First impressions are crucial when selling houses, and today, these impressions happen online. Before anyone visits in person, they have already viewed your photos, assessed the layout, and made a decision.
According to a recent report from Featherington Interiors, UK homes with professional photos sold 32% faster and at 2–3% higher prices in 2025.
Whether you plan to sell, rent, or refresh your home, effective styling and photography are essential.
We, at Jocie Juritz, help you create beautiful spaces that look great both online and in person.
If you want your home to stand out to buyers and guests, styling ideas and even design concepts can greatly improve its appeal.
The Power of Design Meets the Magic of Photography
Let’s be honest. We often judge a room by its picture. A room with rough edges, clutter, and poor lighting does not look appealing. Even if your space feels calm and big, if it is not arranged and photographed well, it can seem uninteresting on your Zoopla or Rightmove listings.
Good design considers light, space, and overall feel, beyond just comfort. Professional photography does more than show room size; it shows emotion.
Recent data from House Wow found that 68% of staged homes in the UK saw a 9-12% increase in perceived value because of good design and professional photography. This rise in value highlights the importance of styling and premium photos when advertising a property on websites like Rightmove.
If you are a landlord, developer, or an informed homeowner, that emotion helps sell your property.
Design Ideas That Always Look Good in Photos
Here are some design ideas that always look good in photos:
1. Keep it Light and Bright
Natural light is beneficial for making spaces bright. Open curtains, clean the glass, and use light colours on your walls. Light-coloured wood, white fabrics, and simple window treatments can make your photos appear more spacious and airy.
Tip: In darker areas, use lamps and soft bulbs to create warmth without creating harsh shadows.
2. Create a Flow That Makes Sense
Arrange your space so that the view from the entrance leads directly to the main part, whether it’s a fireplace, a bed, or a unique table. Place the furniture to create a smooth flow from one focal point to another.
Photographers mostly take pictures from the entrance, so design this view with care.
In the UK, staged homes sell up to three times faster and stay on the market about 50% less time than unstaged properties. This illustrates that making a good first impression is key to attracting buyers through photographs.
3. Use Symmetry and Balance
Magazines are often coordinated with bedside tables because they look organised and planned. Symmetry creates a tidy appearance. It’s about finding the right balance rather than being perfect. For example, you can have two pillows on each corner of the couch or two chairs on opposite sides of a coffee table.
A good rule to follow is to use odd numbers for style, but organise items in pairs.
If you are thinking about staging your home for sale, consider how new interior design trends can change the feel of your space, both in real life and in photos.
4. Layer with Texture, Not Clutter
To create a welcoming space, use interesting textures like a thick knit blanket, a jute rug, braided baskets, or even soft velvet cushions. These elements add warmth without distracting from the main focus.
Avoid using too many small items or random decorations. Keep the space purposeful and tidy.
5. Let the Space Breathe
In pictures, simple designs often make a big impact. That large armchair might be cosy, but if it blocks the room view, it should be removed. Get rid of extra chairs, footstools, or drying racks that make the space feel crowded.
Having some space in your home can make it look bigger and more elegant.
Here’s a real example that shows how thoughtful decor can change a dull room into an attractive space for buyers.
Common Styling Mistakes That Hurt Your Listing
Here are some common styling mistakes that hurt your listing:
- Too Personal: Family photos, refrigerator magnets, or even strong decorations can make it hard for buyers to imagine themselves in the space.
- Visual Chaos: Too many colours, patterns, or textures in one room can confuse a camera’s focus. Try to stick to a consistent colour scheme and limit the use of bold items.
- Over-furnishing: Trying to fit all your furniture into one room can make it feel cramped and cluttered. Focus on size and space.
- Harsh Lighting: Cold white lights or direct sunlight can hide features or create unflattering shadows.
The Final Step That Sells The Story
Once your home is beautifully styled, it’s time for the experts to take over.
“Even the most beautifully designed space can fall flat in photos if it’s not captured with care,” says the team at My Photos Forever, a Liverpool-based photography service known for helping designers, agents and homeowners showcase their interiors. When photographing any space, we consider not just light and layout, but the story the room is trying to tell.
These professionals ensure your home looks just as good online as it does in person. They use wide-angle lenses to capture small spaces better, edit photos to match lighting and colours, and select angles that connect different areas.
If you are looking for more than just photos, they also offer 3-Dimensional virtual tours and floorplans. These tools are very popular with buyers or renters from out of town who want to “tour” a property before they arrive.
Extra Visual Touches That Make a Difference
Some extra visual touches that can make a huge difference. Here are they:
- Add Mirrors to Reflect Light and Widen Views: Using a mirror in unreasonable hallways or small bedrooms makes the space feel larger.
- Bring in Nature: A potted plant or a small vase with fresh flowers adds colour without being too personal.
- Frame it With Art: Abstract or simple art improves the look of the room without being too busy.
- Show Contrast: Pair light-coloured walls with dark furniture, or vice versa. This creates depth and makes each piece stand out in photos.
View this post on Instagram
Conclusion
To boost sales, focus on creating a warm, calm, and inviting space, rather than simply following trends or purchasing furniture. Be sure to capture this welcoming atmosphere in your photos.
Effective staging highlights your home’s best features. Great photography turns those features into something buyers can imagine with.
When you rearrange the space or adjust cushions for a photoshoot, remember: you’re not just selling a building. You’re selling a lifestyle. You are selling a story.
With the correct style and a great photo, your story could be exactly what your buyer is looking for.
