Style: July 01, 2019

STYLE | promotion 35
So, neutral is still the way to go?
Neutrals can be a fabulous base, just
make sure to use a variety of tones
and add loads of texture to prevent a
one-dimensional look. But, to achieve
that ‘wow’ factor, you generally need a
little something else on top.
Should our approach to presenting a
home change once the cold seasons
hit?
Most definitely. Winter should be
about creating a feeling of luxury,
comfort and warmth.
Do you have any simple tricks to
share?
Plush fabrics, such as velvet, are one
of my must-haves for winter. Layers
of rugs, throws – either furs or chunky
knits – cushions, table lamps and
scented candles are all worth their
weight in gold.
CATE
As an interior designer, what are
you most surprised by when you
walk through a home that’s for sale?
I’m surprised by how much whiteon-white
is out there. It appears to
have become a real ‘go-to’ colour
scheme for many. Although perceived
as a safe bet, I feel this lets some
properties down. Don’t let your
home’s character and charm get lost
in ‘a sea of white’.
Debi Pratt and Cate Binnie.
HOT PROPERTY
Real estate agent Debi Pratt and interior designer
Cate Binnie know what it takes to encourage
people to brave the elements and discover the
warmth of a new home.
Do you think we should be updating
colours and palettes in anticipation
of the new buyers’ tastes?
I don’t believe you can anticipate
buyers’ tastes or wants, but you can
certainly look critically at what you
have and what simple changes would
work to create wider appeal. With
colour, exceptionally bold choices
can be polarising for some, so toning
these down can be beneficial if going
to the market.
DEBI
How did the business relationship
between you and Cate evolve?
Cate contacted me about selling her
home at 15 Innes Road, Merivale, and
we instantly connected. Cate’s home
just oozes style, but, at the same time,
makes you feel like curling up on the
couch or lounging on the floor. She just
gets what it means to make a house a
home and this skill is so valuable in my
industry. Just have a look at her home
online and you’ll see what I mean.
As a team, what options can you now
present to the homeowner?
When you have a house on the market,
the ultimate creation is an environment
that a prospective buyer doesn’t want
to leave. It’s really cool when buyers
feel comfortable and linger in a home
and that’s where someone like Cate
can add so much value.
How do you motivate buyers out into
the cold – and into the warmth of
their potential new home?
By identifying the best characteristics
of a property and marketing them in
an enticing way by being quirky, playful
and direct.
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