A good Before & After is hard to resist, right?

Recently I shared some photos with my team, and they were so excited that they insisted I share them with you here.

*Shot by* *Lynden Foss* *& styled by* *Natalie Walton* *for* *AC Homes*

Here’s what you need to know.

I have been working with the most amazing design client. She is a busy working mum to an infant and young child with special needs, and she needed help finishing off her home for sale.

(We’re also working on a few other design projects – but that’s another story for another day.)

The real estate agent had taken some photos.

Eek.

**BEFORE** | Initial listing photo for @ac.homes.co provided by the real estate agency

To be fair, they are typical real estate photos.

Why do they continue to shoot with all the lights on and wide angle lenses???

No one photographs spaces like this anymore. And we all know the power of social media. It always feels like such a wasted opportunity to not take good-quality photos.

After all, you’ve got just seconds for someone to decide if they’re going to click on your listing. And the quality of your photos determines if they are going to book an inspection.

So, I helped organise a photo shoot and we set a date. I had so much fun styling her home, and working with photographer Lynden Foss. You can watch a little of the behind-the-scenes process here.

**AFTER** | New listing photo for @ac.homes.co styled by Natalie Walton & photographed by Lynden Foss

I thought it might be helpful to share my styling process below. Hope you find it helpful.

BEFORE | Kitchen & Dining

AFTER | Kitchen & Dining

BEFORE | Living Room

AFTER | Living Room

BEFORE | Bedrooms

AFTER | Bedrooms

BEFORE | Bath & Laundry

AFTER | Bath & Laundry

BEFORE | Exterior & Entrance

AFTER | Exterior & Entrance

The Art of Selling: Why Styling Is Everything

In today’s real estate market, first impressions aren’t just important, they’re everything. Buyers often decide in a matter of seconds whether a home feels right for them, long before they’ve stepped through the door. That’s why styling and photography aren’t optional extras, they’re essential tools for creating connection, desire, and ultimately, a successful sale.

1. Help Your Home Stop the Scroll

With so many homes on the market, beautifully styled spaces instantly stand out. Buyers scroll quickly, but a cohesive, well-thought-out interior makes them pause. It’s those small but intentional details — layered textures, balanced proportions, and a considered colour palette — that instantly appeal to people.

2. Make Buyers Feel at Home

Selling a home isn’t just about presenting rooms, it’s about telling a story. The right styling helps potential buyers see how a space can be lived in and enjoyed. It turns empty corners into inviting moments, giving people a sense of warmth, ease, and belonging. When a home feels considered and complete, it resonates on a deeper level.

3. Stand Out in a Crowded Market

A well-styled home has presence. It looks polished, intentional, and move-in ready — which is exactly what today’s buyers want. A space that feels effortless and cohesive creates a sense of urgency and desirability, helping it stand apart from the competition.

4. Create More Perceived Value

How a home is presented shapes how people feel about it. A carefully styled space doesn’t just look better, it feels more valuable. It suggests quality, attention to detail, and a higher standard of living. And when buyers see a home as premium, they’re often willing to pay more for it.

5. Sell Faster With Confidence

A beautifully presented home doesn’t just attract more attention, it makes the entire sales process smoother and more seamless. From creating a strong first impression to making buyers feel emotionally invested, styling removes friction from the decision-making process. The result? More interest, stronger offers, and a quicker sale.

Consider This: Styling isn’t just about making a home look beautiful, it’s about helping buyers fall in love with it. When done well, it turns a house into a home people want to live in. Whether you're preparing to sell or simply looking to elevate your space, investing in styling is one of the most powerful ways to create impact.

If you’d like to take your styling to the next level, join The Styling Masterclass now so you can get started today!

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