We’re barely into autumn and already the interior design experts are predicting which trends will be big news in 2024. Livingetc – the glossy magazine and style bible – has already published its colour predictions for next year and there are some interesting shades in the spotlight.
Red is one of them. To be more specific, three different hues made its shortlist, encouraging people to be bolder with their colour choices.
Livingetc pinpointed ‘rust’ as a colour we’ll be seeing more of in our homes. This earthy shade – underpinned by orange – pairs well with bronze and copper accessories, and can look magnificent when used in a living room, dining room or home office.
Burgundy was another red that made Livingetc’s latest colour trend list. Evocative of a glass of fruity French wine, burgundy has an old-fashioned richness, with its cool purple and blue undertones. Burgundy looks amazing in older period homes but, surprisingly, it works equally well when paired with blonde Scandi wood and a predominantly white interior.
Completing a trio of reds favoured by the magazine is deep red. Its nominated shade is a halfway house between rust and burgundy – a cosy colour that creates an enveloping sense of warmth. The most versatile deep reds have orange or brown undertones, which prevent them from looking too cold, especially north-facing rooms.
Livingetc isn’t the only design bastion singing the praises of red. One of design’s most unlikely collaborations is also flying the flag, with food manufacturer Heinz partnering with paint specialist Lick to release a very familiar limited edition product.
Red HTK 57 is a paint that is being made to order, with only 570 tins available from launch. The colour is described as an ‘energising tomato’ that has been colour matched to the world-famous ketchup. The shade is clear and upfront, as you would expect, with black, yellow and blue undertones stopping the paint from becoming too gimmicky.
If your heart is set on sloshing a shade of sauce on your walls but you find the Lick paint has sold out, there are similar alternatives – perhaps proving this vibrant hue isn’t as wacky as it sounds. Try Little Greene’s Atomic Red, YesColours’ Electric Red or High Voltage by Valspar for an instant injection of colour.
We appreciate that red isn’t a colour everyone will want to use in the home and there are suggestions that it’s a shade that should be avoided altogether, especially if you’re looking to sell your property.
Colour therapist Momtaz Begum-Hossain told the Metro newspaper that red can be overstimulating and provoke a sense of anxiety or anger – not the outcome you want when people are viewing your property. Instead of discarding the idea of a red interior altogether, she does advise using the shade as an accent colour. Add a red vase, rug or lampshade in an otherwise neutral room and you can still enjoy the vibrancy without the overkill.
If you are thinking about selling or renting out a property you own, speak to us about what perfect presentation looks like.
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.
#CardiffLandlordTips #HomeOfficeCardiff #CardiffRentalMarket #RemoteWorkReady #CardiffLettings #SouthWalesProperty #LandlordAdvice #RedKeyPropertyExperts
As more professionals embrace remote and hybrid working, demand for well-designed home office spaces is on the rise.
Subscribe to receive the latest property market information to your inbox, full of market knowledge and tips for your home.
You may unsubscribe at any time. See our Privacy Policy.