The Wānaka property market is off to a busy start in 2026. While our local views are always a huge drawcard, buyers are being careful with their choices this year. They aren't just looking for a building, they are looking for a space that feels like home from the second they walk in.
In a market where quality is everything, ‘decorating’ isn't quite the same as ‘strategic property styling.’ Styling is about making an emotional connection, helping people see how they’d actually live and relax in your home.
Photographer: Biddi Rowley
What is the Return on Investment for Professional Home Staging?
The journey for most buyers starts on a screen. Whether they are browsing Realestate.co.nz or Trade Me, your photos are your first chance to make an impression.
Industry data shows that staged homes can sell for up to 10–15% more than empty ones. In Wānaka, that can mean a significant difference to your bank account. Staged homes also tend to sell much faster. When a house is styled well, it looks better in photos, which means more people click on your listing and more people show up to your open home.
Which Interior Design Trends are Defining Wānaka Homes this Season?
This season, we’re moving away from cold, empty spaces and leaning into looks that feel a bit more grounded and ‘at home’ in the mountains.
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Warm Minimalism: We are swapping stark whites for ‘creamy neutrals’ and ‘earthy tones’ like clay, sage, and ochre. It’s a much softer, friendlier look.
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Tactile Layers: Using linen, bouclé, and natural wood helps create a warm and inviting feel that people love in our alpine climate.
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Biophilic Connection: Biophilic design is essentially “a concept used to increase occupant connectivity to the natural environment.” We love bringing the outside in. This means using natural textures and colours that reflect the natural landscape.
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Bespoke Character: Nobody wants a home that looks like a page from a standard catalogue. We use unique pieces that give the home its own personality.
Photographer: Simon Larkin
How Does The Workroom Manage the Property Styling Process?
We are proud of our local advantage. Our Property Styling team works exclusively in the Wānaka area. This means we can get to you quickly and we use furniture that suits our local lifestyle. While our staging is local, our Interior Design services cover the wider Central Otago region.
We specialise in staging vacant houses. We don't stage homes that are currently being lived in because we find that a fresh, empty canvas allows us to create the best ‘lifestyle dream’ for buyers.
Our simple 4-step process:
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Consultation: A quick 1-hour visit to see your space.
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Initial Staging: We set everything up (our base fee is $1,800).
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6-week Hire: Your home stays looking beautiful through the selling process.
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Pack-down: We take it all away once the job is done.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can staging solve the problem of awkward room layouts?
A: Yes. We use furniture to define ‘dead zones,’ such as turning a nook into a home office, while creating clear walkways that improve the home's flow. Staging also provides spatial awareness, showing buyers that their large furniture will actually fit in spaces that often look smaller when empty.
Q: Is staging only for high-end luxury homes?
A: No, staging adds value to properties at every price point. It helps mid-range homes stand out in crowded markets, uses modern styling to help buyers see the potential in older assets, and utilises clever layouts to ensure smaller homes feel spacious rather than cramped.
Q: How long does it take from consultation to a ‘live’ listing?
A: The process is streamlined for a quick turnaround. After a one-hour site visit, you will receive a proposal within 48 hours. Installation takes just one business day, and we recommend staging 2–3 days prior to your professional photography to ensure the home is perfectly prepared for the market.
Photographer: Mickey Ross
At the end of the day, styling turns a property from a simple house into a ‘lifestyle dream.’ It gives you a real edge in the Wānaka market and helps buyers fall in love with your home. If you’re thinking of selling, we’d love to help you show your home in its best light.
Get in touch with our property styling team at The Workroom today.
