Interiors That Add Value
With the property market in a current downturn, here Ceri Rocca, with her 20 years of experience, gives an insight into trends in the interiors market and explains how individual investors and developers can maximise on their ventures with some essential design tricks of the trade that will help reap substantial rewards, providing an even better rate on the return of investment.
W
e all know that house prices are in decline and have been for some time, but a lack of liquidity in the housing market has led to a sharp fall in
demand. However, out of crisis comes opportunity, and whilst these conditions may spell doom and gloom for first-time buyers and people trying to sell their properties, they also create ideal conditions for savvy investors. Those that can find the necessary capital to purchase a property to renovate and decorate to a high standard will attract the most interest from potential tenants or end-buyers, depending on the aim of the investment. Drawing on the political change in the US, the surprising trends that are beginning to emerge reflect highly on turning houses back into homes which, as a result, have knocked the buyer’s preferred minimalist style of décor out of the picture, in favour of more personal tastes and styles. However, the interior design brief should not necessarily be over-zealous with colours or weird and wonderful themes. As long as investors and developers put a little time and effort into considering inspirational schemes, this brave, care-free spirit attitude that some people are beginning to adopt will bring greater optimism and confidence to the end-user,
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as they will be inspired to transform their new home into something unique. Whilst the general trend has been to paint all
walls in a boring cream or (heaven forbid) magnolia in order to sell a property, and even though this is preferential to some extent depending on the type of property, the truth is that choosing universally appealing colours is an even better way to lure potential tenants and buyers in.
Flashes of colour and interest should be incorporated into each room to inject some emotion into the property viewing. The mood needs to be lightened so that the people feel comfortable and can actually picture themselves living in the space with a long-term view in mind. Investors and developers need to opt for
contemporary but comfortably styled fixtures, fittings and furnishings that have pure and simple functions purposefully built to increase durability and longevity, especially if the home is aimed at families. Decorative prints and the use of feature walls
with bold paints or patterned wallpapers should also be considered, as these will create the most dramatic effects and will make the room appear noticeably different from the competition as soon as the property viewer walks in the door, thus creating a memorable interior that they will continue to talk about on the journey home.
“No short cuts should ensure maximum return.”
When we take a look at the colours emerging in furniture and home wares, we seem to be moving away from chocolate into a more grey-brown tone, as grey has now become a new neutral just like beige and cream. Therefore, these colours should be incorporated into the existing base paint palette for added interest and something a little different. As far as colour trends go, summery shades
like pale yellow, rose, bright blue and countryside green will prove popular this year, as will exciting jewel and metallic colours such as amethyst, terracotta, turquoise, bronze and copper, with different monochrome scales still playing a vital role in decorating and accessorising. Interior colours should be linked in with the exterior colours where possible to increase curb
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