Style my Space

design by Rebecca Frost
Halo On Mount Penthouse

So you need to give your home a refresh, or you have decided to put your apartment on the market and it needs some styling to set it apart. All sounds great, but not sure where to start? Don’t have a huge budget? The idea of redesigning your overall palette, adding textures and creating functionality sounds like blah,blah and blahhhhhh- get me a cocktail..! Overwhelming right?!

I’ve worked with property developers, exclusive clients and photographers all looking to get that perfectly styled shot, that will allow a property to sell with ease or showcase a detailed element for editorial. When I look at a space, I follow these simple principals to bring the spaces together.

1. De-clutter!!! This is an easy one that so many people find challenging. I much prefer working with an empty space but If I’m styling a clients home that they live in, getting them to remove kids drawings from the fridge or empty the bathroom vanity that has accumulated ten half finished shampoo bottles has proven difficult!! My motto- DRTS– donate, recycle, throw away or storage. When it comes to clothing, if you haven’t worn it in over 12 months, time to DRTS. Kids toys and clothing can be a great way to get a few extra dollars by selling the items on ebay, Instagram or at local swap meets. Trust me, once you have done this, styling your space will be much easier.

Kitchens free of clutter and utensils are essential when marketing your property to the market.

2. Refresh: Once your space is clutter free you can asses the cleanliness and wall condition. A coat of paint never goes astray and it’s something most people can DIY with some preparation. The paint colour I often select is Dulux Lexicon 1/2 or 1/4 strength. This is a crisp, cool white that makes any space super fresh. The brightness opens up the home, so a great selection for smaller apartments.

If you have carpets or floor rugs in your home, give them a shampoo to cleanse and revive. Also this is great if you have pets, to lift away any surface paw marks and pet smells.

Dulux Lexicon half strength was used on the walls in this bedroom. It makes the sculptural art work and bed textures pop.
Selective styling gives a space life and warmth. The key is to make potential buyers see themselves living within the space. So time to take down those family photos.!
A simple element like a lemon bowl on the counter top, can give a pop of colour and add a fresh citrus scent to the kitchen space.
Scent is so big for me in a home. Scent evokes memories and we want people to feel uplifted within spaces of the home. My advice when selling your property, light the candle 10 mins before people arrive.

3. Styling: The question I most get asked by clients.. ‘how can I make the space look better?’

I work with these aspects in mind to enhance a space:

_Balance/ Functionality: This is a big one with homes that have existing furniture pieces as more often than not the size of the furniture is disproportionate to the size of the room. Ease of access in and around a space is crucial so the room will still feel open and spacious. If you have one large item like a sofa for example, pair it back with a small side chair or ottoman and add a floor rug which will help zone the space. Opt for a circular dining table in smaller spaces as it can give a nicer flow, especially in smaller apartments.

This dining and living space has good flow and feels spacious. The space is functional and the selected furniture pieces are size appropriate. I love the added greenery as well.

This area was a small entry space in an apartment. The owners used it as a shoe and junk dumping ground. Not a good look when potential buyers came to view. So I followed my DRTS principals, cleared the space, measured up and decided to make the space a home office/study space. The budget was tight so we got the desk and shelves from IKEA, ensuring the 3 items fit perfectly within the space. I added a few accessories and the entry now looks inviting and practical!

_Tones: Mococromatic palettes, whites, beige, grey and timber tones tend to be the safe option when styling your home for sale. When you are living in the home yourself, you can easily add more vibrancy to your palette and be more daring with trends and patterns.

_Texture: I like to add texture by use of fabrics and sculptural lighting. Look at chunky knits to throw across the sofa, leather accessories or floor rugs for an organic approach, velvet cushions can add softness and if the budget permits a wall paper can be a unique addition. I love linen wall paper options which are so classic and elegant. Finally window treatments are a great way to frame a space and add texture. There are loads of cost effective options or opt for made to measure depending on your budget. Look at linen or natural materials and in shades that will complement the space not overpower it.

Linen wall paper is one of my favourite additions. It gives the space texture, dimension and can be cost effective to change if you wanted to restyle in the coming years. The window sheers you see here are in a soft grey linen fabric that tie in with the charcoals, black and earthy hues used within the space.
The mixed timbers work well in this home because they all differ texturally. Creating dimension and depth with the addition of distinct floor rugs can give a clear zone to each space.

_Colour: This can be introduced in subtle forms or strong expressions. When styling homes for the sale, I like to add touches of colour in the soft furnishings rather than the fixed items. As trends come and go, dated fixed items, for example coloured cabinetry or bright wall tiles can be a costly exercise to change in years to time. Florals and greenery are a must and should be incorporated in all living spaces. I love Fiddle leaf trees,
Philodendron xanadu and succulent bowls. All easy care and love the indoors with filtered light.

Colour added by cushions and throws are easily changed when you want a fresh look.
The base palette here of beige and grey is lifted by the introduction of bush pink, charcoal, blue, marigold and timber.
Florals in the home are a great way to add colour, texture and scent.

Head to Baltinas.com to see more Interior looks or if you would like more information about styling your home, contact Rebecca on info@baltinas.com

All images from Baltinas.com

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