Interview with Sarah - Director of Nestled Interiors & Qualified Interior Designer
In today's competitive real estate market, the presentation of a property can make all the difference in attracting potential buyers. In order to gain some insight into the world of property styling, we sat down with Sarah - the owner of Nestled Interiors, a Mornington Peninsula based Interior Design & Property Styling studio, to uncover some insider tips and tricks.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got into property styling?
A: For sure! My journey into the world of design probably started when I was a kid - (naive to this until my early 20’s mind you), but I was always rearranging my furniture and redesigning my room. I would often get home from school and find my Mum had rearranged the house and found joy in the way small changes to the home made me feel. It wasn’t until I was around 21 when I was studying a Bachelor of Education (Honours) and realised that wasn’t what I wanted to be doing, that I decided to enroll into a design course and see what happens. For a year or two I worked for the occasional $20 per week for a local stylist whilst interviewing for major Australian building companies such as Metricon, Dennis Family & Carlisle Homes.
Suddenly an opportunity arose where I could purchase the inventory of another local stylist who was changing her career direction - so I did. That was 2018, and I’ve never looked back.
Q: What are some common misconceptions people have about property styling?
A: This is a controversial one, but it’s a common belief that you don’t need a design degree to be a property stylist. This industry isn’t regulated. There’s no frame work, no wage guideline, no laws/legal hoops - nothing.
But once you’re educated on the proper elements and principles of design you’ll be able to see those business who don’t have this knowledge. The scale of objects placed within a vignette, the proportion of furniture to artwork and the complementary colours etc. It makes a MASSIVE difference when you know what you’re doing and this becomes incredibly paramount to doing your job well and providing your client with a professional service. It cost me $13k to complete my studies and I would do it all over again to continue to better my knowledge on the industry and keep upskilling for my clients.
Another common misconception is that property styling is purely about making a space look pretty. While aesthetics are incredibly important, effective property styling goes beyond decoration. It's about creating an emotional connection with buyers, showcasing the lifestyle potential of a property, and ultimately helping it sell faster and for a higher price. But this also means co-ordinating with logistics, managing the right stock for the property, liaising with vendors and agents as well as trades and insurance companies and lawyers and disgruntled siblings. It’s developing a brief which perfectly aligns with a properties target demographic along with the home’s architectural framework and then I suppose you also get to chop some cushions too.
Q: What are some key principles you follow when styling a property for sale?
A: Wow, what a question! Oh my gosh, there’s so many. I guess the most important ones for me are to ensure that I understand the target market for the property. Every property has its unique features and appeals to different demographics so I ensure I ask the agent listing the property when we are at our consultation who the property is likely going to be marketed to, as this has a huge impact on our design brief. Tailoring the styling to resonate with the potential buyers is crucial for success. Additionally, I focus on the properties architectural design and hard finishes, as there is nothing worse than putting a coastal brief into a mid-century/art-deco home - gross!
Q: Can you share some insider tips or tricks that you've found particularly effective in your work?
A: Best one - the tag of a fitted sheet is always in the bottom right hand corner (except for kmart and target, they’re in the bottom left).
Always make sure the zip of a cushion is facing down, don’t hang artwork inline with the window or door frames, grounding the rug isn’t always best, don’t push furniture up against the wall - leave a gap of between 20-30cm, don’t be afraid of colour and ALWAYS trust your instinct.
Q: How do you stay updated on the latest trends in property styling?
A: Staying updated on trends is essential in this industry. I regularly attend the design shows in Sydney and Melbourne every year, read industry publications, and follow influential designers and stylists on social media platforms. Collaborating with others in the industry and sharing insights also helps to stay informed about emerging trends and techniques as well.
Q: What advice do you have for homeowners looking to style their property for sale on a budget?
A: My advice would be to focus on high-impact areas that potential buyers pay attention to, such as the living room, kitchen, and master bedroom. Investing in quality basics like fresh paint, updated hardware, and professional cleaning can go a long way in enhancing the overall appeal of the property. Additionally, consider renting furniture and accessories if needed, as it can be a cost-effective way to achieve a polished look.
Q: Lastly, what do you find most rewarding about your work as a property stylist?
A: The most rewarding aspect of my work is seeing the transformation of a property and the positive impact it has on both sellers and buyers. It's incredibly fulfilling to help my vendors to showcase their property in the best possible light. It’s often a really stressful and emotional time in people’s lives and being able to support my clients through this time and make a positive difference in the process is truly what it’s all about for me.
Thank you, Sarah, for sharing your valuable insights and expertise with us!
