Ivanhoe has a special kind of curb appeal – leafy streets, character homes with period details, and a growing mix of mid-century units and contemporary townhouses near transport and schools. Buyers come here for that charm, but they still expect light, storage, comfort, and a “move-in now” feel. That’s why smart interior updates paired with home staging Ivanhoe  and targeted Ivanhoe property styling beat a last-minute scramble every time. 

What Ivanhoe buyers want right now?

• A bright, calm interior that photographs beautifully
  
• Effortless flow between living, dining, kitchen, and outdoors
  
• Comfort details: layered lighting, soft window dressings, usable storage
  
• Respect for character with subtle modern upgrades (not heavy remodels)
  
• Ready to enjoy -no long to-do list after settlement

With character and greenery, buyers want Ivanhoe, but with comfort and convenience. The most efficient way to update is in stages.

Why staged upgrades beat big renovations?

Full renovations risk overcapitalising right before sale. Staged upgrades focus on light, scale, and flow the three things buyers feel first and remember longest. They cost less, move faster, and usually return more per dollar in a sales campaign.

• Paint and lighting refresh – months of structural work
  
• Hardware, taps, curtains – ripping out whole rooms
  
• Furniture scale and layout – living with bulky pieces that shrink rooms

What to update in Ivanhoe by property type?

Federation & Art Deco homes

Keep the soul, lighten the feel.

• Walls: warm white (consistent throughout) to calm colour noise and lift ceilings.
  
• Lighting: dimmable warm LEDs; add lamps for evening “glow.”
  
• Hardware: brushed brass/aged bronze complements period features.
  
• Kitchens/Baths: mini-makeovers – new taps, handles, pendant over island, resurfaced benchtops; re-silicone and refresh grout.
  
• Staging tip: show off fireplaces and ceiling roses with simpler furniture lines so the features breathe – classic Ivanhoe property styling.

Mid-century units & townhouses

Lean into simplicity and light.

• Rugs: larger, low-pile rugs to anchor zones and make spaces feel wider.
  
• Window dressings: sheers for privacy without killing light.
  
• Storage: slimline consoles and ottomans with hidden storage keep sightlines clean.
  
• Colour: timber + white + one accent (sage/ink/terracotta) = timeless.
  
• Staging tip: round coffee or dining tables to improve flow in compact rooms.

Contemporary apartments

Add warmth and purpose to neutral shells.

• Texture: boucle, linen, timber, and soft throws to avoid “display-home cold.”
  
• Balconies: bistro set + outdoor plant = an extra room in photos.
  
• Lighting: add two table lamps; apartment grids are often under-lit.
  
• Acoustics: soft furnishings to reduce echo and feel “settled.”
  
• Staging tip: show a clear work-from-home nook without crowding the living zone.

What are the best interior updates for return on investment?

1. One-palette paint in warm white to unify rooms
   
2. Layered lighting (ambient,  task and accent) with 2700–3000K bulbs
   
3. Curtains – privacy sheers with simple tracks to soften windows
   
4. Hardware refresh – door levers, handles, taps for a subtle lift
   
5. Benchtop or splashback refresh (resurface or replace – often 1–2 days)
   
6. Bathroom tune-up – re-silicone, re-grout colour-seal, new shower rail & tapware
   
7. Floors – steam clean carpet, polish timber; a large rug if boards are tired
   
8. Storage edits – clear 30 to 40% of visible items; baskets inside cupboards
   
9. Greenery – one plant per main zone (olive/rubber/ficus)
   
10. Scent & sound – fresh air over strong fragrance; quiet over background music

Staging vs design vs renovation – what is right for you?

• home staging Ivanhoe – Best for lived-in or empty homes just before listing. Furniture, art, lighting, and decor selected to highlight space and flow for photos and opens.
  
• Interior design services Ivanhoe – Ideal when you’ll live in the home a while, or when permanent choices (paint, curtains, lighting, hardware) need a cohesive plan.
  
• Home renovation services Ivanhoe – Use for targeted, high-impact fixes (benchtops, splashbacks, tapware, small-area re-tiling). Avoid large structural changes close to sale unless value and timing are crystal-clear.

Not sure where to start? Reach out via Get in Touch

Is there a checklist for photo day and open houses?

• All lights on, globes matching and warm
  
• Blinds adjusted for light; sheers drawn for softness
  
• Benchtops clear; one styled corner only
  
• Beds crisp; towel sets fresh and folded hotel-style
  
• Plants watered and fluffed; entry swept; balcony staged
  
• Hide bins, pet bowls, shampoo bottles, and cables
  
• A simple bowl of green apples or lemons on the kitchen bench

Want the full run-sheet and styling strategy? Browse our Blogs

What are the timelines and expectations?

Most Ivanhoe properties can be photo-ready within 2–4 weeks using a mix of tidy upgrades and staging. That’s planning, trade bookings, a deep clean, install, and shoot without living through a long renovation. If your campaign is tight, we prioritise: paint consistency, lighting, window dressings, hero rooms entry/living/master/alfresco, then the finishing layers.

Curious about costs, process, and what’s included? Check the FAQs