Kelly Hoppen MBE: Estate Agent Networking Exclusive Interview.

We are very pleased to share with you an exclusive interview with Kelly Hoppen MBE who’s a leading authority in English Interior Designing and also an author and proprietor of Kelly Hoppen Interiors and was once a Dragon too (BBC Dragons Den)!

1.    Should people invest in interior design when selling their homes to achieve a better sale price?

Some times the buyer may want the opportunity to design their own space, making it more homely and personal. However having some enhancing factors such as key furniture and great lighting will be more attention grabbing than an empty house. I don’t think it’s necessary to spend a fortune, of course it depends on the state of the property, it’s worth investing in neutral paint too so it feels fresh. It’s also good to ensure that the rooms have plenty of light, reflective surfaces and mirrors, which are great for making a room appear more spacious, which is always seen as a positive by a buyer. 

2.    Which room(s) of UK homes do you think are most neglected and their potential not maximised?

People today like to keep many unnecessary things and just wedge them all in one place, their spare rooms! These rooms are often forgotten and neglected which is a shame as they are key. A small spare room designed with soft colours and some varied textures can create the prefect atmosphere for your guests; You could even rent the room which could act as another source of income.

3.    Which is the best way to find a local interior designer?

The wonderful thing that is the Internet! There are various specific websites solely for finding designers near you, and searching online is free and allows you to closely compare designers. ‘Houzz’ for example is a great site that is always offering new tips and posts about various designers. Remember to always take your time, don’t rush into anything, read about the designer and look at their previous work. Choosing the right person is the most important part, as you will be working with them for a long time.

4.     Which is the single most important piece of advice you’d give a person selling their home re presentation?

I know it seems obvious but make sure the house is clean and submerged with light. Create the right atmosphere for your potential buyers and welcome them into a home that is ready to be moved into. Also fresh coffee and baked goodies is an old wives tale which is meant to help sell homes! 

 

Thank you Kelly for your time and also thank you to Molly for helping to make this happen.

 

Image credit – Kelly Hoppen MBE

Christopher Walkey

Founder of Estate Agent Networking. Internationally invited speaker on how to build online target audiences using Social Media. Writes about UK property prices, housing, politics and affordable homes.

You May Also Enjoy

Breaking News

Renters’ Rights Bill parliamentary progress

The Renters’ Rights Bill has completed its Committee Stage in the House of Lords and will move on to the Report Stage imminently. Allison Thompson, National Lettings Managing Director of LRG, comments on the progress of the Bill: “As the Renters’ Rights Bill completes its committee stage in the House of Lords, it is disappointing…
Read More
Kerb appeal
Breaking News

Housing Market Surges as Stamp Duty Changes Drive Buyer Activity

UK Finance today releases its latest Household Finance Review for Q1 2025, which explores trends in household spending, saving, and borrowing. Mortgage lending surged in the first quarter of 2025, driven by homebuyers seeking to complete purchases before changes to Stamp Duty took effect in April. Household savings continued to grow, particularly in notice accounts…
Read More
Breaking News

Mortgage Approvals Down in April

The latest figures show that: – Mortgage approvals on house purchases for April sat at 60,463 down (-4.9%) from 63,603 in March. This signals four consecutive months of decline. Approvals are also lower (-2.1%) than the 61,740 seen in April 2024. Despite the decline, there is still optimism for growth in the coming months, especially…
Read More
New Builds 2020
Breaking News

Build to rent completions up, but sector has seen slowdown in construction

New research by Inventory Base reveals that the number of build to rent completions has increased by almost 16% in the past year, however, there has been a significant dip in the number of BTR buildings currently under construction. Inventory Base has analysed UK build to rent (BTR) construction planning data* and found that in…
Read More
Breaking News

Response to latest Nationwide House Price Index

Comment on latest Nationwide data showing a 3.5% increase in house prices from the Industry. Nathan Emerson, CEO at Propertymark: “It is reassuring to witness consistent house price growth and a strong appetite as people continue to approach the homebuying and selling process, especially when the UK economy continues to adapt to both domestic and…
Read More
Breaking News

Annual house price growth edged higher in May

Annual rate of house price growth increased marginally in May to 3.5%, compared to 3.4% in April House prices were up 0.5% month on month House prices in predominantly rural areas have risen by 23% over the last five years, compared to 18% in more urban areas Commenting on the figures, Robert Gardner, Nationwide’s Chief…
Read More