House building trends in the UK haven’t changed for years and it’s common for homes to have different sized rooms. Not all of the dimensions are, let’s say, generous but we have to work with what we’ve got.
Essentially, selling property is selling space and the aim is to present every room as somewhere bright and usable. So what do you do with a box bedroom, a small study or a bijou bathroom?
Moving internal walls to make a room bigger isn’t practical ahead of a sale but choosing the right paint colour can help a room feel bigger than it is. Quick and relatively cheap, a new colour really can make all the difference.
The objective is to make the walls and ceiling feel further away than they really are, and to seemingly increase the amount of natural light in the room. How? There’s a certain degree of optical illusion at play but the good news is it’s not rocket science.
Create light with colour
Light colours are the order of the day as they ensure the atmosphere in the room is open and airy. Pure brilliant white is the obvious choice but if this feels too clinical, get some tester pots for the palest of greys, creams and even blues.
The same colour everywhere
If you want to make a small room feel bigger, you may have to veer away from the traditional style of decorating. Consider colour drenching, where you apply the same shade of paint to every surface – ceilings, walls, radiators, skirting, architrave, dado and picture rails included. This will push back any features that may ‘jump out’ if they’re painted in a different colour or stained, in the case of wood.
Choose the right finish
The finish of paint you buy will also make a difference to how big the room feels. Anything that’s chalky, matt or described as ‘flat’ will soak up natural or artificial light. Instead, opt for mid-sheen, silk or semi-gloss as these will bounce the light around. Dulux’s Light + Space Matt is manufactured using Lumitec technology, so it reflects up to twice as much light around a room.
6 tips for once you’ve painted
Once you’ve applied your light, bright paint, you can help create the illusion of more space by following these interior design tips:-
1. Ensure clutter and rubbish doesn’t sneak back into the room
2. Only keep the furniture you really need
3. Keep curtains and blinds open
4. Consider covering a dark carpet or floor with a light-coloured rug
5. Style with reflective surfaces to increase the amount of light
6. Add lamps to any dark corners
We’d love to visit your property and give you a current valuation. Alternatively, please contact us for home selling advice.
As more professionals embrace remote and hybrid working, demand for well-designed home office spaces is on the rise. Whether you're a landlord in Cardiff or across South Wales, understanding what makes a great home office can help boost your property's appeal, reduce void periods, and attract quality long-term tenants.
At RedKey, your local Cardiff and Newport property experts, we know how to position your rental to meet modern tenant expectations. Here are five key features that make a home office truly desirable — and how you can use them to your advantage.
Tenants value properties with plenty of natural light, and this is especially important in a home office. Natural light not only boosts productivity but is also linked to better sleep, improved mood, and fewer headaches.
✅ Top Tip for Landlords:
If your rental’s home office has limited light, use mirrors to reflect brightness, opt for light-coloured furniture, and choose pale window dressings that let the sun in. Small changes can make a big impact when staging.
Remote workers spend hours at their desks, so comfort and functionality matter. A desk cramped against the wall may look space-saving, but it lacks practicality.
✅ Top Tip for Landlords:
If space allows, pull the desk away from the wall to give the illusion of more room and improve comfort. Legroom is a key feature tenants now look for in Cardiff rental homes with workspaces.
Adding plants to a home office doesn’t just improve the aesthetics — it also boosts health and wellbeing. Studies show greenery can reduce stress, improve air quality, and increase focus and happiness.
✅ Top Tip for Landlords:
When staging your Cardiff rental, place low-maintenance plants or high-quality faux greenery in the office. It adds instant charm without requiring tenant upkeep.
Clutter is a productivity killer, and tenants want tidy, organised workspaces. Office essentials like chargers, stationery, and documents quickly pile up without the right storage.
✅ Top Tip for Landlords:
Install floating shelves, built-in cabinets, or stylish storage baskets to help tenants keep the space organised. Highlight these features in your rental listing for extra appeal.
Wall colour plays a huge role in a home office environment. While tenants may personalise later, neutral shades are universally appealing and help stage the space in a way that feels calm and professional.
✅ Top Tip for Landlords:
Stick to pale greens, cool blues, light greys, or off-whites. These tones help promote focus and relaxation — exactly what remote workers need.
With more tenants than ever working from home at least part-time, the home office has become a major selling point. Properties that include a functional and attractive office space stand out in the competitive Cardiff rental market.
By making just a few simple upgrades, landlords can:
Increase rental appeal
Reduce void periods
Attract high-quality, long-term tenants
Enhance rental value
At RedKey, we specialise in property management and marketing in Cardiff and South Wales. We know exactly what tenants are looking for and can help you present your property at its very best — including highlighting work-from-home features that drive results.
👉 Get in touch today for expert advice on staging, letting, or managing your rental property:
📞 Call 02920 090690 / 03333 447850
📧 Email hello@redkeylets.co.uk
Let us help you turn your rental into a high-demand property in the Cardiff rental market.
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As more professionals embrace remote and hybrid working, demand for well-designed home office spaces is on the rise.
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