Is red a colour you’ve always shied away from in the home? It’s certainly not a neutral or a shy, retiring colour but red can bring warmth and depth to any interior – you just need to know which shade to choose and where to apply it.
The people at Pantone have recently released their colour of the year for 2023 and they plumped for a red called Viva Magenta. It’s a shade Pantone calls ‘brave, fearless, empowering and joyous’.
So, what makes this red more suitable for the home than other hues? Viva Magenta is nothing like the primary red we see on post boxes and fire engines. It’s not as brash or as vibrant but is more earthy and soft, thanks to being inspired by the natural dye, cochineal. And instead of blue undertones, which can make a red feel cold, Viva Magenta is rooted in deep pinks and warm purples, which add richness and a touch of luxury.
This framed artwork is the most literal way of introducing Viva Magenta into your home. Featuring Pantone’s iconic swatch design and coloured-blocked with 2023’s chosen shade, it would look great hung on a white wall or, if hanging pictures is an issue, prop it up on a mantlepiece for an instant no-drill interior addition.
There are some stunning wallpapers in the Viva Magenta colour palette and while they can be applied to a wall to create a feature focal point, wallpaper can also be stuck to furniture to add a dash of colour and revamp a tired looking chest of drawers, for example. Look for ‘peel and stick’ wallpapers that are easy to cut and attach.
Accessories are a quick route to red in your home, so why not try a beanbag? They’ve had a chic upgrade thanks to the use of grown-up fabrics, shapes and colours, including dark, sophisticated shades. Finished in a plush velvet and available in a deep magenta colour, this Isabelle & Max beanbag will bring a luxe look to any home. As an added bonus, it comes pre-filled with a removable, washable cover.
Viva Magenta and velvet fabric are such a good pairing that there’s a wealth of options to choose from. If you have wooden dining chairs and want to add a layer of comfort, these velvet quilted seat pads in the temptingly named shade ‘merlot’ will be loved by everyone who sits down to dinner.
Inspired by another type of French wine is this four-seater sofa. Its Chesterfield styling, scrolled arms and button back are enhanced when upholstered in the decadent ‘bordeaux’ velvet fabric – a red that’s undercut by shades of juicy blackcurrants and ripe raspberries.
Finally, and sticking to the boozy theme, John Lewis has a collection of different size Egyptian cotton towels available in a colour it calls ‘claret’. You’ll elevate any bathroom by adding a neatly folded stack of these plush towels and the colour will ‘pop’ when it sits next to white sanitaryware.
If you would like to discuss your décor and gain some interior design styling tips ahead of a house move, please contact our team.
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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