Property stager Liv Conlon reveals her top tips for selling your property – from clearing away leaves and choosing the right lightbulbs to using one unusual colour to catch the eye
Selling your home in 2026 will be about far more than sticking a “For Sale” sign outside and waiting for the phone to ring, but what does property expert Liv Conlon suggest?
With house prices predicted to rise modestly rather than rocket, and buyers remaining cautious, presentation, pricing and preparation will be key to securing a strong offer.
In this kind of market, homes that feel cluttered, dark or unfinished risk sitting unsold while those that feel spacious, calm and “move-in ready” will stand out.
That’s where Liv Conlon comes in. The 27-year-old Glasgow-born entrepreneur and CEO of ThePropertyStagers.co.uk has built a successful career helping sellers stage their homes to secure fast sales – even in winter – and now she’s sharing her secrets with Mirror readers.
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In fact, winter buyers are the most motivated and know what they want (in the summer, you’d be surprised by how many people arrange views as a way to spend their Saturdays – yes, really).
So if your home is going on the market now, there are clever ways to stage your rooms to present them in the best possible light – without breaking the bank.
With 2026 fast approaching, here are Liv’s top tips for making your home truly irresistible to buyers.
1 Swap out showhome looks for more of a lived-in feel
“When selling your home, you want to give it the wow factor. But remember that perfection can seem quite cold to buyers. A home needs to be lived in, and not like a showroom they’re afraid to touch.
“My top tips would be to swap out any cushions positioned perfectly on the sofa or throws folded and draped with too much precision. Try to layer things more casually for a relaxed feel.
“For your coffee table, for instance, have a book left open or a candle that’s well-loved. Show it’s a space that feels impressive but also feels like home.”
2 Ditch gloss and glass surfaces
“Gloss and glass finishes may have once been popular, but they can feel clinical and far too polished. Sleek surfaces might photograph well, but don’t be afraid to experiment with softer finishes, like wood, or stone.
“These absorb the light, rather than reflecting it. Gloss and glass surfaces are also a nightmare to clean, showing up every speck and smudge, as well as scratches. So they won’t be that appealing to buyers with kids or pets.”
3 Dare to be bold
“I often find there is so much fear around dark colour schemes in homes, with people worrying it’ll make a space feel colder and smaller. But dark colours add depth and richness, especially when used thoughtfully.
Instead of making a small room feel cramped, they can create a cosy cocoon feel that buyers will love. You don’t need to paint every wall. Try a feature wall in an inky blue or an emerald green, or maybe even a dark rust.”
Look at your furniture too. “Buyers are increasingly drawn to high-end design, and bold, unexpected shapes can make a home feel decadent. Curved sofas or circular rugs can really draw the eye in, breaking up straight lines or sharp angles.
“Even subtle touches, like a sculptural chair or a rounded coffee table, can make an impression. Go for unique mirrors too, like arched or even wavy designs. They’ll look great, plus they’ll reflect the light for added brightness and make a room feel twice as big.”
4 Add a dash of red to catch the eye
“We were once told that the best way to sell a home was to strip back all personality and keep the walls plain and white. But that leaves a home feeling flat.
“Colour can really transform a space, especially a small home. Even thoughtful pops of colour will add personality without overwhelming a room. Try patterned cushions, bright artwork or a statement rug.
“Even something as simple as painting your skirting or coving in a bright colour can transform the space. A trend that went viral on social media is the ‘Unexpected Red Theory’, which is when you add a bold red element to a room.
“It could be something as small as a frame, a coffee table or a lamp, but it makes such a statement.”
5 Choose accessories to bring warmth to your home
“There are so many things that can make a home feel emotionally cold to a buyer, such as clutter, lack of colour, furniture or poor lighting. Bringing warmth is essential and so simple.
“For lighting, go for soft, layered options like lamps, sconces, or even candles. If you’re worried about an open flame, battery-operated candles produce such a realistic flicker.
“Don’t forget textures like velvet cushions, plush rugs, or even large wall hangings. If it’s a hot season, add fresh flowers or even a small potted plant for some greenery. In winter, swap out the flowers for chrysanthemums or some foliage, like eucalyptus or ferns.”
6 Don’t overwhelm a space with your own memories
“There’s a firm difference between flashes of your personality and making a home ALL about you. Overly personal touches can be off-putting for buyers, so try and remove some of the family photos or memorabilia and leave small touches.
“A few frames on the mantelpiece is fine, but an entire gallery wall dedicated to your kids? That might be a step too far.
However you don’t need to sacrifice character and charm in the process. Vintage pieces, quirky artwork, or cool photography can bring a space to life. Thoughtful touches show your style and flair, and make your home memorable, even if the buyer’s taste differs.”
7 Use video to showcase your home
“When selling your home online, first impressions are everything. Start with a professional photographer who can capture your space in the best light.
“Make sure every room is tidy and free of clutter, and avoid including people in the shots. I’ve seen some crazy listings with people asleep in the bed or others trying to duck out of the shot! It’s not a good selling point, trust me.
“Small rooms can benefit from some thoughtful staging, like adding a desk to give the idea of a home office or study area. And don’t underestimate the power of video tours or 360-degree experiences.
“Modern buyers expect immersive experiences, so investing in high-quality visuals can make your home stand out and feel more inviting. Without this, the listing may not even make a buyer book a viewing.”
8 Eradicate any odours which will put buyers off
You might not notice the scent of your own home, but buyers definitely will – and straight away. Smell is the first sense to register on entering a property, and there’s research that shows it can influence decision-making.
That means the smell of last night’s curry, your wet dog, an unemptied bin or that damp pile of washing waiting to go in the machine really can sway a potential buyer.
Before every viewing, air the house thoroughly – including bathrooms and toilets to get rid of any nasty niffs. Ten minutes of fresh air on a winter morning does more good than any plug-in or spray.
Go for subtle, clean smells such as vanilla, citrus and pine – or even freshly laundered linen. In the kitchen, use the old trick of baking some bread or brewing a fresh pot of coffee.
Or a few drops of essential oil on a damp cloth placed discreetly near a radiator works too.
9 Let the light in
Natural light in winter is fleeting, and shadows can make rooms feel smaller so if you’re selling in the darker months, lighting becomes crucial.
Swap dim 40‑watt bulbs for a bright 60 or 75 watt equivalent, choose warm white (2700‑3000K) and make sure the window glass is clean (buyers will look).
Pull back heavy curtains to make the most of daylight wherever possible and add lamps to corners that feel gloomy.
Good lighting doesn’t just brighten a room, it makes it feel more expensive and better cared for. Everyone wants a home that is radiant – dull rooms don’t sell.
10 Give your garden an instant makeover
“One of the biggest oversights in winter is the garden and the front of your property. With fewer distractions in your garden in winter – such as no full flowerbeds or patios with lovely furniture and pretty parasols – the exterior becomes a more honest first impression.
“Buyers often pull up in failing light, meaning they’ll be greeted with the first impressions of your front door, path and driveway looking cold, wet and uninspiring unless you do something about it.
“Clear any leaves and moss; replace one or two exterior lights (motion sensor floodlights included) so the approach is softly lit from dusk. Add one large, simple planter by the door and give your fence and front door a fresh coat of paint or varnish.”
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