October 23, 2024
Design-led homes in Brighton & Hove: Elevating spaces with Lydia Cherry Design
Design-led homes in Brighton & Hove
At Number Twenty Four, we’re passionate about design-led homes, and you only have to take one look at our stunning portfolio to see why. Design-led homes are crafted with intention, balancing beauty and practicality through careful attention to space, light, materials, nature, and décor. Often architecturally striking, they embrace modernist design principles that elevate the living experience.
For us, walking into a home where every detail has been thoughtfully curated makes our jobs even more exciting. The photoshoots feel more inspired, and naturally, the result is more interest from buyers. Here in Brighton and Hove, we see this attention to detail in homes that skillfully blend period features with modern touches and vibrant colours – creating truly stunning spaces.
All of this is why we’ve partnered with Lydia Cherry Design to offer our clients an added service in staging and decorating homes for sale. Read on to meet Lydia and Olivia, the creative forces behind Lydia Cherry Design, and discover why showcasing your home in its best light can make all the difference when selling.
Who are Lydia Cherry Design?
Lydia Cherry Design was founded by Lydia and Olivia, two mums with a shared passion for beautiful interiors and functional spaces. With Lydia’s experience in staging show homes and high-end properties in Abu Dhabi, combined with Olivia’s creative flair and eye for detail they create homes that are stylish, practical, and reflective of each client’s unique lifestyle.
Lydia Cherry Design provides a comprehensive interior design service, specialising in home staging, show homes, and custom interiors. We’re excited to collaborate with Lydia and Olivia to offer this valuable service to our clients, enhancing their home-selling experience.
Our conversation with Lydia and Olivia
Q – What got you interested in interior design/staging in the first place?
Lydia – The honest answer would be…The Sims. Playing on that as a teenager, downloading furniture packs, and using the cheat code ‘motherlode’ to increase the budget was my main hobby. That passion for design stayed with me in my first jobs, continuing into my University degree, where I studied Interior Design and Architecture.
Olivia – You know, it’s such a special memory actually – my journey with interior design really started at my grandparents’ house! As a kid, I was always rearranging their furniture (probably driving them crazy). There was something magical about seeing how a room could feel completely different just by moving things around.
Being naturally creative, I found myself constantly reimagining spaces. What started as innocent furniture shuffling at my grandparents’ turned into a genuine passion for transforming spaces. Now, every empty room I walk into is like that same blank canvas I used to play with as a child, just on a professional scale.
It’s funny how those early experiences shape us – who knew all those hours spent redecorating my grandparents’ living room would lead to a career in staging and design! It just goes to show that sometimes our childhood instincts really do point us toward our true calling.
Q – Can you tell us about your favourite project you’ve worked on so far?
Both – Bay Cottage in Oxfordshire. A complete renovation from start to finish. It began as an old tiny mid-terrace cottage in Wardington Oxfordshire with a long garden and derelict outhouses at the back. We played with ideas before we designed the plan layout, for the interior to run the length of the garden, joining up to the footprint of the original outhouses (these were rebuilt), creating a courtyard garden perfect size for the house. It was the biggest and most complicated project we had taken on at the time but it was the most fulfilling and amazing experience.
Q – Why do you think it’s important for sellers to dress/style their homes?
Both – A beautifully styled home attracts more potential buyers by helping them envision their lifestyle and feel the heart of the space. We believe a well-designed home is essential – a personal sanctuary that truly feels like home. Staging plays a crucial role in selling, as it creates a vision and lifestyle for prospective buyers to connect with.
Q – How do you think you can help Number Twenty Four with our clients?
Both – We offer a range of services, from a basic staging of the property to adding a few touches and helping create a fresh environment to the full interior package including full design, ordering, storage, and installation. If your property is empty, in need of an entire refresh, and/or needs a few extra pieces, we are here to help.
Q – Finally, what’s your favourite colour, and why?
Both – This is a very tough question, there are so many lovely colours. Green would be high up on the list as it is a serene colour that links with nature. It is also a calming colour. Another would be greige, a mix of grey and beige. There is a warmth and depth to it that you don’t get from grey or beige. It’s another hue that creates calm and tranquillity within a home.
You can find out more about Lydia Cherry design by visiting their website, or heading to their Instagram page.
Style in our portfolio – Wanderdown Close
Browse through our portfolio of homes, and you’ll find numerous design features that look straight out of an interiors magazine. A standout example is Wanderdown Close. Nestled at the end of a cul-de-sac in the charming village of Ovingdean, this fully renovated property has been transformed into a pristine three-bedroom, three-bathroom family home, boasting breathtaking views of the South Downs National Park.
Wanderdown Close offers versatile living spaces, starting with a spacious ground-floor entrance currently used as a home office, complete with ample storage and a home gym that could be transformed into an extra bedroom or workspace. Stylish stairs lead to the first floor, where a bright hallway connects to three serene double bedrooms, two with en-suites, and a balcony offering stunning South Downs views. The open-plan kitchen/living area is a showstopper, featuring full-height windows, a grand feature fireplace, and a sleek, light-filled kitchen with high-end appliances. Ready to move into, this home is a perfect blend of style and functionality.
Photography of Wanderdown Close by Jack Beard, The Light Room
Five styling tips for preparing your home for sale
When preparing a home for sale, first impressions are everything. Potential buyers form opinions within seconds of walking through the door, so it’s crucial to present the property in its best possible light. A well-styled home not only highlights its strengths but also helps buyers envision themselves living in the space, making them more likely to make an offer. From creating an inviting atmosphere to emphasising key features, there are several simple yet effective ways to elevate the appearance of a home.
If you’re not in a position to hire a design company, there are things you can do yourself to make your home stand out in a competitive market. Here are our five top tips:
- Declutter and Depersonalise: Remove personal items and excess furniture to create a clean, open space that allows buyers to envision themselves in the home. Less is more when it comes to staging!
- Neutral Colours: Opt for neutral tones like soft greys, beiges, or whites on walls and décor. These colours create a welcoming atmosphere and appeal to a broader audience, making rooms feel fresh and spacious.
- Maximise Natural Light: Open curtains or blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. Bright spaces feel more inviting and larger, so clean windows and consider adding mirrors to reflect light.
- Highlight Key Areas: Focus on styling key areas like the living room, kitchen, and the princpial bedroom, as these are usually the most important for buyers. Use cosy textiles, fresh flowers, or trendy accessories to add charm without overwhelming the space.
- Boost Curb Appeal: First impressions matter! Ensure the exterior looks well-kept with mowed lawns, trimmed hedges, and fresh paint on the front door. A welcoming entrance sets the tone for the rest of the home.
These quick tips can help create a polished, inviting space that resonates with potential buyers!
How to get in contact with us
Whether you’re looking to buy, sell or just want some advice – we’re here to help! Contact us for a friendly chat.
You can also follow us on Instagram for up-to-date news on what we’re up to, or for sleek property inspo.
