Sign In

Register

Forgotten your Password?

Enter your email address below and we'll send instructions and a link to reset your password

Our blog.

Our blog

The latest design trends and tips for styling an open home.

It’s essential to put your best foot forward when selling your property. While you cannot change things like location, size or views, many things are in your control. Small changes, such as styling and organisation, can have an immediate impact. In this blog, we outline some of the latest design trends and tips for styling an open home in 2022.

First things first

It's important to get the basics right before you attempt any on-trend styling. Here are some areas of focus to get you started.

Reimagine what you already have: A tired piece of furniture can be transformed by being moved or used differently or adding an accessory. 

Accessorise: Arrange coffee table books on decluttered shelves, decorate a side table with flowers, drape a throw over the sofa and team it with cushions. Lift a room with vases, plants, collectibles, sculptures, art, candles or decorative bowls. Just don’t go overboard.

Add layers: Layering adds both comfort and dimension to a room. Think cushions, throws, blankets, rugs, and tablecloths. 

Follow the seasons: Layer cushions, throws and rugs in winter; add a vase of fresh spring flowers to a tabletop; hang vibrant silk and crisp linen in the windows in summer; create a cosy atmosphere with autumnal accessories.

Consider the room’s temperature: Cooler colours are relaxing, while warmer colours excite. Think about the kind of space you want to create and how you'll use it. Working out the function of a space will inspire colour combinations.

Put away utilities: If you have an open-plan kitchen and living area, hide away as many utilities as possible. Make sure all the cleaning products are out of sight in the laundry and kitchen. Clutter can dramatically affect the look and feel of a space.

Add greenery: House plants not only add freshness and colour, they also produce oxygen to help reduce stress. Adding a house plant or flowers to a space can subconsciously put people at ease and create a feeling of calm. Start small with one or two plants on a side table, or create a focal point with a lefty tree.

Let in light: Light-filled rooms are very appealing to buyers. Maximise natural light by opening curtains and blinds and swap out heavy drapes for lighter fabrics, where necessary.

On-trend styling

Here are some top design trends for 2022, which can be easily incorporated into your open home styling. 

Back to nature: The pandemic has had a big effect on all of us. While many Australians have opted for a sea or tree change, others are bringing the outside in with landscape-inspired interiors. Think ocean blues, bush greens, sunset oranges, and natural stones. A colour palette inspired by nature can be balancing and energising at the same time.

Two-tone paint: A two-tone paint palette is very ‘of the moment’. The idea is to take inspiration from decorative items, such as art or upholstery, and find two shades that work together or contrast. Remember, paint should be a backdrop, not the main event and dark shades should be used below the eye line so that they don’t shrink a space.

Colour of the year: When Pantone announced 17-3938 ‘Very Peri’ as its colour of the year 2022, purple became a desirable choice in interiors. Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, Leatrice Eiseman, explained, “PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri displays a spritely, joyous attitude and dynamic presence that encourages courageous creativity and imaginative expression.”

Sustainable: This one is a no-brainer; it’s cool to care. Sustainable furniture, fabrics and finishings not only look great, they can also create a memorable talking point amongst buyers during inspections. Think biodegradable plant-based leather alternatives; linen, hemp and eco-focused fabrics; coconut hair, and wool and feathers used as an alternative to foam. The options are endless.

Marry modern with traditional: Modern traditional style is very much in. Marrying traditional and contemporary furniture, finishes, materials and fabrics can result in elegant, enduring designs that are both comfortable and classic. Get started by breathing new life into historic pieces and translating them into the 21st-century aesthetic.

The year of the rug: Rugs are big in 2022, with celebrated design names like Bethan Gray, Martin Brudnizki and Ken Fulk all lining up to put their mark on the floor. A statement rug can be a simple and affordable way to lift a space and add warmth and comfort underfoot, especially in the cooler months. 

Curves and rounded edges: Sharp angles are out – in architecture, furnishing and fabric designs. Rounded edges and curvaceous design create a sense of flowing space and freedom. Softening lines in interiors can create a welcoming space.

Your pre-inspection checklist

Regardless of how you are planning to style your property for a sale, there are a number of aspects to consider and check off ahead of any potential buyers inspecting your home:


  • Declutter and depersonalise, remove photographs and valuables
  • Sweep the entrance and outside areas, weed the garden, mow the lawn and shake out doormats
  • Water all plants inside and out
  • Change the water in all vases of flowers
  • Empty all bins
  • Turn on all lights and lamps
  • Open curtains and blinds to let in the most light
  • Scatter cushions on couches and cover any worn or stained patches with throws
  • Style beds with textured throws, cushions and fresh linen
  • Wipe down all showers, baths, bench tops and sinks
  • Flush all toilets and put the seats down
  • Put fresh towels in bathrooms
  • Play soft, ambient music throughout the house
  • If it’s cool, turn on the heater or light the fireplace
  • if it’s warm, switch on the air conditioning.
  • Round up any pets and move them off-site
  • Throw any last-minute mess into a suitcase and take it with you when you leave before the inspection

Our blog features more articles to help you prepare your property for sale and make the most of your open home including winter styling for your open for inspection and five things to consider at quick open for inspections.

For advice and assistance with selling your property and preparing it for sale, please speak to your local Belle Property agent.