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

Rental price and average salary tracker – March 2026

Rents Plateau, But UK Market Tells Regional Story Significant comparisons include across Scotland where average agreed rents rose to £1,123, representing a 4.95% increase month and month across the nation. Northern Ireland saw the second largest average monthly rents rise, bringing an increase of 3.99% to an average agreed price of £887 compared to £853…
Read More
Breaking News

Breaking Property News 9/4/26

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X.   Why Rightmove is making all the wrong moves   In a world reshaped by AI, incumbency is no longer protection. It is exposure. Thought Leadership By Andrew Stanton, CEO Proptech-PR Rightmove has long been the unassailable giant of UK property portals—a category-defining platform that, for years, operated…
Read More
Breaking News

Six property firms expelled from redress scheme

Six property businesses have been expelled from The Property Ombudsman after failing to pay compensation awards. The expulsions followed a review by the scheme’s independent Compliance Committee, which agreed that each firm should be removed for breaching their membership obligations by not complying with Ombudsman decisions. The Property Ombudsman, which provides impartial dispute resolution for…
Read More
Home and Living

Best garden renovations to increase property value this spring

With spring fast approaching and warmer weather finally in sight, now is the perfect time to step outside and give your garden the well-deserved TLC and refresh it needs after such a wet and dreary start to the year. Whether it’s refreshing planting beds, updating patio areas or rethinking your layout, investing time into your…
Read More
Breaking News

Prime London property market stays firm

The latest Prime London Demand Index by London lettings and estate agent, Benham and Reeves, reveals that, despite broad economic uncertainty, buyer demand across London’s most prestigious neighbourhoods avoided a decline during the first quarter of 2026, with the likes of Chelsea, Battersea, Highgate, and Belgravia seeing quarterly demand increases of above 5%. The Prime…
Read More
Breaking News

More first-time buyers enter the market in 2026

The latest research by Yopa has revealed that first-time buyer demand has strengthened during the first quarter of 2026, despite the supply of homes offering the benefit of a buying scheme remaining limited. Yopa analysed first-time buyer demand based on the proportion of homes listed under buying schemes* that have already sold subject to contract…
Read More