Home styling for sales/rentals
- Jan 30
- 4 min read
When we look at a “before” image of a space — blank walls, harsh lighting, mismatched furniture, cluttered corners or empty, lifeless rooms — it can be hard to imagine how transformative a few thoughtful decisions can be. And yet, time and time again, Mediterranean-inspired styling proves that you don’t necessarily need more. You need better. You need considered.
This is not about dramatic renovations or filling a space with decorative objects. It’s about subtle shifts. Natural materials. Texture. Light. Breathing room.
From Empty and Uninviting to Warm and Grounded
In many before images, the common thread is not necessarily poor design — but a lack of cohesion. Cold lighting, synthetic finishes, flat walls, and furniture placed without intention can make even beautiful architecture feel uninspiring.
Introducing warmer woods immediately softens a room. A solid oak table or a reclaimed wood bench grounds the space in authenticity. Swapping high-gloss finishes for limewash or matte paint adds depth and warmth. Layering in linen curtains or woven blinds diffuses light, creating that soft, sun-washed atmosphere reminiscent of coastal homes in southern Europe.
In this particular case, the room felt empty and uninviting because no thought had been placed on showing potential tenants how the room could be used day to day. The focus here was to create warmth and appeal without a big expense. Just swapping the furniture for indoors and adding a few styling touches achieved the purpose and created a more successful listing on rental platforms.
Suddenly, the room feels lived in. Relaxed. Inviting. Not because it is now full — but because it feels balanced.
The Power of Natural Materials
One of the most noticeable shifts in Mediterranean-inspired transformations is the use of natural materials. Before, spaces often rely heavily on synthetic textures — plastic finishes, overly polished surfaces and materials, mass-produced décor that lacks soul.
These changes are not loud. They are tactile.
Natural fibres and woods bring warmth without visual clutter. They create a sensory experience — the texture underfoot, the weight of a ceramic bowl, the grain of timber catching the light. These elements make a room feel like a retreat. Like somewhere you want to linger.
And this is where intentional design differs from trend-led styling. It isn’t about adding layers for the sake of it. It’s about choosing materials that age beautifully and feel honest.
Less, But More Meaningful
In many “before” spaces, there is either too much — overcrowded shelves, excessive decorative pieces — or too little, leaving rooms feeling sparse and cold.
This way of resourceful styling sits comfortably in between.
A few meaningful pieces replace dozens of decorative fillers. A large olive tree in a terracotta pot instead of multiple small ornaments. A single statement ceramic bowl on a coffee table rather than layered trays and objects.
I’ve always been drawn to this approach. While I appreciate many styles of décor, I consistently lean towards less. When we fill our homes with objects that don’t truly resonate, they often become temporary — eventually given away or discarded because they never held real meaning.
But when we choose slowly and intentionally, the space feels more aligned with us. More personal. More grounded.
The “after” images on this living room reflect this beautifully. They show restraint. They show confidence in simplicity. The biggest swap here was the seating set as this home was being styled for sale. In this case, the sitting room needed to feel bigger and more open so downsizing from two chunky sofas to only one, in a softer colour, helped widen the space.
Creating a Holiday Feeling at Home
Perhaps the most striking difference between these before and after spaces is the atmosphere. Before: functional but flat and uninviting. After: warm, breathable, calming.
Soft neutral palettes inspired by sand, stone, and sea replace stark and heavy colours. Furniture is arranged to encourage connection — around a dining table, near open doors, beside windows.
The result feels like a holiday home — not because it is extravagant or feels too curated, but because it is unhurried and balanced. It whispers calm and slow.
Walls may be imperfectly plastered. Woods may show knots and grain. Fabrics may crease. There will be mismatched elements. But these “imperfections” are what create soul. They remind us that a home is for living in.
Simple Living, Reflected in Design
What these transformations truly highlight is that styling a home or space for a particular purpose has to reflect a lifestyle. This aspirational intention is what will ultimately help the listing be more successful when trying to sale or rent a property.
Even when budgets are minimal, a bit of thought can radically transform the soul of a space. In some cases, there isn't a defined decor style or limitations on what can go and what needs to stay doesn't always align with an initial vision.
But there is always a way to create a narrative.
The before-and-after contrast is powerful because it shows how small, thoughtful changes — natural textures, warm woods, restrained styling — can completely shift how a room feels.
It welcomes you in. It allows you to breathe. It invites you to notice the way sunlight hits the wall in the late afternoon, the quiet beauty of an imperfect plant or bowl sitting simply on a wooden table.
It reinforces the idea that simplicity is not absence — it is intention.
And sometimes, the most transformative thing we can do in a space is not to add an expensive design piece…but to choose better.
