Selling your home may seem like a straightforward process. You decide you’re ready to move, list the property, welcome viewings, and accept the best offer.
But what if your home décor is putting off potential buyers?
Liv Conlon, 27, who is originally from Glasgow but now lives in Marbella, has built a successful career as the CEO of multi-award-winning ThePropertyStagers.co.uk, and knows exactly what it takes to give a home the wow factor.
And when it comes to securing a sale, she has revealed that there are some major interior mistakes that can put off even the most open-minded viewer, from gothic-inspired décor to X-rated bedroom touches.
‘When selling a property, homeowners need to realise that they are selling a blank canvas upon which the new homeowner can imagine their own take on a room,’ Liv says.
‘From using a garish paint throughout a home to novelty furniture, I’ve come across some shocking examples of how not to sell your property on Rightmove. Hopefully we can all learn something from them.’
Property stager Liv Conlon (pictured), 27, who is originally from Glasgow but now lives in Marbella, has revealed some of the worst home décor mistakes sellers can make
Using one colour throughout the home
‘Using a single colour throughout your home might seem like a cohesive choice, but it can actually make spaces feel smaller and monotonous, as the rooms blend together with little personality.
‘I’ve seen some houses with the same colour on every wall and carpet. Even neutrals can feel cold and uninspiring if they’re too prominent. And bold colours like purple risk making a home feel like it’s sponsored by Cadbury, while red or green can feel overly festive.
‘Colours are wonderful, but it’s better to add pops of contrast or vary the shades. For example, using different tones of yellow in different rooms can add personality and keep every room feeling unique.’
Novelty furniture
‘Quirky furniture choices can be fun for you, but not everyone will share your taste. I once saw a house with a bath shaped like a stiletto. Definitely memorable, but not for the right reasons!
‘When selling, your home needs to feel like a place buyers could genuinely call their own.
‘Themed or novelty pieces, especially big items like baths or beds, are very hit and miss and can put people off.
The property expert said sellers should avoid placing novelty furniture items at the centre of their homes
‘It’s fine to show some personality, but don’t overwhelm a space with divisive pieces. Stick to furniture that feels welcoming and stylish.
‘And when in doubt, ask friends or family for their honest opinion. It might well be worth storing certain pieces away while viewings take place.’
Film or TV obsessed interiors
‘There’s a fine line between owning a small piece of memorabilia and filling your home with oversized themed items, and yes, I’ve even seen a full-size Tardis in a property listing.
‘Being a fan of a show or film is perfectly normal, and buyers expect to see small touches of your personality.
‘But a full-scale Tardis, Star Wars-themed rooms or futuristic spaceship concepts can overwhelm a space, distract from the home itself, and make it hard for buyers to imagine living there.’
Using spare rooms for unique hobbies
‘A spare room might feel like the perfect place to indulge your passions, but turning it into a skate park or a man cave overflowing with beer bottles can be off-putting for buyers, and yes, I’ve seen both.
‘Most people don’t need a whole room for skating or drinking. Instead, transforming that space into a home office or a spare bedroom can significantly boost your home’s appeal.
‘It doesn’t take much for a makeover either. A simple desk, chair, and lamp are enough to let buyers imagine how they could make the room their own.’
Ruining your front garden with kitsch items
‘Ever heard of curb appeal? Your front garden is often the first thing a buyer sees, and while it doesn’t need to be perfect to sell, simple touches can make a huge difference.
‘A freshly mown lawn, tidied borders or a quick repaint of window frames can work wonders. But all that hard work can be undone by quirky or overwhelming features.
‘Think garish garden gnomes, oversized ornaments or even a front-yard pond.
‘Buyers need to imagine themselves in your home, so keep the exterior welcoming, tidy, and neutral to make the best first impression.’
Rude art or offensive prints
‘Décor choices are personal, but while you may love cheeky slogans or risque artwork, they can be alienating to buyers.
‘Bold or potentially offensive pieces make it difficult for them to see past the décor and imagine a room’s potential.
‘To appeal to the most people, remove anything that could divide opinion and keep the artwork simple.’
An overload of designer labels
‘You know the phrase “too much of a good thing”? I think it applies perfectly to designer pieces.
‘While you might think multiple high-end items scream taste and luxury, they can often feel overwhelming or even tacky.
‘I’ve seen homes plastered with Chanel logos throughout the interiors – including the kitchen – and it wasn’t a good look.
‘A designer piece should stand out, not get lost in a sea of others. Choose one statement item, like a throw over the sofa or a print on the wall and keep the rest of the space understated. This allows your piece to shine.’
Opting for a bizarre theme
‘While themed décor styles can work, I’m talking more about a New York loft, rustic farmhouse or Spanish Mediterranean villa. Not a doll’s house, a wacky circus or Disneyland.
‘Overly personal or whimsical touches can distract buyers from the home itself and make it impossible for them to imagine living there.’
Embracing a house of horrors
‘Just like whimsical or overly personal themes, horror or gothic-inspired homes are a big no-no when selling.
‘If your house looks like a scene from a horror film, with black walls, skulls on shelves and eerie lighting, viewings won’t last long. You may love the macabre, but most buyers won’t.
‘To appeal to the widest audience, bring in natural light, brighten the space, and keep any gothic touches minimal.’
Bedrooms with too much sex appeal
‘We’re all adults, and we know bedrooms can be a space for intimate moments. But there’s no need to advertise that to buyers so graphically.
‘I’ve seen properties with mirrored ceilings, revolving beds and even handcuffs on the headboard.
‘Bedrooms sell best when they feel like a calming retreat, a place to unwind after a long day and enjoy a restful night.
‘Focus on warm, earthy tones, soft lighting and plush, boutique-hotel-style bedding.’