The annual ‘colour of the year’ announcements are always eagerly awaited by those who follow interior trends. The first to stick its head above the parapet and make an announcement this year is paint specialist Dulux. Its Colour of the Year 2025 is True Joy.
A mellow yellow
True Joy is a warm, golden yellow, described as a shade determined to fill homes with ‘energy, optimism and pride’. It’s a move away from the safer, more muted neutrals of previous years (Bright Skies, Wild Wonder and Sweet Embrace) and because of its bold pigment, it won’t be the first choice for everyone looking to redecorate.
Acknowledging this, Dulux admits True Joy may require users to jump out of their comfort zone and as such, there is plenty of advice on how to use this uplifting yellow as an accent colour or statement feature.
Find a neutral partner
Combining True Joy with other colours can be a great way to introduce yellow into the home without it feeling too sickly. Dulux suggests pairing 2025’s Colour of the Year with Wild Wonder, Pocket Stone, Quiet Hideaway or Weathered Pebble – four soft neutrals that can be the canvas on which you paint True Joy.
Small but sunny
Restrained flashes of yellow can still have a big, cheery impact. Consider painting just your door frames or skirting boards in True Joy (the paint can be mixed in a variety of finishes to suit all surfaces, including wood).
To make a bigger impression, True Joy can be applied to just one wall, creating a sunny feature that’s bound to bring a smile to your face. The shade works well in nurseries, studies and utility rooms, and sits comfortably with all types of wood.
Paint a step too far? If you want to say ‘yes’ to yellow but don’t feel brave enough to slather your walls in True Joy (or perhaps you live in rented accommodation), accessories are the way to go. You can instantly lift sofas out of the doldrums by adding some zingy yellow cushions and a golden-hued throw. Or why not paint some picture frames in True Joy and add some black and white photos to make a very sophisticated photo wall?
What do the colour experts say about yellow?
True Joy shouldn’t be discounted just because it is a vibrant colour. In fact, it’s often the richer shades that offer the most in terms of colour therapy. Yellow is arguably the most uplifting colour on the spectrum, often associated with vitality, joy, clarity and enthusiasm. It can be energising and stimulating, and can work well at combating anxiety and exhaustion. Use yellow if you want to feel more cheery, optimistic and inspired.
If you’re contemplating selling a property you own and would like decorating advice ahead of a sale, please contact us. Looking for a property that you can personalise to your tastes? Ask us for our list of available flats and houses.
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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