Interior design adds value to property income

When embarking on a building or interior project, calling on the expertise of a specialist is an absolute must, according to Ceri Rocca of The Style House.

With the property market in a downturn, Rocca provides 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 rewards, providing an even better rate on the return of investment.

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 while 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, according to Rocca.

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.

Rocca believes that people have become more style conscious because of television programmes such as 'Grand Designs' and 'Property Ladder' and consumers tend to covet grander room interiors that are better in quality, including furnishings that are sourced from sustainable materials.

According to Rocca, this is because, as a nation, we are looking to the future with a more ethical, eco-conscious mind that is consistently aware of changing lifestyles and responsible budgets, particularly because of the current economic situation.

Drawing on the political change in the US, the 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 decor 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, claims Rocca.

As long as investors and developers put 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, as he or she will be inspired to transform their new home into something unique.

An individual interior will always stand out in contrast to others that are filled with mass-produced furniture and unimaginative colour themes.

Property developers and investors should remember that they are offering people a particular lifestyle as well as a home to live in, so no shortcuts should be taken to ensure a maximum return on investment.

Rocca claims that, while the general trend has been to paint all walls in cream or 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, she added.

The mood needs to be lightened so that the people feel comfortable and can picture themselves living in the space with a long-term view in mind.

Even though we have become much more design savvy than we have ever been when it comes to interiors, new luxuries these days seem to reflect more upon time, self and the community.

As we spend more time with one another at home, a trend in making an event out of eating has emerged, with defined areas of casual dining to create relaxed and informal atmospheres.

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, particularly 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 through the door.

When we take a look at the colours emerging in furniture and homewares, we seem to be moving away from chocolate into a more grey-brown tone, as grey has now become a new neutral like beige and cream.

These colours should be incorporated into the existing base paint palette for added interest and something different.

As far as colour trends go, summery shades such as pale yellow, rose, bright blue and countryside green will prove popular this year and into 2010, as will 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, according to Rocca.

Interior colours should be linked in with the exterior colours where possible to increase curb appeal, as the property will not be sold or let if nobody is attracted to view the interior household.

Window boxes and frames spruced up in a contrasting colour is a good way to brighten up the property exterior without spending too much capital.

If the property has a hallway, investors and developers should paint it the same colour (or similar tone) as the outside of the property as this creates a consistent flow from outside to inside, making viewers feel welcome and more at ease.

Colour psychology is a major part of getting an interior right in order to sell or rent out the property immediately.

'Foodie' colours can be used in the kitchen, such as shades of beige, coffee and caramel, whereas green has been known as a colour that increases hunger and encourages us to want to eat, as does red and orange; these colours are suitable in a dining room, for example.

Darker colours should be saved for more intimate areas of the property, but be careful when it comes to bedrooms and bathrooms as it is better to decorate with calming colours combined with touches of rich tones painted here and there to have a positive influence over rest and sleep.

Main areas should be fairly light to give the illusion of more space, which is where mirrors can play a vital reflective role.

Coloured walls are claimed to make people feel happier, but by sticking to the lighter end of the spectrum, opting for a colourful feature wall or painting trims with contrasting shades, buyers and tenants will be just as pleased with the interior-design scheme.

Once the whole property has been decorated and refurbished, each room will appear cleaner and brighter, which will automatically appeal to buyers and tenants as they will realise that the property has been regularly well maintained and to a high standard.

According to Rocca, all lights should be turned on and curtains and blinds need to be fully opened to let natural light in.

If it is autumn or winter, fires should be lit or turned on when it comes to the estate agent and private buyer property viewings and the heating temperature should be fairly high to give a warm air of welcome and cosiness.

Finally, to make the house appear even more impressive to potential buyers and tenants, it needs to be properly cleaned in every single nook and cranny and any paint or new furniture smell should be eliminated with the use of scented candles or natural fragrances that are subtle and not too overbearing; open windows often do the trick, especially in warmer months when they can be left open.

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