of mouth is often the best recommendation.
• A busy agent may not necessarily mean a good agent.
– Find out how much time they can devote to your property.
• Ask the estate agent about their listings.
– Has the agent sold properties – how many?
– How long were the properties on the market?
– Has the agent got listings but few sales?
• Google search, Compare Agents
• Good real estate agents will recommend professionally styling your property to make it presentable for sale.
• A real estate agent will also ensure that professional photos of your property be taken and posted online.

Staging your Loft-Style Studio Apartment for Sale

by Nicolene | Dec 24, 2020 | Indoor Decorating, Our Projects, Property Stylists

Staging your Loft-Style Studio Apartment for Sale

What this small 35sqm loft-style studio apartment lacked in size it sure made up in the sense of spaciousness. Spaciousness is exactly what you want a prospective client to experience when staging your loft-style studio apartment for sale.

The walls were painted with a matt white dove colour. The flooring had a wood-like appearance and was shades of light grey colour.

1. The Living Area-Space

We staged this tiny living room with a taupe colour two-seater sofa with skinny armrests making the best use of the limited space available. We opted for a single accent chair in the opposite corner. Doing so created a feeling that the area is quite spacious.
A narrow console table was placed along the opposite wall. This could serve both as a study nook and a table at which to dine.

2. Neutral furniture pieces and subtle pops of colour

We kept the colour pallet soft and neutral. Soft splashes of colour were incorporated by adding plants and teal patterned cushions. The lighter colours helped reflect the sunlight streaming in from the kitchen windows. The subtle pops of colour made it still feel playful and vibrant without dominating the space.

3. Opt for smaller throw rugs rather than one large solid rug

We used two smaller rugs (one under the sofa) and a round smaller rug under the accent chair. This created a sense of warmness on the grey toned floors. The reason we opted for two separate rugs was that a solid rug would make the space look smaller.

4. Mirror vs Artwork

Wall art in a tiny space like this one can be tricky. Hanging a featured mirror rather than colourful artwork meant we still created interest on the walls without overpowering the space. Mirrors reflect light and make an area look brighter and roomier.

5. Side table instead of coffee table

There was no space to add a coffee table in the living area. We used a side table instead and placed it next to the sofa. A side table can function as a coffee table or as a small working area for your late-night office work on your laptop.

Thinking of selling your loft-style studio apartment or house. Click on our quote calculator on Let’s Revamp website (button below) to get your FREE Property Styling Quote within 2 minutes.