How to style your home for a photoshoot

30 Oct 2024

In today's digital-first world, most property searches begin online—and now, they’re just as likely to end there. That’s why captivating listing photos are essential to making a lasting first impression.

A skilled real estate agent will pinpoint the unique features of your home that deserve the spotlight, while a professional real estate photographer (highly recommended!) will ensure every shot is high quality, showcasing your property in its absolute best light.

 


Below are our tips for a successful photoshoot.


Styling your kitchen and dining
The kitchen is often the heart of a home and a major selling point for buyers, making it essential to "sell" this space through photography.

Start with a thorough clean, then focus on thoughtful, understated styling. For photoshoots, simplicity works best—skip the predictable cheeseboards and wine glasses on the bench (save those for a Friday night in). Instead, try a fresh bunch of flowers or a bowl of fruit to add a touch of life and warmth.

As for the dining table, avoid over-the-top setups. Keep the placemats and silverware stowed away, opting instead for a timeless look with a single vase of flowers at the center. Classic, simple styling lets the space speak for itself.

.

474537508.jpg
 


Style your coffee table
Nothing on your coffee table? Style it!  A neat stack of coffee table books, a candle or again, some nice flowers can make the room feel lived in and inviting.


Choose the right flowers
Consider the style and colour palette of your home, and base your flower choices around this. We recommend sticking to similar hues already present in the room, and avoid adding jarring colours, which may feel distracting in the photograph.

For example, if your kitchen has a white splashback, a coloured vase with some fresh white flowers is enough to brighten the space, without taking away from it.
 

Bathroom touches
Cost-effective and simple, new, fluffy towels are enough to brighten a bathroom and add a touch of luxury. We recommend purchasing a new set and only bringing them out for the photoshoot and home open inspections. White's a safe option but you may wish to add a bit of colour, it's up to your personal taste.

Keen to create an extra bit of elegance? Think, designer soaps, candles, or an white orchid on the vanity...
 

Tip * Two bathrooms to style? Don't purchase multiples of each luxe item, simply move them around depending on the bathroom being photographed.




Does your furniture fit the size of your room?
Oversized or bulky furniture can dominate photos, making rooms look smaller and more cluttered than they are. For photoshoots and open homes, consider removing large, unnecessary pieces like big chests of drawers or dressers to create a more open, spacious feel.


Cosy up the living room
Leather sofas make a stylish statement and are very on-trend, but they can appear cold in photos if left unstyled. Adding a textured throw blanket and some cushions will instantly warm up the space, making it look inviting and perfect for relaxing.
 

ThinkstockPhotos-675495218.jpg

Turn on lights, draw curtains

The lighting can make or break a photograph, so it is important to make sure every blind or window treatment is open at least partially, and that all lamps, pendants and down lights are switched on.
The property photographer should be aware of things like glare and such, so we recommend following their advice here.

Linen choices

Outdated linen choices in the bedroom can immediately downgrade the quality of a room. Your bedspread should stylish and most importantly, freshly washed (ironed if possible). Add some texture and style with a throw and cushions. You don’t have to go overboard with colours and patterns, neutral tones with a splash of colour works well for most spaces.
 
TIP *  If your bedroom lacks natural light, opt for light-coloured linen (white is always a smart option), which will help to lift the entire space and make it feel fresh.

484358020_WEB.jpg 

Back to blog