When it comes to decorating your house, the kitchen is usually the most expensive room to upgrade because there are so many fittings and appliances. However, you can give your kitchen a makeover while on a tight budget by:
Covering the kitchen doors in vinyl or repainting them in chalk paint
Covering old flooring with vinyl tiles
Adding a new splashback or painting tiles
Adding a small kitchen island
Replacing door and drawer handles
Replacing small appliances such as kettles and toasters
While you may not be able to afford a full kitchen renovation, just carrying out these jobs won’t take much time or money and can make a huge difference particularly if your property in Cardiff is for sale.
A dated bathroom can ruin the look of a house, and whilst an entirely new one might be out of your price range, there are ways to refresh your bathroom on a budget.
If you have an old suite that really needs replacing, you can often buy one cheaply in a trade store, then get a plumber to fit it in a day or two. Most people can learn to tile, and there are plenty of tutorials online, while floors can be easily covered with vinyl or similar to make them look fresh and new.
If you’re painting your bathroom, always use specialist bathroom paint that can stand up to steam and humidity, otherwise it will soon start to peel.
A home that’s full of dusty items and clutter will soon feel dated and depressing. Spend some time decluttering, and you’ll soon see a big improvement to your home.
Many people complain that their homes are too small, but a bit of re-organisation and tidying up can give the feeling of space.
Once the space is opened up, make sure you have adequate lighting. Rooms look smaller if they have dim corners, and ceilings can appear lower if they aren’t lit.
Add some corner lamps and your home will look lighter and more contemporary.
Look on Facebook marketplace and you’ll find lots of local people selling DIY bits and pieces they no longer need, or have changed their minds over. You can easily buy paint, wallpaper and second-hand tools for just a few pounds, so there’s no need to put off certain projects.
Second-hand furniture is also easy to find online, and if you rent a van for a weekend, you can fill your home with new furniture for much less than the retail price.
Many people sell sofas, dining sets and beds that have barely been used, as they get bored with them or decide to go for a different look.
Some of the bigger charity shops also sell furniture, and while some of it might be a little dated, it can easily be revived with some chalk paint or varnish to make it appear more modern.
Some people don’t like the idea of second-hand furniture as they’re worried it might be dirty. It’s easy to rent an upholstery cleaner and get a sofa looking like new, or you can use antibacterial kitchen sprays on most surfaces.
If your room is a little dated, but you don’t have the time or money to redecorate, then simply switching some of your décor can work well. For example, try covering old flooring with a rug, or adding splashes of colour with vases, plant pots, ottomans or other accessories.
While it’s not quite the same as a full makeover, it can help refresh the space for now.
Painting or wallpapering a feature wall can also change the look of a room without needing to completely redecorate. It also means that if you go off a colour, or it goes out of fashion in a few months, it’s easy to change it again.
Your home is your castle, but there’s no point in maxing out your credit card just to give it a makeover.
There are plenty of ways you can get the look you want without spending a fortune, whether it’s hunting for vintage finds or using some of your DIY skills and before you know it your home will be ready to place on the market and welcome viewers.
For no-obligation advice on buying or selling a home in Cardiff please contact our expert property team at Fortis on 02920561111 or call in and see us. We look forward to seeing you.
You can easily update old light fixtures by giving them a fresh coat of paint or replacing them with affordable, modern alternatives available at local hardware stores or online retailers.
Improving your home's kerb appeal on a budget can be achieved by painting or varnishing your front door, adding decorative door hardware, and installing cost-effective outdoor lighting fixtures to highlight your home's exterior.
You can create a focal point in any room by repurposing existing furniture or artwork, incorporating affordable decorative pieces like stylish cushions or rugs, or arranging furniture to highlight architectural features such as fireplaces or alcoves.
To maximise natural light, consider using light-coloured window treatments, trimming foliage near windows to allow more light in, strategically placing mirrors to reflect light, and opting for sheer curtains or blinds to maintain privacy while letting sunlight filter through.
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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