Latest news with #ThePropertyStagers
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
I got straight As in my exams but teachers were WRONG telling me to go to uni – I became a millionaire without degree
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AS Scots across the country look at how to make the most of their exam results, one school drop out has urged teens not to feel pressured into going to university. Around 147,000 students learned their grades for Nationals, Highers and Advanced Highers yesterday. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Liv Conlon set up her business after leaving high school Credit: Liv Conlon 6 Liv was a straight A student but snubbed university to launch her dream business It can be an incredibly stressful time for those who didn't get the marks they wanted, but plenty of successful people have achieved great things without attending college or university. School drop out Liv Conlon, 26, from Bothwell, Lanarkshire, became a millionaire and is now running two seven-figure businesses after moving to Marbella in Spain. Here, Liv reveals all to Fabulous about her incredible career and her decision to snub further education. It's been 10 years since the entrepreneur sat her Highers and walked out the door knowing she wouldn't be going to university. She said: "I achieved brilliant results - four As and a B, which my teachers believed should have taken me to lecture halls - not running my own company, as was my goal. "Being my own boss was something I'd always wanted, and I launched my first business at the age of 13, importing and selling nail foils from China. I made £5,000, which was enough to invest in my first MacBook." At 16, Liv was ready to launch her first proper business - ThePropertyStagers which gives empty properties the show home look. The savvy teen had spotted a gap in the market when her mum, Ali, struggled to sell an empty house she'd bought at auction. Liv said: "I styled the property, staged it with furniture and accessories, and it sold in three days - above the asking price, with the buyer even paying extra for all the furniture. "One teacher at my school, who had never even taught me before, looked me straight in the eye and said 'You're making a big life decision, and you're calling it wrong'. I make £15k a MONTH doing a job most think they're too good for, you don't need qualifications & I choose my hours "Another told me 'Will this little interior design business really do very well?' "They didn't believe I was making a smart decision. But I did. And I've been proving them wrong ever since." From that point, Liv worked relentlessly. By 18, the company had hit £1 million in revenue. It's now the UK's most recommended staging company, furnishing more than 400 homes a year and winning 13 awards nationally and internationally in just six months. Today, at 26, the mum-of-one runs two seven-figure companies from her home in Marbella. Her second business, StagerBoss, is a coaching platform helping women launch and scale their own staging brands. She's also written two bestselling books, spoken on TEDx stages, dined with the Prime Minister, and launched a charity that helps young people build businesses of their own. "None of this would have been possible if I'd listened to my teachers' advice", Liv insists. "But this all began because I challenged the traditional path recommended by school ie university, job. 6 Liv now lives in Spain where she runs her businesses Credit: Liv Conlon 6 Teachers told Liv she was making a mistake by not going to university Credit: Supplied "Instead, I rewrote my future - and, as the Highers results are announced - I want more students to know they have options. Even if they have good grades, it doesn't mean they should go to university." She added: "This summer, thousands of young people will get their exam results. Some will be thrilled, others disappointed. "But here's what I want every young person to know: exam results don't define you. Your future doesn't depend on a piece of paper. It depends on your courage, your vision and your willingness to bet on yourself. "Ten years ago, I walked away from a system that didn't understand me. Today, I'm proud to be building something that helps others do the same. And to those teachers who said I was making the wrong call - I'm glad I didn't listen. Because they were wrong." Liv has now shared the eight things school taught her - that she had to unlearn with real life experience. School taught me that academic success was everything I was a straight-A student, and school made it clear that was my golden ticket to further education and 'success'. But in the past decade, being in business has taught me something different: that creativity, resourcefulness and emotional intelligence are what's really needed to make an impact. My exam results got me recognition in the classroom, but my adaptability and ideas built million-pound companies. School told me that everything rides on one big moment - one test, one exam, one shot At school, everything boiled down to a finish line - one exam, one result that defines you and your next steps, one shot to 'prove' yourself. It felt like training for a sprint. But business is more of a marathon. There's no single defining moment - just hundreds of micro-decisions that build up over time. Some of my decisions have been messy, and some have been incredible. But what matters isn't one perfect outcome - it's the stamina to keep showing up, testing, tweaking and trusting yourself. 6 Live bought her first MacBook at 16 for her business Credit: Supplied School taught me that being wrong was bad Being in business has taught me that failing fast is valuable. Some of my best ideas came after something went wrong. In school, you were penalised for mistakes. In business, mistakes are stepping stones. If you're not getting things wrong, you're not pushing hard enough. In business, success is about taking small, consistent actions every day. You don't get one exam - you get endless chances to refine, adapt and grow. When it comes to business, I've actually failed more times than I can count, but each failure gave me data. Each 'no' gave me direction to shift and pivot. It's the only way to learn and move on. School feared failure - it hangs everything on the success of an exam. Business depends on it. School rewarded me for staying in the lines I got good results at school because I followed the rules. But business rewards you for breaking them. The most successful entrepreneurs are the ones who challenge the status quo and find solutions no one else sees. I didn't build my business by asking for permission - I built it by being brave enough to think differently. School told me to raise my hand and wait In business, no one's going to give you permission. You have to create your own path. At 16, no one gave me a roadmap. I learned to lead even when I didn't feel ready. That initiative - stepping up when no one asks you to - is the difference between an idea and a legacy. School taught me that success meant being the best in the room Business taught me that success means being valuable. It's about solving real problems, building trust, and helping people. I'm not successful because I got perfect marks - I'm successful because I built a company that serves people and solves their pain points. 6 Liv's written books to help others achieve success Credit: Supplied School made everything about individual achievement But business is a team sport. I couldn't have built my businesses without the incredible people around me - especially my mum, Ali, who's been by my side from day one. Delegation, leadership and collaboration are essential. School never taught me that managing a team is often harder than doing the work yourself. School taught me to chase the right answers But in business, you have to get comfortable asking the right questions. There's rarely a clear answer, and that's where the opportunity is. The sooner you stop seeking perfection and start seeking understanding, the faster you grow. If I'd followed the advice of my teachers, I wouldn't be where I am today. I'd have taken on student debt, waited years to enter the business world, and likely missed the window where my age, my energy and my ideas could have created real disruption. Instead, I started young, made big mistakes early, and learned faster than any degree could have taught me. And this isn't just about me. I've now helped thousands of women build their own businesses and change their lives. Through StagerBoss and my charity, Too Big For Your Boots, I'm proving that you don't need a university degree to be successful - you need belief, strategy and resilience.
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Flat without an offer in six months sells in 10 days after magical refurb
A property staging expert explains how she did it A property stager has disclosed that a Victorian flat, which languished on the market for six months without any offers, was snapped up in a mere 10 days for its £625,000 asking price after her intervention. Liv Conlon, a 25-year-old originally from Glasgow now residing in Marbella, operates ThePropertyStagers, a firm that outfits over 400 homes annually to boost their appeal to prospective purchasers. Staging involves decorating and preparing a property specifically to entice buyers. The company was enlisted by the flat's owner Kathryn, and the team set about staging the home. This included kitting out rental furniture, introducing lively splashes of colour with the decor, and adding accessories like rugs, mirrors, and chic artwork to illustrate potential room layouts. Once the two-bedroom, two-bathroom property in West Hampstead was relisted in January, the estate agent swiftly organised a dozen viewings and, within just 10 days, three bids were placed, culminating in a best and final offer matching the asking price. For Kathryn, the quick sale brought immense relief as she was eager to finalise the transaction before the Stamp Duty changes in April. She is convinced that without ThePropertyStagers' touch, the flat would have remained unsold, blending into the background on RightMove. She said: "We wouldn't have had that much interest had the flat not been staged, because it made each of the rooms stand out in the photos we used on RightMove. "There were lots of similar flats on the market but mine really stood out, which I don't think it would have done without the staging. It just took it to another level. It was worth every penny. Their team used a colour scheme that I would never have thought of myself, with lots of bright yellow, which against the navy kitchen and the grey bathrooms, really looked great - especially in the photos, which drew you in and made you look. And it did the job. The flat was sold in just days!" Kathryn purchased the flat back in 2001 for £195,000 and embarked on an extensive renovation, converting it into a two-bedroom, two-bathroom property. After living there for a year, she then let it out for two decades, during which time the decor suffered. Last year, Kathryn decided it was time to sell and listed the property for £575,000, accounting for the fact that refurbishment was required. However, after six months on the market and despite several viewings, the flat remained unsold and needed another price reduction. "Everybody could see that it needed quite a bit of work," Kathryn explained. "It was too much of a project and so we didn't get any offers at all even though it had been on the market a long time at a significant discount. I was nervous of Capital Gains Tax rising in October so I was desperately trying to sell it pre-budget and it just wouldn't, so I realised I was going to have to bite the bullet and renovate it myself." After investing £55,000 in refurbishments, Kathryn believed the flat looked splendid yet somewhat stark and unwelcoming. She sought the expertise of ThePropertyStagers, resulting in a swift sale of the property for £625,000 within 10 days, with the staging playing a pivotal role in enhancing its allure on RightMove. Kathryn remarked: "I was aware of property staging, and the flat looked really sad and empty, so I contacted a couple of companies, one of which was ThePropertyStagers and I really liked their responsiveness and I warmed to what they said they were going to do for me. "The flat was also partially furnished because I kept some of the furniture in case it didn't sell again and I needed to re-rent it. They were very flexible, working around my furniture, which was very helpful." Reflecting on the investment, she noted: "When you've spent so much on renovating, an extra few thousand wasn't an issue. The difference when I walked in after they'd staged it, it was like a different flat. It was unbelievable what they did!" Liv, who earned the title of The UK Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2019 for founding ThePropertyStagers at the tender age of 16, believes that staging a property for sale is distinct from everyday living arrangements. The award-winning team at ThePropertyStagers, boasting 13 national and international accolades, employs various props such as artwork and accessories to render properties more enticing. Liv disclosed that the key to selling a property lies in maintaining neutral decor, decluttering, and introducing vibrant soft furnishings for that splash of colour, texture, and pattern. She explained: "Property staging can make the difference between a home not selling, and being sold in just days - I've seen it happen so many times. Viewers want to imagine themselves living in the space, so if it's empty or decorated too personally, it becomes more difficult. "ThePropertyStagers staged the kitchen and dining area with bright accessories, bold artwork, a cosy rug, as well as oversized vases, and giant mirrors. "We also set up the dining table with crockery, and added colourful cushions on the sofas. In the two bedrooms, we dressed the double beds, adding blankets, lamps, vases and artwork. The overall effect hugely complements the flat, creating a warm, luxurious vibe, which obviously did the trick as it sold in just 10 days." Now a TEDx speaker and resident of Marbella, Liv also heads StagerBoss, where she mentors other women on how to grow their own lucrative home-staging enterprises. Kathryn praised the impact of the staging: "The staging made it stand out. It did look good before, but it had my old furniture in there, and they dressed that furniture and made it look really good. I just don't think I would have had the same level of interest in the property without their services. "I'm buying another flat in the same area to renovate and stage for sale again. I will be using the same team - including The Property Stagers - as it's a winning team for me!".
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
'I couldn't sell my flat for six months until I made this one change. It sold 10 days later'
Kathryn was struggling to sell her London flat for months - but one crucial change saw it snapped up in days A property stager has disclosed how a Victorian flat that had sat on the market for six months without any offers was snapped up in merely 10 days for its £625,000 asking price. Liv Conlon, 25, originally from Glasgow but now residing in Marbella, operates ThePropertyStagers, which furnishes over 400 homes annually to enhance their appeal to prospective purchasers. Staging involves decorating and preparing a property specifically to entice buyers. The firm was enlisted by flat owner Kathryn, with the team transforming the property - including styling the rental furniture, introducing vibrant splashes of colour through decor and incorporating accessories such as rugs, mirrors and chic artwork to demonstrate how the spaces could be utilised. When the two-bedroom, two-bathroom property in West Hampstead, London, was relisted in January, the estate agent swiftly organised 12 viewings and, merely 10 days later, three offers materialised resulting in a best and final offer matching the asking price. For Kathryn, it proved an enormous relief as she wished to finalise the sale before the Stamp Duty alterations in April and believes she might still be in limbo had it not been for ThePropertyStagers making the flat distinctive in the RightMove photographs. She said: "We wouldn't have had that much interest had the flat not been staged, because it made each of the rooms stand out in the photos we used on RightMove. "There were lots of similar flats on the market but mine really stood out, which I don't think it would have done without the staging. It just took it to another level. It was worth every penny. Their team used a colour scheme that I would never have thought of myself, with lots of bright yellow, which against the navy kitchen and the grey bathrooms, really looked great - especially in the photos, which drew you in and made you look. And it did the job. The flat was sold in just days!". Kathryn purchased the flat in 2001 for £195,000 and carried out extensive renovations, converting it into a two-bedroom, two-bathroom property. A year afterwards, Kathryn relocated and let the property for 20 years, which left the décor worse for wear. Last year, Kathryn chose to put it up for sale, listing it at £575,000 - reduced to reflect the required improvements. However, six months on, despite numerous viewings, the property remained unsold and required another price cut. "Everybody could see that it needed quite a bit of work," Kathryn said. "It was too much of a project and so we didn't get any offers at all even though it had been on the market a long time at a significant discount. "I was nervous of Capital Gains Tax rising in October so I was desperately trying to sell it pre-budget and it just wouldn't, so I realised I was going to have to bite the bullet and renovate it myself." Following a £55,000 renovation, Kathryn believed the flat appeared fantastic but felt hollow and stark. She brought in ThePropertyStagers for assistance and the property was snapped up within 10 days for £625,000. The staging dramatically boosted its attractiveness, especially on RightMove, leading to its rapid sale. Kathryn explained: "I was aware of property staging, and the flat looked really sad and empty, so I contacted a couple of companies, one of which was ThePropertyStagers and I really liked their responsiveness and I warmed to what they said they were going to do for me. "The flat was also partially furnished because I kept some of the furniture in case it didn't sell again and I needed to re-rent it. They were very flexible, working around my furniture, which was very helpful. "When you've spent so much on renovating, an extra few thousand wasn't an issue. The difference when I walked in after they'd staged it, it was like a different flat. It was unbelievable what they did!". Liv, who secured The UK Young Entrepreneur of the Year title in 2019 after launching ThePropertyStagers at just 16, explains that preparing a property for sale differs vastly from how individuals actually live in their homes. The crew at ThePropertyStagers, which has secured 13 accolades both nationally and internationally, employs decorative items including wall art and ornaments to enhance a home's' desirability. Liv disclosed that, when it comes to flogging a property, it's all about keeping to neutral shades, decluttering and introducing splashes of colour, texture and pattern through soft furnishings. Liv said: "Property staging can make the difference between a home not selling, and being sold in just days - I've seen it happen so many times. Viewers want to imagine themselves living in the space, so if it's empty or decorated too personally, it becomes more difficult. "ThePropertyStagers staged the kitchen and dining area with bright accessories, bold artwork, a cosy rug, as well as oversized vases, and giant mirrors. "We also set up the dining table with crockery, and added colourful cushions on the sofas. In the two bedrooms, we dressed the double beds, adding blankets, lamps, vases and artwork. The overall effect hugely complements the flat, creating a warm, luxurious vibe, which obviously did the trick as it sold in just 10 days!". TEDx speaker Liv, who now resides in Marbella, also operates StagerBoss - mentoring other women on how to build successful home-staging enterprises to seven figures. She explained that in order to flog a house in today's market, the décor needs to be eye-catching and grab a prospective buyer's notice. Kathryn added: "The staging made it stand out. It did look good before, but it had my old furniture in there, and they dressed that furniture and made it look really good. I just don't think I would have had the same level of interest in the property without their services. "I'm buying another flat in the same area to renovate and stage for sale again. I will be using the same team - including The Property Stagers - as it's a winning team for me!".
Daily Mail
20-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Property expert reveals the big mistakes that are making your home look tacky and putting off potential buyers
Homeowners who are going through the lengthy and tiresome process of putting their properties up for sale may believe their beloved houses are ready for the market, but they might want to think again. While homely touches are recommended, buyers may not be fond of old photograph memories, garish wallpaper or dated curtains. Average property prices had risen by more than £12,000 in the last 12 months - and the biggest winners in this property boom are homeowners in suburban areas, where prices have surged significantly. But some sellers shouldn't get too confident with the asking price, as their eccentric homes can easily sit on estate agents' websites for months on end without a single offer. Property staging expert Liv Conlon, CEO of said if house hunters can't see themselves living there, they'll more than likely walk away when it's time to put an offer in. Liv, who is originally from Glasgow but who now lives in Marbella, said that outdated decor, cluttered rooms, and a messy front garden can kill a sale before anyone's even stepped inside to view it. From underestimating kerb appeal to ignoring the lack of lighting in your home, here are the biggest mistakes sellers make and how to fix them. Neglecting your home's 'kerb appeal' Liv says that kerb appeal plays a crucial role when viewing a home because first impressions are important to potential buyers. She said: 'An unkept exterior sets the tone for a prospective buyer before they've even stepped foot inside. 'Things like overgrown shrubbery, chipped paint on the front door or window ledges, broken gates and large cracks on the pathway can be the difference between someone feeling welcomed by your home or wanting to make a hasty exit. Liv says that those serious about shifting their property should invest in landscaping services, fixing the paint work and upping the charm factor with hanging baskets, window boxes or stylish doormats. Ignoring the noticeable wear and tear While homes are meant to be lived in, the chaos of a busy household can naturally lead to wear and tear. However, Liv says there's a big difference between a home that's well-loved and one that's worn out. Liv says that subtle pops of colour and decorations are the way forward if you want to successfully sell your home 'Peeling wallpaper, chipped tiles, or scuffed flooring can make a property seem neglected and less appealing to buyers,' she said. 'Try and stay on top of maintenance to avoid small issues getting bigger than they have to. 'Clever styling can also help. Large rugs or furniture can conceal imperfections, while stylish decor can draw the eye away from imperfections.' Letting a unique interior taste overwhelm the space Those who enjoy personalising their spaces with vibrant and unique furnishings may be at risk of not being able to sell if it reflects their personality too much. Liv says that you have to ensure prospective buyers can easily envision turning your house into their home. 'Bright colour schemes and quirky decor pieces may appeal to you, but they may be off-putting to others,' she said. 'Opt for neutral colour palettes where you can, even if this means repainting a wall or swapping out your current soft furnishings for something simpler. 'A bold outdoor style may also prove divisive for buyers, so replace ostentatious finishes or kitsch ornaments with something minimalist, like stone or marble accents.' Going overboard with photos and sentimental items What makes a house a home is often the number of treasured keepsakes and sentimental photographs hanging on the walls and scattered across the fridge on magnets. However, these items can make it hard for a potential buyer to see your house as a place they could call home. Liv said: 'Personal items can also clutter a space, distracting from striking pieces of art or ornate original features that make a house more appealing. 'Strip back on the personal photos and keep your decor more neutral, creating a space that feels streamlined. When it comes to styling your home for resale, less is always more.' Not following a consistent theme throughout The property design guru says that sellers should aim to achieve a consistent interior theme throughout their property so that they can 'work in harmony rather than feeling disconnected'. She added: 'Mismatched styles can create a chaotic flow, so try to choose one colour palette and pick a leading colour that you can add to every room - whether that's in a rug, a statement piece of decor or an art print on the wall. 'I often say the look of a home is dictated by the kitchen, so if you've gone for a traditional style, reflect this throughout the rest of your space.' Letting your space fall flat with colourless rooms Liv says that while bright colour clashes and loud patterns may be unappealing to buyers, an all-white space can also feel soulless. She instead suggests experimenting with subtle splashes with bright cushions, rugs or artwork. She said: 'Fresh greenery can also bring real warmth to a room, or you could add pops of colour with vibrant bouquets of fresh flowers.' Turning a blind eye to the lack of lighting The property expert also says that one of the biggest things prospective homeowners want from a space is plenty of natural light. 'Depending on the direction your home faces or the size of your window space, there may be rooms that feel a little dark during the day,' she said. 'But it's easy to create a brighter feel. Cleverly-placed mirrors can reflect the light and open up the space. 'Lighting is also key, especially when it's layered. For the most effective results, consider your ambient lighting, which is typically ceiling fixtures, task lighting, which refers to reading lamps or under-cabinet lights, and accent lighting, such as artwork. When the three work in unison, a room feels instantly lighter.' Letting clutter build up Clutter can often make spaces feel smaller, less organised, with Liv adding that it can distract from your home's features and potential. 'Strip back room by room, clearing your kitchen countertops, bedside tables and bathroom sinks of unnecessary things,' she said. 'Invest in clever storage solutions that can conceal the clutter without skimping on style, such as velvet ottomans, woven baskets, under-bed bags, sleek wooden toy boxes, and hanging door organisers.' Forgetting to add homely touches While Liv says that you should strip back your home, sellers should take care not to remove all the warmth from their homes. 'An overly bare room can feel cold and uninviting. Even in spare rooms or spaces you hardly use, try to add soft furnishings, like rugs, throws, and cushions, which can introduce warmth and texture,' she said. 'Something as small as a potted plant can add character without overwhelming the space, while floor lamps can help to create a cosy and welcoming ambience.' Opting for garish bedding Bedrooms are one of the most important parts of a home, mainly because they represent a space for rest and retreat, according to Liv. So, using patterned or 'busy linens' can put buyers off as it makes the bed feel cluttered. She added: 'It's always worth investing in crisp white sets that create a sense of calm and luxury and exude that five-star feeling. 'A clean base can also let you experiment with brighter decor, such as statement cushions and throws, or add snug and inviting touches, like a quilted bedspread.'
The Sun
11-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
I'm a property expert – 10 major mistakes that will put off a buyer and how to fix them
IF you think your home is ready for the market, think again. According to the experts, you might love every inch of your property - but buyers don't care about your memories your wallpaper, or your gran's old curtains. 2 Property staging guru Liv Conlon says if they can't see themselves living there, they'll walk away. Outdated decor, cluttered rooms and a messy front garden can kill a sale before anyone's even stepped inside, she insists. And Liv, 26, CEO of says sellers shouldnt get too confident with their asking price. The Glasgow-born entrepreneur said: "If your place looks tired or too you, it'll sit on the market for months." Here she shares the biggest mistakes sellers make - and how to fix them. Curb appeal plays a crucial role when viewing a home because first impressions count. An unkept exterior sets the tone for a prospective buyer before they've even stepped foot inside. Liv said: "Things like overgrown shrubbery, chipped paint on the front door or window ledges, broken gates and large cracks on the pathway can be the difference between someone feeling welcomed by your home or wanting to make a hasty exit. "If you're serious about selling, invest in landscaping services, fix the paint work and up the charm factor with hanging baskets, window boxes or stylish doormats." Ignoring wear and tear Homes are meant to be lived in and the chaos of a busy household can naturally lead to wear and tear. But there's a big difference between a home that's well-loved and one that's worn out. The expert explains: "Peeling wallpaper, chipped tiles, or scuffed flooring can make a property seem neglected and less appealing to buyers. "Try to stay on top of maintenance to avoid small issues getting bigger than they have to. Clever styling can also help. Large rugs or furniture can conceal imperfections, while stylish decor can draw the eye away from imperfections." Letting unique interior taste overwhelm the space Our interiors typically become a reflection of our personalities, but when it comes to reselling, you have to ensure prospective buyers can easily envision turning your house into THEIR home. Bright colour schemes and quirky decor pieces may appeal to you, but they may be off-putting to others. Liv says: "Opt for neutral colour palettes where you can, even if this means repainting a wall or swapping out your current soft furnishings for something simpler. "A bold outdoor style may also prove divisive for buyers, so replace ostentatious finishes or kitsch ornaments with something minimalist, like stone or marble accents." Going overboard with photos While family pictures and treasured keepsakes may hold a lot of sentimental value for you, these items can make it hard for a potential buyer to see your house as a place they could call home. The property stager said: "Personal items can also clutter a space, distracting from striking pieces of art or ornate original features that make a house more appealing. "Strip back on the personal photos and keep your decor more neutral, creating a space that feels streamlined. When it comes to styling your home for resale, less is always more." Not following a consistent theme You should try to achieve a consistent interior theme throughout your home, so your rooms work in harmony rather than feeling disconnected, Liv says. Mismatched styles can create a chaotic flow, so try to choose one colour palette and pick a leading colour that you can add to every room - whether that's in a rug, a statement piece of decor or an art print on the wall. The expert added: "I often say the look of a home is dictated by the kitchen, so if you've gone for a traditional style, reflect this throughout the rest of your space." Letting your space fall flat While bright colour clashes and loud patterns may be unappealing to buyers, an all-white space can also feel soulless. Liv said: "If you're cautious when experimenting with colour, why not add subtle splashes with bright cushions, rugs or artwork? Fresh greenery can also bring real warmth to a room, or you could add pops of colour with vibrant bouquets of fresh flowers." Ignoring the lack of lighting One of the biggest things prospective homeowners want from a space is plenty of natural light. Depending on the direction your home faces or the size of your window space, there may be rooms that feel a little dark during the day. But it's easy to create a brighter feel. Liv explains: "Cleverly-placed mirrors can reflect the light and open up the space. Lighting is also key, especially when it's layered. "For the most effective results, consider your ambient lighting, which is typically ceiling fixtures, task lighting, which refers to reading lamps or under-cabinet lights, and accent lighting, such as artwork. When the three work in unison, a room feels instantly lighter." Letting clutter build up Clutter does a disservice to a house by making spaces feel smaller, less organised and distracting from the true beauty and potential of your home's features. Strip back room by room, clearing your kitchen countertops, bedside tables and bathroom sinks of unnecessary things. The guru says: "Invest in clever storage solutions that can conceal the clutter without skimping on style, such as velvet ottomans, woven baskets, under-bed bags, sleek wooden toy boxes, and hanging door organisers." Forgetting to add homely touches Clearing clutter and personal items often requires a thorough declutter, but be careful not to remove all the warmth from your home. An overly bare room can feel cold and uninviting. Liv says: "Even in spare rooms or spaces you hardly use, try to add soft furnishings, like rugs, throws, and cushions, which can introduce warmth and texture. Something as small as a potted plant can add character without overwhelming the space, while floor lamps can help to create a cosy and welcoming ambience." Opting for garish bedding Bedrooms can be a focal point of a home as they represent a space for rest and retreat. Patterned or busy linens can make a bed feel cluttered, so it's always worth investing in crisp white sets that create a sense of calm and luxury and exude that five-star feeling. The home expert added: "A clean base can also let you experiment with brighter decor, such as statement cushions and throws, or add snug and inviting touches, like a quilted bedspread."
