Style Sells with Arch Melbourne
24 August 2023
Written by Acme Mag
When it comes to getting a home ready for sale, there are multiple steps you shouldn’t look past – and styling might just be at the top. Cat Brown, the founder of Arch Melbourne’s main message is that ‘style sells’, time and time again it’s been proven the presentation of a home can influence the final sale price. Cat talks to us about her favourite project so far: 57 Canadian Bay Road, Mount Eliza.
Arch was given the opportunity to style two properties on the same block in different ways, becoming the view house and the retreat house. The idea for the two properties was to create contrast with one being light and airy and the other being dark and moody. “It was so much fun designing two completely different looks at the same time, like day and night,” says Cat.
As an architecturally designed home, it’s important it’s presented to showcase the luxury and lifestyle as enticingly as possible. Both properties still highlight the unique aspects of the homes whilst still being styled to suit different aesthetics. For Cat, it’s more than simply styling a property.
“We create a lifestyle, a look and feel that draws people in. A memorable home. We tailor our styling to each home and highlight all the best bits. I love that when we finish a project like this, we take the time to reflect. This is the best one yet, until the next house. We always challenge ourselves creatively to go one better each home we style. It keeps us on our toes.”
Stylist: Arch Melbourne
Photographer: Spacecraft
Builders: Latitude 37 Homes
For 57 Canadian Bay Road, the houses were the biggest Arch has ever styled with five bedrooms, three living rooms, and two study spaces each. Cat says she loved the challenge that the properties presented. The feedback has been overwhelming, with the vendors, agents and buyers loving what the team at Arch has created.
When listing a property, often the first thing a potential buyer will see is the photos. Cat tells us this is why they style to capture your ideal buyer from the first glance. When they go to the open and walk through the styled home, it should create a connection. Buyers can see how they could live in the home, fall in love and want to purchase the property.
“I honestly think you risk not achieving a higher price if your home isn’t presented properly. Styling also goes a long way to help get a sale across the line. People want to see how they can live in the home. Setting up rooms how your potential purchasers would use them goes a long way in helping them visualise themselves living there.”
At Arch, Cat makes sure they are always pushing the boundaries with their styling to create cool, contemporary spaces. It’s all about creating that ‘wow’ factor in a home that goes a long way in getting people to make an offer to buy. Cat finds her inspiration from different industries, looking at designers from all over the globe. She’s always looking at designers who push the boundaries with colour and style, taking inspiration and looking at how they can approach their next home. Arch doesn’t take a cookie-cutter approach to their work. Arch is taking charge of the new wave of property styling that is more editorial based.
