Styling for Success: How Property Presentation Can Drive Better Results

We sat down with Kellie McDonald and Steph Thornborrow, the founders and stylists of Pint Size Property Styling, to discuss the value of styling in lifestyle destinations such as Phillip Island, the return it can deliver for sellers, and the trends influencing homes this winter.

Q: How did Pint Size Property Styling begin?

Steph: We both started out separately in property styling before realising we were doing very similar work. As demand grew, it became obvious that joining forces would allow us to take on more projects and deliver an even better service. We’ve now been working together for several years, and it’s been a fantastic partnership.

Q: What originally attracted you both to property styling?

Kellie: It really came from a shared love of interiors and design. Property styling gave us a creative outlet and the opportunity to help people present their homes in the best possible light.

Steph: Our backgrounds are actually quite different. I spent more than 20 years producing television commercials before moving into marketing for a local independent school. Creativity has always been central to my career, and styling felt like a natural extension of that.

Kellie: I previously worked in tourism on Phillip Island, including in the cruise industry. While I loved that work, I found myself increasingly drawn to home design and building, which eventually led me into property styling.

Q: Why has property styling become such an important part of the sales process?

Steph: Buyers make decisions incredibly quickly. Styling helps create that all-important first impression and allows buyers to emotionally connect with a property. It’s not about disguising flaws, but about helping people understand a home’s potential and lifestyle.

Kellie: Many homes in coastal areas like Phillip Island are holiday properties filled with furniture that has been moved from a primary residence over time. Styling brings cohesion to a space and ensures buyers see the property at its very best.

Q: How has the Phillip Island market embraced property styling?

Steph: When we first started, there was definitely an education process because styling wasn’t something many people were doing locally. In Melbourne, styling is almost expected, and sellers can be at a disadvantage without it.

On Phillip Island, we approached it differently. Styling became an opportunity to stand out from competing listings and create a point of difference in the marketplace.

Q: Is there a measurable return on investment from styling?

Steph: It’s difficult to put an exact figure on it because every property and market is different. However, we strongly believe styling delivers a significant return. The investment in styling is often far outweighed by increased buyer interest, stronger competition and, ultimately, a better sales outcome.

Kellie: Buyers often make emotional decisions before rational ones. If a property feels welcoming and aspirational from the moment they walk through the door, that can have a powerful impact on perceived value.

Q: How does styling compare with renovating before sale?

Kellie: Many sellers are understandably cautious about spending money in the current market. Renovations can be expensive, time-consuming and sometimes don’t deliver the return people expect.

Steph: Styling is often a far more affordable alternative. If someone spent $5,000 on a renovation, they may not achieve much. But the same investment in styling can transform an entire home and create a much greater impact for buyers.

Q: How do you approach styling in a lifestyle market like Phillip Island?

Kellie: We definitely lean into the coastal setting, but without becoming overly themed or clichéd. Buyers are often looking for a relaxed lifestyle, so our styling reflects that while remaining sophisticated and timeless.

We also try to create flexible spaces that appeal to a broad range of buyers. For example, homes may appeal to holidaymakers, remote workers, families or investors considering short-term accommodation opportunities.

Steph: Neutral palettes are key because they appeal to the widest possible audience. We want buyers to imagine themselves living there rather than being distracted by bold design choices.

Q: What buyer trends are you seeing locally?

Kellie: We generally see two major groups. There are retirees seeking a relaxed coastal lifestyle and easy living, while we’re also seeing more young families moving to the area and working remotely.

That means styling needs to appeal across a broad demographic while still capturing the unique lifestyle that Phillip Island offers.

Q: What design trends are proving popular right now?

Steph: Natural textures continue to perform really well. You can’t go wrong with timber, linen or white bouclé. Rattan and jute also work beautifully in coastal homes because they add warmth and texture while maintaining a relaxed feel.

The overall look remains quite neutral and timeless, which helps broaden buyer appeal.

Q: Does your styling approach change with the seasons?

Kellie: Absolutely. During winter, we focus on creating warmth and comfort. Fireplaces become key features, and we often create cosy sitting areas around them.

Steph: We also introduce layered textures such as throws and cushions, along with slightly deeper and warmer colour palettes. The changes are subtle, but they help buyers emotionally connect with the home during colder months.

Q: What is the single best styling tip for homeowners preparing to sell?

Kellie: Declutter.

Steph: Absolutely. Less is more. Decluttering, depersonalising and simplifying a space can dramatically change how buyers experience a home.

Sometimes we complete partial styling projects using a homeowner’s existing furniture, and people are amazed by the transformation simply from removing excess items and rearranging what remains.

We often hear sellers say, “Now we don’t want to sell anymore!”

Q: What should sellers remember above all else?

Steph: Buyers need to picture themselves living in the property. The less personal and cluttered the home feels, the easier it is for them to create that emotional connection.

Kellie: Ultimately, styling is about showcasing a property’s potential. When done well, it helps buyers see not just a house, but the lifestyle that comes with it.