According to a recent survey, it takes less than 30 seconds for guests to make a judgement on your home – 26 seconds to be precise!  This gives you a very tight window in which to leave a lasting impression.

To give your home the best chance of dazzling visitors, try these 10 home hacks guaranteed to win them over in an instant…

1. HEAVEN SCENT

Scent is one of the first things you notice when you walk into a home. It sets the scene and in some cases, evokes an emotive response – so you want to get it right!

Start by making simple changes such as storing shoes in a cupboard, away from the front door and picking a natural reed diffuser, placing it in the hallway. An hour before your guest arrives, air your home by opening a window in each room and never underestimate the power of fresh-cut flowers

2. CULL THE CLUTTER

A pile of coats as you walk through the door can be off-putting so keep your clutter under wraps by putting all your outerwear into a wardrobe or on a rack slightly further along the hallway.

If you haven’t already got a coat stand, you can easily make one by adding a lick of paint of an old wooden panel or cupboard door and fastening some mis-matched handles onto the front once dry. Try updating them with Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch which is available in over 35 shades.

It also goes without saying that a clear, bright floor will give the appearance of a spacious home no matter how small your living space is.

3. CLEAR CONSCIENCE

Cleanliness is one of the most common qualities that a home is judged on.

Don’t fall at the first hurdle – give skirting boards a once-over with a cloth and touch-up marks on table tops, chairs and other surfaces (Rust-Oleum’s Universal All-Surface spray paint range will do just the job).

4. SMOOTH CHARMS

This one will work like a dream! Hosting a gathering or party? Pull out all the stops by investing in a posh tipple to greet your guests with and see them off at the end of the evening with a nightcap.

Prosecco or a light, floral cocktail will help to ease everyone into the festivities and lay on some cognac or coffee to bring them to a close.

5. FEATURE FURNITURE

Statement furniture switch-up can make a real impact when someone first lays eyes on your home.

If you haven’t necessarily got a quirky piece, try experimenting with bold colour combinations. Try painting the draw handles of a neutral cabinet with Rust-Oleum Neon spray paint for a subtle but real pop of colour.

Top Tip! Avoid overdressing the fixtures which will detract from the visual appeal.

6. TURN IT UP

A cold home can be just as uncomfortable as one that’s too warm so find a happy medium and maintain the temperature. If you’re cooking, crack open the window slightly to keep the air circulating and stop culinary smells lingering – unless of course it’s cookie dough which is irresistible to some!

If it’s cold out, have the heating on for long enough to fill a few rooms and turn it off right before your guests are expected.

7. SPACE AND TIME

For guests to enjoy spending time in an unknown environment, a feeling of spaciousness is important.

Mirrors help to create the illusion of wider spaces so hang one behind the sofa in a cosy living room or at the end of a narrow hallway to give guests the impression of a spacious home.

8. TAME THE TECH

Unsightly devices and wires can ruin the appearance of a room at first glance so tuck them away behind screens and in cabinets.

There are some nifty cable covers around which can be picked up for next to nothing and will work wonders in keeping your wires under wraps.

9. LIGHTING

Don’t dazzle your visitors with bright lights – but at the same time, don’t keep them in the dark.

Dimmer switches are ideal for achieving a soft glow but the same effect can be created with corner lamps, candles and turning on lights in the hallway outside of rooms. If it’s daytime or early summer evenings, make the most of nature by maximising natural light wherever possible.

10. BOUTIQUE BOOTY

While clutter is unattractive, there is such thing as strategic scatter. Vases, ornaments and treasures from your travels have allure in the right doses.

Line shelves rather than surfaces where you might want to put down your drink or bag.

Lastly, get the cushion and throw ration right. Make sure they are complimenting the colour scheme of the room and style them to make your sofa look cosy and tempting rather than cluttered and mismatched.