I’m a property expert – 10 crimes making your home look dated and why your lighting is a no-no for a start
WHEN it comes to your home, first impressions really do count.
Guests and potential buyers make judgements as soon as they see it – and some of your decor design choices could be huge turn-offs.
Liv Conlon is CEO of ThePropertyStagers and has been improving properties to help owners sell for almost a decade.
Here, the interior design expert tells Leo Roberts the ten trends that are dating your home – and offers simple solutions to bring your space bang up to date.
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES
NOTHING screams a lack of originality like a framed “Live, Laugh, Love” sign in mismatching fonts.
However sweet, this look is completly overdone and appears cheap, not chic.
Classic movie posters or abstract prints are affordable and more stylish.
Source your print, then buy a cheap frame – IKEA has black ones from 50p.
You could upcycle one with gold spray paint to add luxury. B&Q paint costs from £7.
CARPET IN BATHROOM
YOU may have thought it was confined to the last century, but surprisingly, some bathroom and toilet floors are still carpeted.
This outdated practice is only for those committed to creating a permanent home for mould and mildew.
Yuck!
Replace any carpet in areas where you wash with a stylish mat placed as far from the toilet as possible.
This practical grey one, £5 at Tesco, is a great option.
SIZE MATTERS
KEEPING things in proportion is important.
If a room is small, adding large furniture can backfire.
While a little sofa in a big living room will make the space feel sparse, a massive sectional sofa in a small lounge will dominate and make the room feel claustrophobic.
To create a sense of roominess, choose one with legs as you can see more of the floor underneath it, or a low-level one for a cosy vibe.
A sofa should never occupy the entire length of a wall – leave at least 18 inches at either end.
This white Boucle sofa from Debenhams, £229.99, will make a space look more roomy.
GALLERY WALLS
THIS became a trend a few years ago, but not any more.
Hanging everything on one wall looks more cluttered and chaotic than cool and classy.
It’s also a sure-fire way to overwhelm the space.
Opt for large-scale prints, oversize paintings or pick two images that go well together and frame them.
This A2 frame, £10 at Asda, is very stylish.
THE BIG LIGHT
THAT large, central light (whether pendant or spotlight) is a huge no-no.
I personally take the bulbs out of any overhead lights in my home so that nobody can turn them on.
To create an inviting atmosphere, opt for a statement lamp in the master bedroom, and lighting to illuminate key areas in kitchens.
This Grey Tripod Floor Lamp, £25, Asda, is fab for living rooms.
SMALL ISN’T BEAUTIFUL
A ROOM full of small accessories can look cluttered and distract potential buyers from looking at the space properly.
Create impact and focal points with oversized artwork, lamps, vases, photo frames and mirrors, which give an impression of space.
For example, I love this Mirrormaison.co.uk Arkivo mirror, £89.
SAD, SAGGY CUSHIONS
MY pet hate is cushions placed on their corners (especially when lined up in a row), or poorly stuffed ones that lie limply on the sofa.
And don’t get me started on excessive cushion use.
When did our couches turn into adult-sized ball pits?
We don’t need 18 cushions to sit comfortably!
Luckily, when styled correctly, they are a brilliant addition for adding a pop of colour as well as the perception of a bit of luxury to a sofa or living room chair.
Invest in new cushion pads to give yours a more plush, luxurious look.
Absolute Home Textiles has affordable, well-rated pads from only £2.88.
LEATHER SOFAS
THERE is nothing worse than a living room dominated by an oversized leather sofa.
This is especially true if it’s showing signs of its age, is squeaky when you sit down and smells musty.
If you really can’t bear to part with it, glam it up with some brand new cushions – silk or velvet ones will add a touch of luxury.
You could use a specialist cleaning product to spruce up, nourish and condition the leather on your sofa, too.
This one, which is just £2.15 at Tesco, should do the trick.
STATEMENT WALLPAPER
SAY farewell to the “feature wall”.
This trend where one side of the room screams “Look at me!” is outdated.
The modern way is for all the walls in a room to match, even if that means sharing a very bold wallpaper choice.
This stylish Arthouse luxe hexagon navy-gold paper is £6 a roll at B&Q.
CLUTTER CHAOS
POTENTIAL buyers are said to form an opinion of your home within ten seconds of arrival, yet the hallway or porch is often the most overlooked area of a house.
Invest in a new doormat and ditch coats and shoes that have not been worn for months.
The less clutter you have, the bigger the area will look.
This herringbone doormat with a jute border, £6.30, Dunelm, will add class.