The Gold Coast’s high-end real estate market is evolving, and interior styling has become the secret weapon for sellers looking to maximise their home’s value. With Paradise Point’s average house price now exceeding $2million, homes that incorporate the latest design trends are not just selling faster—they’re attracting more buyers, more competition, and ultimately, higher offers.
“Buyers aren’t just shopping for a home—they’re buying a lifestyle,” says Shannon Smith, director of Smith & Co Realty. “Properties that embrace modern styling trends consistently outperform the market, generating more online interest and stronger open-home attendance. The data speaks for itself—styling delivers real returns.”
2025’s trends: What buyers want right now
Property stylists Valiant Styling have released their 2025 Interior Style Trends, revealing the key elements influencing today’s homebuyers. According to their nationwide team of stylists, these six trends are proving to be the biggest drivers of buyer engagement and sale success:
- Grounding earthy tones – Neutral tones have long dominated interiors, but in 2025, the trend is shifting towards richer, more grounded hues. While beige and sandstone remain popular, we’re seeing a growing embrace of clay-toned browns, cinnamon, and terracotta linens; bringing an organic and timeless appeal to interiors.
- Bold & organic shapes – Curved furniture and flowing silhouettes were on the rise last year, and their popularity continues to grow. Unique, sculptural designs are becoming a key element in creating lasting, impactful interior styling that feels both artistic and functional.
- Depth & elegance – The all-white boucle trend is evolving, making way for deeper, more luxurious tones. Jewel-toned velvets and textured tweeds in rich merlot and deep burgundy hues are emerging as a sophisticated alternative, adding depth and elegance to high-end interior styling.
- Layered saturation – Instead of simply adding pops of colour, spaces are now being designed with one dominant hue applied in different textures, shades, and finishes.
- Quirky maximalism – A departure from neutral, minimalistic design, quirky maximalism is making waves in 2025. Bright colours, bold patterns, and material mixing are seeing a resurgence, celebrating individuality and creativity in interior styling. This playful, expressive trend moves away from traditional styling rules, instead encouraging a layered, curated look full of personality and charm.
- Deep in the woods – Warm, darker-toned timbers are bringing an earthy richness to contemporary spaces. From walnut to deep-stained oak, these timbers add depth, character, and a sense of grounding, making them an enduring choice for flooring, furniture, and cabinetry.
A standout example is 33 Sundown Drive, Paradise Point (pictured throughout), where these trends have been incorporated from the bottom up – from the olive Spanish checkerboard tiles, the curved shower walls and the textures and tones of the furniture to make the home memorable.
Buyers have responded in droves, proving that homes with a fresh, on-trend aesthetic are highly desirable. In just two weeks on the market, the property has garnered over 6,400 video views and significant buyer interest above $2million—a clear indication that today’s buyers are placing a premium on high-end, move-in-ready homes.
Inspired by the stunning olive tree in the front garden, ‘Olive House’ embraces earthy tones throughout, with warm oak flooring, timber and brass accents in the bathrooms and cabinetry, and a statement olive-toned kitchen island. “Homes of this calibre are rare; every detail of the renovation and extension has been executed to perfection,” says Shannon. “We’ve been involved with the owners since the planning phase, and what truly sets this home apart isn’t just what you see—it’s the smart home integration, thoughtful features like skylights and ducted air conditioning, and the widened hallways and showers for enhanced accessibility. It presents like new, ready for its next owners to enjoy.”
He adds: “We work strategically with our sellers and stylists to ensure every home is presented at its absolute best. Every design detail from furniture and lighting to colour choices, enhances desirability. Buyers make split-second decisions online, and if a property doesn’t stand out, it won’t get the attention it deserves. Styling isn’t just an aesthetic choice; it’s an investment that delivers real returns.”
The home was designed by Linda and her daughter Chloe who has a degree in architecture and is studying interior design, “We designed ‘Olive House’ to be our own interpretation of contemporary style. We wanted the house to be a reflection of our style, rather than a particular design style – but the general style would be contemporary (which combines what is on trend at the moment).
“We were inspired to create a home that was calming, a sanctuary, somewhere to put your feet up after a busy day. We chose sage and olive tones to feature throughout to create a serene and relaxed feel in the space, which are complemented by classic black and white. We wanted the design to be whimsical and fun while being unique to this house. Every feature in the house has been carefully curated to make it feel bespoke. We loved the curved brick wall that was in the entryway of the house pre-renovation and used this as inspiration for the curved features throughout the interiors.”
Smith & Co Realty is setting new benchmarks in luxury real estate marketing, leveraging strategic styling and premium presentation to maximise every home’s potential.
