How interiors can increase the value and desirability of your property. By Sarah Ritchie, creative director of The Gifted Few.
There are a number of factors potential house buyers consider when looking around a property. Is it in the right area? Has it got enough bedrooms? Is it energy efficient? But ultimately the one question and answer which will seal the deal is ‘can I see myself living here?’ – and this is where interiors can play a major role.
For housebuilders and developers, interiors should not be a last minute thought. Not only can features and fittings, the layout of a room and the chosen colour palette have a big impact on the feel of a home, but it can also affect its functionality.
So what do builders and property developers need to think about in terms of interiors to increase the value and desirability of their property, as well as generate a quick sale?
Blank doesn’t mean boring
The challenge with interiors is that everyone’s tastes differ and it’s difficult to please everyone. You should aim to create a clean, fresh look which will enable house viewers to envision how they can put their own mark on it, while also make them feel happy to live in the space how it is for a few months – if not longer – while they find the time and money to redecorate (if, that is, they want to redecorate at all).
But just because you’re trying to create a blank canvas, this doesn’t mean you should automatically go for the magnolia and shy away from injecting any personality into the property. From a paint point of view, there are several ‘safe’ shades which are currently popular and look set to be in vogue for a few years to come. Look at soft greys, olive greens and white, which is more contemporary and creates a cleaner look than cream or magnolia. Don’t be scared of some stronger tones too – dark grey and midnight blue can look particularly slick and smart.
Don’t automatically go for the cheapest paint brands; the more expensive ones can be worth the extra money as the finish and light reflecting qualities tend to be better. Using a posh paint can also be a selling point if you’re going for a certain demographic. Of course, cheaper alternatives can be effective too and the quality of these has been improving a lot over the years.
Wallpaper is having a comeback and is also worth considering. Look at geometric, watercolour or faux textures for a look that is bang-on-trend, and think about decorating just one feature wall in it rather than the whole room.
Don’t skimp on fittings
One sure way to help boost the value and desirability of a property is to spend some of your budget on good quality fittings and features. From kitchen units to bathroom suites, there’s a lot to think about and it can soon add up, but don’t forget about some of the smaller items. Lighting, for example, is often overlooked for bigger investments but it can make a dramatic difference. Whether you want to create a room which is light and airy, or cosy and comfortable, lighting plays a key part.
Create a lifestyle
House buyers are likely to have an idea of the sort of lifestyle they want their dream home to provide them. Whether it’s a couple looking to entertain guests or a family who want space to play, learn and relax, choosing the interiors to suit your target market can help you complete a sale.
You may not want to invest in kitting out the whole house in furniture, but it could be a good idea to focus on bringing one or two rooms to life to help house viewers imagine living there. Continuing with the industrial trend previously mentioned, a large steel kitchen table could be a practical yet fashionable addition to the kitchen or dining area. Mid-century furniture is also very popular at the moment. Have a look at classic chairs, for example – these can work well in properties aimed at families or young professionals.
If you have any rooms which could be used for several purposes – for example, a home office or playroom – make sure this is apparent to house viewers and stress how the space can be easily changed to adapt the homeowner’s lifestyle as it evolves.
Quality not quantity
Budget is always a major factor in any building and developing project. If you’re having to watch the pennies when it comes to interiors, always go for quality over quantity. Make sure the basics such as wall coverings and paint finishes are completed to the best standard possible within your budget. This will make the property seem much more high end than if you skimp on the basics and spend money on lots of cheap little bits and bobs to try and fill the space.
It’s important for builders and developers to factor in the costs of interiors as early on as possible, rather than leave it as an afterthought and be forced to be sparing with the finishing touches. Interiors can make or break a sale so you can’t afford to get it wrong.