Tastemakers with ARCH Melbourne: Styling the heart of the home for sale
Teleisha Thomas
May 2026Cat Brown, founder and Creative Director of ARCH Melbourne, designs spaces that command attention and drive commercial outcomes. Her signature aesthetic - defined by bold artwork, considered colour, and sculptural form - creates the emotional resonance that makes a property unforgettable. It is no coincidence that these are the exact elements that make a home irresistible to potential buyers.
Here, Cat shares her approach to styling a home for sale in the next instalment of our Tastemaker series.
A curated lounge and coffee table
Start with the art
When we start a project, we always begin with the art. It is the hero piece of any room, and we tie our furniture selections back to it. Abstract art is a confident way to incorporate large statement pieces into your living space. We love working with local artists to create bespoke pieces for each home we style.
Say no to the chop
Skip the structured 'karate chop' on cushions. We style for an effortless, organic drape that feels lived-in and luxurious. CULTIVER linen throw cushions are our go-to throughout - the quality of the linen provides a tactile weight that photographs beautifully and helps buyers imagine themselves relaxing in the space.
Coffee table styling
Create visual interest through layering. We source books from Avenue Bookstore and Coventry Bookstore - both offer beautifully curated titles that feel personal rather than staged. For objects and vases, we draw from Designstuff, Co Theory, and locally sourced ceramics that bring warmth and authenticity to the space. The goal is height variation and visual intrigue without clutter. For an extra-large coffee table, a four-by-four grid provides structure while allowing each piece to breathe.
The heart of the home
Clear benchtops are essential
Visual silence is critical in a kitchen. Clear the benchtops entirely. Buyers need to see the quality of the stone and the architecture of the tapware, not daily life. Appliances and everyday items should be stored away. It is a small change that fundamentally shifts how a property presents.
Considered ceramics
Once the benchtops are clear, a small number of well-chosen ceramics do the work. We use pieces from Robert Gordon and Country Road - both offer the kind of tactile, considered quality that reads as lifestyle rather than decoration. A beautiful bowl, a simple canister, a single well-placed mug on a tray. Less is always more.
Foliage for height
A tall bunch of greenery in a sculptural vase draws the eye upward, making the room feel dynamic and considered. You do not need elaborate floral arrangements; a single, striking bunch in a beautiful vessel often carries more impact.
Editorial dining
For the dining table, we opt for an editorial, sculptural approach. We do not set the table for a dinner party; instead, we suggest a lifestyle. Vases and objects from Designstuff or Co Theory, paired with locally sourced ceramics, create visual interest while keeping the space feeling open and uncluttered, allowing buyers to project their own lives into the room.
