The recent popularity of (some may call it obsession with) home decorating shows like The Block, Renovation Rescue and House and Garden has led to home buyers becoming more critical and demanding of the properties they are looking to buy. As a result, it can sometimes pay to spend a few extra dollars to make your property really stand out from the crowd. But how do you do this without spending a fortune?

When preparing your home for sale, the first rule is - don't do anything extreme! The people inspecting your property are likely to come from different backgrounds and have very different tastes. So, although you may feel compelled to paint your lounge room bright orange, try to keep colours (and décor) mainstream and conservative.

From the outside

No matter what style your property is, the first impression from the street is very important. Make sure your paintwork is fresh, keep gardens and lawns well manicured, keep cars out of the driveway, make sure any toys are hidden from view, put garden tools away after use and clean all windows. If necessary, repaint your front door, add new door hardware and create a homely feel with the addition of colourful flowers near the entrance. Finally, make sure the pathway from the street to your front door is clear of leaves and overhanging branches.

The entrance

The entryway to your home should be welcoming, but not overly cluttered. A small entryway table with a lamp and one picture is about as far as you should go with decorating. Keep colours neutral and warm. If you have polished timber floors, a rug can add warmth.

Living rooms

Like the entryway, the living areas of your home should have a warm, comfortable feel. Try to place furniture close together so when people are seated they can chat comfortably. Choose a focal point for the room, whether it's a fireplace, television, a spectacular view or piece of art and place furniture around this focal point.

The other important element with living rooms is ensuring furniture fits comfortably in the room. An oversized dining table in a small dining room can make the room look smaller and when showing your home you want it to look as spacious as possible.

Don't over accessorise! Pack away your personal family pictures, awards and your precious artworks. Instead, add effect with cushions, throw rugs and a selection of simple pictures.

If your living room is small, place mirrors in strategic locations to make the room appear larger. To create a sense of height, use tall accessories that take up a lot of horizontal space.

The Kitchen

The kitchen is often described as the heart of the home. This is where families come together to talk, cook, entertain or just be together. To begin with, clear bench tops of most appliances (a few small ones left out is fine). Replacing taps or cupboard door handles is an inexpensive way to give your kitchen a clean, fresh look. Your local hardware store should have a range on hand for you to choose from.

Ensure kitchen windows are clean and if they don't offer a nice view, place a pot plant on the window sill.

As with other parts of your home, a fresh coat of paint can work wonders in freshening up a room and making it look clean and inviting. Again, stay with neutral colours with warm undertones.