-
October 2011
Renovate or Relocate -
September 2011
Conservatory Chic -
August 2011
STYLING YOUR HOME TO RENT -
July 2011
FASHION FLORALS -
June 2011
UPCYCLING -
May 2011
BANK HOLIDAY BLITZ -
April 2011
Children's bedroom tips -
March 2011
SPRING CLEAN -
February 2011
HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS -
January 2011
OPEN-PLAN LIVING -
December 2010
FESTIVE TOUCH OF SUMPTUOUS SOPHISTICATION -
November 2010
CREATING A HOMEOFFICE -
October 2010
MAKE YOUR HOME A MORE RELAXING PLACE -
September 2010
SIMPLE RULES FOR ADDING TEXTURE TO YOUR ROOM -
August 2010
SIMPLE RULES FOR SELECTING COLOURS -
July 2010
HOW TO MAKE A SMALL ROOM LOOK BIGGER -
June 2010
MAKING A SAMPLE BOARD -
May 2010
MOVIE MAGIC -
April 2010
MAKE A COLOUR STATEMENT IN YOUR HALL -
March 2010
BLUE IS THE HOT NEW COLOUR FOR 2010 -
February 2010
GETTING TO GRIPS WITH GREY -
January 2010
IN PRAISE OF PATTERN!
For many, it's the time of year when contracts run out and new tenants are looking to move in – from students to young professionals, make sure you save money and rent your house quickly by using some simple styling tips and decorating ideas in this months style tip.
Treat Below your feet
Flooring in a rental property is incredibly important and there's a
number of ways you can add value and style without a huge price tag.
number of ways you can add value and style without a huge price tag.
Beige carpets – light carpets can make a
room look bigger and brighter when
they're clean but beware, you run the
risk of stains even with the most careful
of tenants.
Wooden floors, tiles and vinyl flooring
are durable and easy to clean – young
professionals and students often prefer
this look although some families prefer
the comfort of carpet to hard wood
floors.
Patterned carpets are forgiving and hide
stains well but remember
funky stripes may not be to
everyone's taste.
First Impressions Count
Many landlords forget that the exterior of a property is almost as important
as the interior – many people make instant judgements based on the outside
look of a home. Here are some easy pointers to make sure they don't turn
around and drive away…
as the interior – many people make instant judgements based on the outside
look of a home. Here are some easy pointers to make sure they don't turn
around and drive away…
Make sure your house number and/or
house name is visible (If they can't find
it, they can't rent it!)
house name is visible (If they can't find
it, they can't rent it!)
Re-paint and touch up external
paintwork.
paintwork.
Make sure brickwork is clean and free
of debris.
of debris.
Ensure guttering is clean, clear and in
working order.
working order.
Keep outside areas clear and make
sure gardens are under control (if you
can, leave out a BBQ to appeal to the
idealistic nature of tenants for summer
months)
sure gardens are under control (if you
can, leave out a BBQ to appeal to the
idealistic nature of tenants for summer
months)
Fit exterior lighting at the front and
back of the property – added security
for you and your tenant.
back of the property – added security
for you and your tenant.
Cook & Clean
It's a proven fact that bathrooms and kitchens are key to whether a tenant decides to
make an offer. You don't need to spend a fortune, try looking for end of line kitchen
cabinets to get the best price and pick up a simple bathroom suite for next to nothing.
make an offer. You don't need to spend a fortune, try looking for end of line kitchen
cabinets to get the best price and pick up a simple bathroom suite for next to nothing.
Paint!
Paint is preferable to wallpaper
because it is easier to maintain.
because it is easier to maintain.
Use durable high quality acrylic paint,
which will withstand wear and tear
(pushchairs, bikes, shoe scuffs and
furniture will undoubtedly knock
the walls).
which will withstand wear and tear
(pushchairs, bikes, shoe scuffs and
furniture will undoubtedly knock
the walls).
Use light, neutral colours such as
magnolia for the walls, white for
ceilings and white gloss for woodwork.
Think blank canvas in which tenants
can imagine their belongings!
magnolia for the walls, white for
ceilings and white gloss for woodwork.
Think blank canvas in which tenants
can imagine their belongings!
Mould and water resistant paint is a
must for bathroom and kitchen walls.
Condensation can wreak havoc if the
wrong paint is used.
must for bathroom and kitchen walls.
Condensation can wreak havoc if the
wrong paint is used.
Make a note of the name and brand of
paint you have used for when you need
to do touch up work or redecoration.
paint you have used for when you need
to do touch up work or redecoration.
Practical vs Personal
Today's renters are a discerning bunch –
don't let your personal taste affect the
décor of your property, whilst Elvis
themed rooms or shockingly bright colour
schemes may feature high on the agenda
of your own home, try to appeal to the
mass market with clean lines, neutral
colours and bright, clean spaces.
don't let your personal taste affect the
décor of your property, whilst Elvis
themed rooms or shockingly bright colour
schemes may feature high on the agenda
of your own home, try to appeal to the
mass market with clean lines, neutral
colours and bright, clean spaces.
Fitting an alarm system appeals to
most tenants – especially those who
live on their own. Fit a simple, easy
to use system to protect your
property and save on insurance too!
most tenants – especially those who
live on their own. Fit a simple, easy
to use system to protect your
property and save on insurance too!
Leave a vase of brightly
coloured flowers on a table
or windowsill – an instant
room brightener and
mood booster.
coloured flowers on a table
or windowsill – an instant
room brightener and
mood booster.
Let there be light
Nothing sells a home to a potential buyer
more than an airy, bright living space – if
you're lucky enough to have huge windows
which allow sunshine to stream in that's
great – but if your rooms need a little
added luminosity try painting walls white,
choosing a light coloured carpet and fit a
high voltage energy saving light fitting.
You can even strategically place mirrors
to maximise the light in your property and
to make rooms appear larger.
more than an airy, bright living space – if
you're lucky enough to have huge windows
which allow sunshine to stream in that's
great – but if your rooms need a little
added luminosity try painting walls white,
choosing a light coloured carpet and fit a
high voltage energy saving light fitting.
You can even strategically place mirrors
to maximise the light in your property and
to make rooms appear larger.
Finishing Touches
Ever walked into a room and felt instantly at home? If you're renting your home
furnished make sure appliances and added extras are all sparkling clean or new, spend a
little on some colour coordinated tea towels or cushions to give your house renting
appeal and a 'ready to move in' feel – tenants will be falling over themselves to sign.
furnished make sure appliances and added extras are all sparkling clean or new, spend a
little on some colour coordinated tea towels or cushions to give your house renting
appeal and a 'ready to move in' feel – tenants will be falling over themselves to sign.
Think about whom you're targeting to rent your house.
Remember students will need a desk, bed and storage
space whereas those who have previously rented or
owned may want to bring all their own furniture.
Thames TwistRemember students will need a desk, bed and storage
space whereas those who have previously rented or
owned may want to bring all their own furniture.
Beige » £23.99 per m2 Thermofloor Prado
Crema » £12.79 per m2 Trendy Mocha
Stripes » £7.99 per m2
