The iconic American fashion designer Ralph Lauren is known for many things, including his assertion that he doesn’t simply design clothes, he designs dreams. It’s a bold statement that reflects the immense power of dressing, and its impact beyond any one garment.

Lauren’s ethos is one that comes to mind on an Autumnal Sydney morning as I meet with Nikolina Kovacevic. The Senior Property Stylist has made a living from designing dreams, and while her canvas may be more rigid than the human body, it’s no less inspiring. “My job is to make sure that interiors are not scripted, but show appreciation for every home’s design features,” she tells BresicWhitney. Our encounter is taking place in one of the homes she’s recent styled – a fabulous apartment with soaring Harbour views in Darling Point. It’s here that I can see the impact of her work firsthand.

 

“It’s about showing buyers the potential in a space, and how a home [that’s for sale] can meet their wants and needs,” she continues. It’s a deceptively simple description, reflecting as much about her craft as it does her humility and quiet confidence. Unpacking it further, she reveals styling is a multi-layered discipline that she’s honed over years. “It’s crucial that as stylists that we have really strong attention to detail, can be creative, and keep an eye on current design trends. Once we understand the needs of the space in question, we create a cohesive design plan that brings together elements like colour, texture, lighting and furniture. I’m always striving to create a space that is comfortable, has personality and suits the lifestyle of the potential buyer,” she says.

Much like the fashion greats, Nikolina understands the need to work with a property’s existing assets, not against them. I’m educated that it’s also a service that is able to be employed to various extents, from a major transformation to the pulling of one or two statement pieces. “Every house is so different and a new challenge. It may be about making a room feel brighter, more spacious, or more inviting. We aim to highlight its best features in a way that feels authentic.

 

 

 

 

“My favourite part is creating a specific mood or atmosphere to suit the house. What I love most though is the client’s reaction to when they see their newly styled home. Being able to transform a space, and make it feel new and exciting, is really rewarding.”

Styling, however, is not where Nikolina imagined herself. A chance job in the industry while completing her Interior Design degree changed her path. “My father is a high-end builder and I always had a passion for real estate, so it was a natural fit. I’ve never looked back,” she says, now in her seventh year in the industry, currently with property styling agency Hardly Tom.

 

Property styling is a sector that’s boomed in recent years, rising with the tide of public interest in real estate and how we, as Sydneysiders, live. The volume of Nikolina’s recent bookings also reflect this, with her having turned her hand to homes in Paddington, Woollahra and Surry Hills just in the last week. On any given day you can expect to find her at the office or out on site, the latter of which she likes to do as much as possible, to ensure the finished look is executed “perfectly”. “I love meeting new owners every day… getting good reviews from happy clients and agents is good too!” she laughs.

There is however, a difference between good and great, she tells me. “A good stylist has an eye for detail, but a great stylist is creative and can think outside the box. Being able to listen to the owner’s and agent’s needs and preferences, and translating those needs into the prospective buyer’s lifestyle desires is very important.” Part of thinking outside the box is an ability to forecast trends and look to the future, which as she puts it, will include bold and vibrant colour schemes. “We’ll see lots of layering with textures and patterns, as well as the use of art and sculpture, and mixing the old with the new.”

 

Like all industries, property styling will be one influenced by technology. “With the rise of virtual reality, there will be more opportunities for clients to see their designs before they are implemented into their homes,” which she believes will be a positive in demonstrating the transformative power of property styling.