For years, the common advice when selling a home was to depersonalize by painting everything white or neutral and removing any personal touches to create a ‘blank canvas’ for potential buyers. While this guidance was once considered essential, it can sometimes feel overwhelming and unnecessary. In this post, we’ll explore why times have changed and how celebrating your home’s unique character could actually be more advantageous in today’s market.
If you’ve been considering selling your home, you’ve likely heard suggestions to declutter and depersonalise—often meaning painting walls in neutral tones and hiding family photos or personal items. The aim is to make it easier for buyers to imagine themselves living there.
Traditionally, this ‘blank canvas’ approach was thought to appeal to a wider audience, helping buyers project their own style onto the property. But in a world where interior design is more accessible and celebrated, is a bland, personality-free space still the most effective strategy?
With the growing interest in home design and individuality, today’s buyers often appreciate a property with character. Embracing your home’s unique style might just be the secret to attracting attention.
The way we search for homes has evolved too. Instead of browsing estate agents’ windows, most people now scroll through online listings. In this digital age, a home that visually stands out has a much better chance of capturing attention.
Neutral decor may no longer suffice. A home stripped of its personality might fade into the background. While your bold design choices may not appeal to everyone, they ensure your home is memorable. A striking feature wall or a vibrant kitchen could be just what sets your property apart in a sea of listings.
Bold is beautiful. Not every buyer will fall in love with your style, but they’ll certainly notice it. Eye-catching wallpaper, a statement piece of furniture, or a unique colour palette could be the hook that piques their interest and leads to a successful sale.
Why? Because a home with personality breaks through the noise. It captures a buyer’s attention, sparks their imagination, and makes them want to see more.
How? Make sure your home’s unique features shine in your property photography. A quirky chair, a bold lighting fixture, or a vibrant piece of artwork can add that special touch. Consider leading with an interior shot rather than the traditional front-of-house image, or try a twilight shot for a fresh perspective.
When? If your home already has a vibrant or elegant design, there’s no need to tone it down. Use that to your advantage. If your space is more neutral, think about adding a splash of colour or an interesting feature to help it stand out. A little individuality can go a long way.
Selling your home is an exciting journey, and it’s important to make it as seamless as possible. Don’t let the thought of depersonalising hold you back. Instead, celebrate your home’s unique style and let it shine.
If you’re looking to sell your property, we’d be delighted to give you a free market appraisal. Contact your local managing partner, and we will set up a time to chat. We’d be delighted to hear from you.
