At Harvey Holland, we believe every home tells a story – and when it’s time to sell, presentation is everything. Staging is the art of preparing your home to show at its absolute best, allowing buyers to see not just what’s there, but what could be. Think of it as setting the stage for a love story between your property and its next owner.
Our Creative Director, Dio Davies, brings a unique perspective shaped by an impressive journey through the property world. Beginning her career as an agent in her twenties, she went on to become a successful property developer, and now leads her own interior design studio. Her expertise spans every aspect of design – from spatial planning and concept development to full-scale builds.
We’re proud to have Dio’s creative direction shaping the Harvey Holland brand, and even more so to offer our clients exclusive access to her invaluable insight and design resources. It’s just one of the many ways we ensure every element of your experience with us is considered, elevated, and beautifully executed.
Now a word from Dio….
Unlike interior decorating (which reflects your personal taste), staging is all about broad appeal. It draws out your home’s finest features, softens any imperfections, and invites buyers to emotionally connect with the space. From the placement of a linen armchair to the gentle scent of fresh peonies by the front door, every detail matters.
And in the Cotswolds market – where charm, elegance, and lifestyle mean everything -good staging can make all the difference.
The results speak for themselves
- Faster sales: Staged homes in the UK sell around 73% faster than their un-staged counterparts.
- Higher prices: Professional staging can increase the sale price by 8–10% on average.
- Buyer psychology: 84% of movers believe staging is worthwhile – and many say it would’ve helped them secure a higher offer.
- Return on investment: The uplift in price usually outweighs the cost, making it a savvy move for serious sellers.
Harvey holland’s top 10 styling tips for staging success
1. Declutter & depersonalise
Buyers need to imagine themselves living in your home. Store away excessive personal photos, children’s artwork, and anything overly specific. Less clutter means more space and more impact.
2. Fix the fiddly things
Peeling paint, squeaky doors, dripping taps – they all whisper “work to be done.” Take the time to tackle small maintenance jobs now. It shows buyers that the home has been cherished.
3. Showcase your home’s best assets
High ceilings, exposed beams, stone fireplaces, or that gorgeous garden view – make sure the layout draws attention to your home’s highlights. A well-placed mirror or armchair can subtly shift the focus to what matters most.
4. Create atmosphere
The Cotswolds is about comfort and understated luxury. Think soft throws on a velvet sofa, flickering candles, fresh flowers from Daylesford or a local market. Light matters too – open curtains, add floor lamps, and let the natural beauty shine.
5. Neutral is powerful
Pale taupe, soft white, gentle greys – a neutral palette creates a calming canvas that allows buyers to project their own vision. Add texture and depth with layered cushions, woollen rugs, and artisan ceramics.
6. Get the furniture right
Rooms should feel open and well-proportioned. Oversized furniture can make even large rooms feel cramped. Consider hiring or borrowing pieces that flatter the space – even just for photography and viewings.
7. Don’t forget the outdoors
In the Cotswolds, outdoor space is lifestyle gold. Whether it’s a manicured lawn, a stone courtyard, or a sunny terrace, tidy it up, style it thoughtfully, and make it feel like another ‘room’ of the house.
8. Think about your likely buyer
Is your property suited to a growing family? A London couple seeking a weekend escape? Or perhaps a retired downsizer? Stage with them in mind. That might mean a nursery, a stylish home office, or a reading nook with countryside views.
9. Deep clean like a professional
It goes without saying – a clean home is a more valuable home. Polish taps until they gleam, steam carpets, wipe down skirting boards, and make the windows sparkle. Nothing puts buyers off faster than grime.
10. Bring in a professional stylist
For high-value homes, expert staging is well worth the investment. A stylist understands how to enhance flow, balance, and proportion – and how to appeal to the psychology of luxury buyers. We’re always happy to recommend trusted professionals we work with in the Cotswolds.
Our final word
In a market as aspirational as the Cotswolds, presentation isn’t just important – it’s everything. Staging isn’t about perfection….it’s about possibility. With the right styling, your home can do what it was always meant to: capture hearts and command attention.
If you’re preparing to sell and want advice on how to stage your property beautifully, get in touch – we’d be delighted to help.
Harvey Holland…….the art of property
