The Style Counsellor

3 Bedroom Detached, Emmer Green £585,000.00

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 03:09:39 GMT

Well presented detached property in a very sought after road in Emmer Green. The property comprises rainstorm porchway, large living room diner, conservatory, large rear garden, three bedrooms, separate bathroom and wc. Close to local shops, open countryside and on the Oxfordshire border.

2 Bedroom Terrace, Tilehurst £355,000.00

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 03:45:43 GMT

A delightful two bedroom terraced property in the heart of Tilehurst village. This well loved property has open plan living on the ground floor, a double bedroom with front aspect, a second bedroom with rear aspect and a loft room with Velux windows and views over Tilehurst and beyond.

2 Bedroom Flat, Caversham £1,150.00

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 10:46:25 GMT

Newly decorated second floor flat in the heart of Caversham, available now. The property has an open plan living room/kitchen, a fitted shower room and two bedrooms. Close to Reading Station and the shops and cafes of Caversham this property is ideal for a small family or couple. No parking.

3 Bedroom Terrace, Reading £339,950.00

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 02:48:08 GMT

A very well presented, three bedroom mid terrace property with upstairs bathroom, front and rear gardens and on road non permit parking. The property has been redecorated and has new flooring throughout, is close to the main 17 bus route, local shops, schools and other amenities. No onward chain.

3 Bedroom Terrace, Tilehurst £350,000.00

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 06:21:55 GMT

Three bedroom, mid terrace house close to local schools, bus routes, shops and other amenities. The property has two reception rooms, a fitted kitchen at the rear, a fitted shower room, two double bedrooms and one single, a garage and enclosed front and rear gardens. There is no onward chain.

2 Bedroom Terrace, Reading £1,400.00

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 09:44:03 GMT

A very well presented, part furnished, two double bedroom, mid terrace cottage close to local shops, pubs, RBH, UoR, A329M and the major 17 bus route into Reading. Available Mid June with off road parking, gas central heating and a small rear garden, suitable for a couple, small family or sharers.

3 Bedroom Semi-Detached, Tilehurst £540,000.00

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 06:13:51 GMT

Very well presented three bedroom semi detached house in the heart of Tilehurst Village. The property has two good size reception rooms with the rear leading through to a large kitchen diner with bi-folds opening onto the rear garden. Close to local schools, shops, bus routes and amenities.

1 Bedroom Flat, Tilehurst £995.00

Wed, 06 May 2026 05:29:36 GMT

Refurbished one bedroom ground floor flat ideal for single or couple in the centre of Tilehurst village with off road parking to front. Living room with kitchen at one end, double rear bedroom, bathroom with extractor, large built in wardrobe, excellent transport links, available beg June.

Why use a Qualified, Professional Home Stager?

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 12:00:00 GMT

Why use a Qualified Home Stager? Why on earth wouldn`t you?

Using a Qualified Home Stager to stage your property for sale or rental can offer numerous benefits and make your home more desirable to potential buyers or tenants. The expertise and experience in the property industry that a Home Stager brings can significantly enhance the presentation and appeal of your property. Here are some key reasons why utilising a Home Stager is advantageous:

1. Professional Eye: With their extensive experience, a Home Stager possesses a keen eye for design and understands the latest trends and buyer preferences. They can objectively assess your property and identify its unique selling points while minimising any flaws. Their trained perspective ensures that your home is presented in the best possible light, maximising its appeal to potential buyers or renters.

2. Market Knowledge: If the Stager has worked for some time in the property industry they will be well-versed in market trends and buyer demographics. They will understand what buyers or renters are looking for in a property and can tailor the staging accordingly. By aligning the style and aesthetics of your home with the target market the Stager can help attract the right audience and increase the chances of a successful sale or rental.

3. Highlighting Potential: A qualified Stager excels in showcasing the full potential of your property. They possess the creativity and expertise to transform your space into an inviting and attractive environment. By rearranging furniture, adding decorative elements or suggesting minor renovations or repairs they can elevate the overall ambiance and create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that resonates with potential buyers or renters.

4. Competitive Edge: In a competitive real estate market, having a styled and well-presented property can give you a significant advantage. A Home Stager can help your property stand out among the competition, making it more memorable to potential buyers or tenants. Their attention to detail and understanding of buyer psychology allows them to create a visually appealing and emotionally engaging environment that can leave a lasting impression.

5. Faster Sales or Rentals: Ultimately, the goal of staging your property is to expedite the sale or rental process. With their experience and expertise, a Home Staging professional can help facilitate quicker transactions. By enhancing the overall appeal of your home, they can attract more potential buyers or renters, increase the number of enquiries, and ultimately lead to a faster sale or rental agreement.

In summary, utilising a professional Home Stager, such as The Style Counsellor who has over 20 years of experience in the property industry, offers numerous advantages when selling or renting your home. Their professional eye, market knowledge, ability to highlight potential, competitive edge, and potential for faster transactions make them an invaluable resource in maximising the appeal and desirability of your property.

Why not give me a call today on 0118 9420434 to see what property problem I could solve for you?

The Style Counsellor inspiring and creating beautiful homes xx

Maximizing Returns: The Power of Home Staging in HMO Room Letting

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 12:00:00 GMT

If you`re looking to boost your rental income and create a competitive edge in the market, I`ve got two words for you: home staging.

#First Impressions Matter

When it comes to letting rooms within a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), presentation is key. Home staging transforms your space into a captivating haven, helping potential tenants envision themselves living there. A well-arranged space showcases the room`s potential, making that all-important first impression unforgettable.

#Elevate Perceived Value

Properly staged rooms should ooze luxury and style, instantly increasing the perceived value of your property. Prospective tenants are willing to pay a premium for a place that feels like a home from the moment they step in. By investing a little in staging, you`re setting the stage for higher rental rates and attracting quality tenants.

#Picture Perfect Online

In today`s digital age, online listings are the gateway to attracting potential tenants. Staged rooms not only look stunning in photos but also stand out in the sea of listings. Eye-catching visuals make your property more shareable, expanding its reach and speeding up the rental process.

#Quick Rental Turnaround

HMO room letting can be competitive, but staging accelerates the process. The WOW factor lures in tenants faster, reducing vacancies and increasing your return on investment. A well-staged room makes it easy for viewers to imagine themselves living there, making signing the tenancy a no-brainer.

#Tailored To Your Market

Whether it`s a chic urban house or a cozy suburban base, home staging can be tailored to your property`s unique character. By showcasing the room`s potential in a way that resonates with your target audience, you`re ensuring that you attract tenants who are the perfect fit.

In a nutshell, home staging in HMO room letting isn`t just about arranging furniture—it`s about creating an emotional connection that drives demand and maximizes your rental income. So, give your property the spotlight it deserves, and watch it become a magnet for eager tenants! 💰🌟

The Glamping Show - The Style Counsellor collaborates with De Waard Tenten at Stoneleigh Park

Tue, 21 May 2024 12:00:00 GMT

Creating the Perfect Glamping Experience: How I Helped De Waard Dress Their Tents for The Glamping Show

When De Waard, a renowned name in the world of tents, approached me to help dress their two large tents for The Glamping Show 2023, I knew it was going to be an exciting yet challenging task. From the initial planning stages to the final takedown, the journey was a whirlwind of creativity, logistics, and hands-on work. Here`s a behind-the-scenes look at how I transformed these tents into stunning glamping showcases.

Setting the Vision with Moodboards

The first step in the process was to discuss the brief, budget and expectations over a video call. I met with the Operational Coordinator, Pascal, who supplied me with the information required and we agreed a timescale for a follow up call and some design ideas. The next stage for me then was to create detailed moodboards. These visual tools were essential in setting the tone and style for each tent. De Waard wanted to showcase different aspects of the glamping experience, so I needed to ensure each tent had its unique theme and aesthetic. Using images and colour palettes I created moodboards that encapsulated the luxury, comfort, and outdoor charm that De Waard tents are known for.

Inventory and Budget Planning

With the vision in place, the next step was to take stock of the inventory and plan the budget. This involved listing all the items we needed—from furniture and lighting to decorative accents and bedding. We had to strike a balance between splurging on statement pieces and saving on smaller, but equally important, items. Every detail was meticulously planned to ensure we stayed within budget while still achieving the desired look and feel. I had two very different tents to fit out with beautiful, yet practical items that the show visitors would relate to and it was important that glamping was still very much the feel of the experience.

Coordination via Video Calls

Given the scale of the project, effective communication was crucial. Regular video calls with the De Waard team helped us stay aligned and make real-time decisions. These calls were not just about discussing progress; they also served as brainstorming sessions where we could tweak designs, explore new ideas, and address any logistical challenges that arose. Bearing in mind that they were coming from Holland and I needed to take everything with me nothing could be unclear beforehand or forgotten on the day I travelled to the site.

The Logistics: Van Hire and Accommodation

The logistical aspect of the project was no small feat. I hired a van to transport all the furnishings and decorations to the show venue in Kenilworth. This required careful planning to ensure everything was packed securely and efficiently. Additionally, to manage the tight schedule, I arranged to stay overnight in Kenilworth. This allowed me and my co-worker to be on-site early and work late, maximizing our time for setting up and dressing the tents.

Dressing the Tents in Two Days

Upon arrival, we had two days to dress both tents. The first day was dedicated to setting up the larger pieces of furniture and ensuring the layout was perfect. I wanted each tent to feel spacious yet cozy, functional yet stylish. The second day was all about the details - dressing the six beds, laying the tables, arranging cushions, hanging pictures, mirrors and lights, placing rugs, and adding those final touches that would make the tents truly inviting.

The Final Push: Undressing Them Both Again in Just Three Hours

On the Saturday I travelled up to the show again and had a wander around the other truly inspiring stands showcasing all different types of accommodation. After the show I had a tight window of just three hours in which to undress the tents. This required a well-orchestrated effort where I and every De Waard team member had a hands on role. I systematically dismantled the furniture, packed away the items, ensuring nothing was damaged and everything was accounted for, and the De Waard sales team carefully loaded them into the van for me. The efficient takedown was a testament to the super teamwork that had been a part of the whole process and I cannot thank them enough for their support.

Conclusion

Helping De Waard dress their tents for The Glamping Show was a hugely rewarding experience. It involved a blend of creativity, meticulous planning and hands-on work and really validated my work. From moodboards to video calls, and from van hire to organising overnight accommodation every step was crucial in bringing the vision to life. The successful transformation of the tents into luxurious glamping havens was a true team effort and a highlight of my career in design and installation. To be chosen by an overeas company who are leaders in their field was a truly wonderful opportunity and to have forged friendships with such lovely people from an organised and professional company has been a real bonus. They had over 100 enquiries from show visitors and have secured `show sites` with site owners who have agreed to host the fabulous tents.

Roll on this year`s show as The Style Counsellor has been asked to work with them again and I cannot wait !!!

Are You Ready For The New Sanction Check Rules?

Fri, 16 May 2025 12:00:00 GMT

From 14th May 2025, all UK letting agents must comply with updated rules surrounding sanction checks as part of their anti-money laundering (AML) responsibilities. While this may sound like an administrative change, the implications are significant. Failure to comply properly could lead to hefty fines or even criminal liability.

So, what exactly is changing — and what does it mean for you as a landlord?

What Are Sanction Checks?
Sanction checks involve screening individuals or companies against the UK and international sanctions lists to ensure you`re not unknowingly renting a property to someone who is subject to financial sanctions. This can include individuals with frozen assets, links to organised crime, terrorism, or international embargoes.

Up until now, many landlords and agents have treated sanction checks as a one-time tick-box exercise — usually carried out at the start of a tenancy. From 14th May, however, that approach won`t be enough.

What`s Changing?
The new guidance from HM Treasury and the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) sets out clear expectations:

Initial checks must be conducted before entering into a tenancy agreement.

Ongoing monitoring is now a mandatory requirement. Letting agents and landlords must continue checking tenants and other relevant parties throughout the duration of the tenancy.

This includes rechecking against updated sanctions lists at regular intervals or whenever there is a change to the tenancy or its occupants.

If your current letting agent isn`t proactively updating their procedures you could be at serious risk.

Why This Matters
The consequences of getting this wrong are not just theoretical. The fines for breaches of financial sanctions can be severe — up to £1 million or more, depending on the severity and nature of the breach. Even unintentional non-compliance can result in enforcement action.

In some cases, landlords could find themselves liable simply because they didn`t know their agent had failed to carry out proper checks or monitoring. That`s why the new rules place a greater emphasis on ongoing due diligence and clear accountability.

Questions Every Landlord Should Be Asking
Is your letting agent updating their policies and systems to meet the new rules?

Are regular sanctions checks built into your ongoing tenancy management?

Do you have documentation to prove your compliance if challenged?

If you`re unsure of the answer to any of these, now is the time to act.

Peace of Mind Through Professionalism
At a time when regulations are tightening and enforcement is increasing, landlords need to feel confident that their interests, and reputations, are being protected.

If you`re in any doubt about whether your current letting agent is fully prepared for these changes, get in touch. We`re here to help ensure your lettings portfolio stays protected, compliant, and stress-free.

For more information please take a look at the UK Govt site - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/financial-sanctions-general-guidance/uk-financial-sanctions-general-guidance