Kellie Richardson: Top five bathroom mistakes that will kill your house sale price
Announcement posted by Invigorate PR 28 Jul 2025
Celebrity interior designer Kellie Richardson, founder of Kurved by Design and one of Australia's most recognised voices in real estate styling, has warned homeowners that a badly presented bathroom can sabotage the entire sale of a property even if the rest of the home is beautifully styled.
"The bathroom is the one room where buyers drop their guard," Richardson said.
"They stop imagining and start scrutinising. If something looks or smells off, it can cost you tens of thousands of dollars in perceived value.
"Incredibly too many home sellers make their biggest presentation mistakes in the bathroom."
Richardson, who was recently appointed global brand ambassador for Barelli Bathrooms, said simple bathroom mistakes can instantly damage buyer perception, reduce offers or stop a sale from happening altogether.
Richardson outlines the biggest bathroom mistakes to avoid when selling.
Smelly bathrooms
"Odour is a deal breaker. A bathroom that smells musty, mouldy or just unpleasant tells a buyer that there may be hidden moisture damage, poor cleaning habits or a lack of ventilation," Richardson said.
"Sellers should do a deep clean, air the space out and add subtle fragrance. Opt for scents that smell clean such as eucalyptus or citrus, not heavy perfumes."
Brown ring around the bath or dirty shower floor
"It's always the small details that get you. A brown ring around the bathtub, or soap scum in the shower looks dirty, no matter how nice your fittings are," she said.
"It sends a signal that the home isn't well cared for or clean. Buyers don't forget that and they certainly don't want to purchase someone's property thinking about toe jam.
"It is an immediate turn off and if it doesn't turn buyers away it will encourage them to low ball you with a bad offer."
Carpet in the bathroom
"Carpet in a bathroom is an instant red flag. It screams 1970s and unhygienic," Richardson said.
"Modern buyers expect hard, waterproof flooring. If you can't update it, at least have it professionally cleaned and styled to reduce the 'ick' factor."
Hair in the sink or drain
"I've styled hundreds of properties and I still find sellers leaving stray hairs in the sink. It's a tiny detail but it completely kills the vibe," she said.
"Buyers want to imagine themselves relaxing in a luxurious space. That illusion dies the second they see someone else's body hair in the basin.
"Buyers will run a mile, potentially puking at the same time."
Used toothbrushes and cluttered vanities
"No one wants to see your personal hygiene routine," Richardson said.
"Put away the toothpaste, deodorant, razors and medication. Bathrooms should feel clean, calm and hotel-like, not like someone just used it. You need to remove any evidence that anyone ever lived there."
The bathroom can make or break the sale
According to Richardson, the bathroom is one of the most emotionally loaded spaces in the home and buyers make subconscious decisions about the entire property based on how it feels.
"When buyers step into a clean, styled, fresh-smelling bathroom, they feel calm and confident. That feeling extends to how they view the rest of the property," she said.
"However, if they step into a smelly, cluttered, unkempt bathroom, they start looking for faults elsewhere and questioning the price."
Richardson's advice: focus on cleanliness, freshness and simple styling.
"You don't need to spend thousands to make a bathroom feel amazing. Just fix what's broken, clean what's visible and style it with purpose," she said.
"The bathroom might be small, but it has the power to make or break your sale. Adding stylish towel rails, a new vanity basin or a modern wall mirror can do wonders."
About Barelli Bathrooms
Barelli Bathrooms is an Australian owned company delivering stylish, design led and high-quality bathroom solutions that combine functionality with modern aesthetics. Offering a wide range of products including LED mirrors, tapware, accessories and storage, Barelli focuses on accessible luxury that enhances daily living. Products are available exclusively through leading national retailers including Bunnings Warehouse and Beaumont Tiles. With a commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, Barelli continues to lead the way in affordable, contemporary bathroom design.
About Kellie Richardson
Kellie Richardson is one of Australia's most respected interior designers and the founder of Kurved by Design. Known for her timeless aesthetic, media presence and accessible approach to style, Kellie has transformed countless homes with her signature blend of sophistication and functionality. A sought- after commentator on design trends, home styling and Feng Shui, she is also a breakfast radio host and regular guest on national media. Through her work, Kellie empowers Australians to create beautiful, liveable spaces that reflect their values and lifestyle.