Interior design tweaks that can boost your home value by £55,000 without 'costing a lot'

Interior design tweaks can boost home value

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Sarra Gray

By Sarra Gray


Published: 25/09/2024

- 16:31

Expert tips could help boost your home's value this autumn using clever storage, neutral colours, and retro touches

As autumn approaches, homeowners are looking for ways to boost their property's value through interior design.

Experts have shared tips to help you leverage 2024's autumn trends to increase home worth, and they are not "costly" to do.


Kesha Foss-Smith, a specialist at the firm at John D Wood & Co, suggested that simple changes could add tens of thousands of pounds to a property's sale price.

She said: "Many of these changes don't need to be costly, and the return on investment makes paying attention to this year's interior trends highly worthwhile."

Clever storage solutions are a key trend for 2024, particularly in kitchens. Kesha noted: "Homeowners no longer want to see busy appliances out on shelves.

Man painting wall of house

The right paint can make a property more appealing

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"Instead, we should invest in interesting details for our kitchens like minibars, pantries, and hidden coffee stations for storing appliances and goods."

These additions can significantly boost property value. Research indicates that clever storage solutions can increase home value by up to £12,500.

Moreover, prospective buyers are willing to offer around £55,000 more than the asking price for properties with ample storage space. Such improvements cater to the growing desire for tidy, clutter-free living spaces whilst accommodating modern kitchen gadgets.

When it comes to paint colours, Kesha advised against following seasonal or short-lived trends. "Furnishings and appliances can be removed easily, but recoating paint takes much longer," she explained. Instead, she recommended opting for neutral tones that allow autumnal furnishings to stand out.

Creams and buttery yellows are suggested as versatile options. For those keen on autumnal wall colours, pastel versions are preferable to deep, rich hues.

A fresh coat of neutral paint can hide imperfections and significantly increase property value. It also makes the space feel more adaptable to potential buyers, enhancing its appeal during viewings.

The 70s are making a comeback in interior design, according to the experts, and they offer a unique way to enhance property appeal. Kesha suggested incorporating retro furnishings strategically.

She said: "Remember that choosing proportionate sofas, tables and mirrors can give the illusion that a room is bigger than it actually is. Small details like this can be the difference between a buyer matching your asking price or not."

When embracing 70s style, focus on bold geometric patterns, vibrant colour palettes, and curvaceous furniture. However, balance is key. The expert advised: "The 70s style is all about fusing the past with the present, so use your home's present-day neutral tones to allow your bolder, retro furnishings to stand out."

Pattern drenching is a hot trend in home interiors, involving mixing and matching different patterns to create layers and statement pieces. However, Kesha cautioned against using wallpaper for this trend when selling a property.

Statement lamp in living room

How you style your home can add value

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"Match the pattern up to the room it's in too - you probably wouldn't put the same floral design in a bathroom that would be in a kitchen or bedroom."

Instead of wallpaper, she suggested implementing pattern drenching through pillows, textiles, rugs, sofa throws and curtains. This approach allows the home to stand out whilst remaining adaptable to potential buyers' tastes.

Incorporating autumn-inspired textiles can significantly enhance a property's appeal. Burnt brown tiles are particularly effective in bathrooms, either above a bath or shower, or on the floor contrasting with neutral shades. Research shows that statement tiles can prompt buyers to offer up to £7,500 above the asking price.

Natural materials like raw wood beams and textured cobblestone floors can create an earthy, homely atmosphere. Mixing textures adds depth to rooms. Kesha suggested combining ceramic or marble elements with wooden panels or stone tiling.

"Clever positioning of textures can elevate the finery of a property and ultimately may help with getting your sale across the line," she noted.

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