How To Nail An Open Day (In Winter)
Sure, selling in winter has its perks - less competition, more serious buyers, and the chance to showcase your home as a warm, inviting retreat (especially on a freezing Canberra day). But if your property feels cold, dark or dingy, you could be missing out on potential profit.
With our clients, we ask our experienced styling team to bring your property to life. They know exactly how to show off your home to attract a buyer and a higher sale price on open days. Here are their expert tips to help buyers fall in love with your property the moment they walk in.
1. Layer up each room for comfort and warmth
Think of your home like your wardrobe, it needs layers in winter. Adding texture through cushions, throws and extra pillows gives living areas and bedrooms a cosy, lived-in feel. Use a mix of fabrics like wool, velvet or faux fur to create a sense of softness and warmth (a trip to Kmart will sort you out).
Buyers aren't just looking for space, they're imagining their life in your home. A layered sofa with cushions and a soft throw instantly makes the room feel like a place to relax and unwind. In bedrooms, stacked pillows and neatly folded blankets create the same effect.
2. Use rich, warm colours
To counteract winter's cooler light, introduce deeper tones to your décor. Dark timbers, black accents, and rustic or charcoal elements add sophistication to living areas. In bedrooms, soft greys or navy tones help create a serene, cocoon-like mood.
Don't be afraid to add contrast, a pop of warm colour or a patterned cushion can break up a neutral scheme and add just the right amount of personality. Think burnt orange, blush pink, or warm golds. It's these small styling touches that bring a room to life and help it stand out in the minds of buyers.
3. Rug Up - literally
Hard floors can feel cold underfoot in winter, and buyers notice it. A well-placed rug not only provides comfort and insulation, but it also helps define spaces and soften the look of a room. For maximum impact, choose a rug with texture - deep pile, wool blends or a shaggy finish will instantly warm up the space.
In open-plan areas, rugs also help create natural flow, guiding buyers through the home while making each area feel considered and complete.
4. Add some personality
Patterns add interest and warmth, especially in spaces that risk feeling flat. Patterned cushions, throws or even statement artwork can lift a space and make it feel styled but not staged.
Stick to classic or contemporary prints in your winter colour palette and use them sparingly to keep things balanced. A patterned cushion on a deep-toned couch or a bold piece of art in a neutral room can be just the detail that sticks with a buyer after they leave.
5. Set the mood with lighting
With natural light fading faster in winter, good lighting is essential for open homes. Use a mix of floor and table lamps to create soft, ambient lighting. Warm LED bulbs and lamps positioned in corners or beside a reading chair can turn dark areas into welcoming zones. A simple side table with a lamp (and an open book) beside the lounge? That's not just styling - it's selling.
At Your Property Profits, we style and renovate homes to sell faster and for more - no matter the season. Want help getting your property winter-ready?
Book a free consultation today.
