Rooms for Improvement

“Make sure the apartment is clean,” says Jane Lawrence, design consultant for Greenwich Peninsula, who oversees the development’s interiors. A basic tip perhaps, but one that can easily get overlooked and is just as easily rectified. “If your apartment is clean, it sends a subliminal message to the potential buyer about how you’ve looked after and respected the space.” It also costs no money, requiring only a little elbow grease. So, too, does decluttering, which allows the space to breathe and shows it at its best. Lawrence explains that if you can see the edges of the room, then it will automatically look bigger and also depersonalises it in a positive way. “Buyers need to be able to imagine themselves in the space, which is difficult if there’s a lot of the current homeowner’s detritus everywhere.”

For most people, a home is something that reflects their personality. It’s a space that they’ve interacted with for a long time, one that they’ve used to express themselves with, and upon. But Lawrence warns about overly personalised decoration, as it might be quite different from the potential buyer’s taste. Instead, she suggests neutral tones, with no primary or fully saturated colours. Try pale greys or off-whites from a designer-led paint range such as Farrow & Ball. Following this scheme means that you’re more likely to please the buyer’s eye, who won’t be distracted by popping colours, or decorations not to their taste. “Most people respond best to light, airy living spaces with neutral tones,” but with colours, you can always mix it up a little and go for a darker, cosy colour in the bedroom. “Never choose a primary colour, though. Again, it would be a neutral colour but a darker shade.”

Not that the space should be sterile – far from it. “When it comes to styling, it’s best to go for the best quality you can. No twiddly bits! Keep it simple. The word neutral is more specific to the colour palette, and with the objects it’s about keeping it simple and elegant 90% of the time, then adding the odd pop of colour or unusual item, as long as it’s not too overwhelming. A few key items are best, focusing on modern classics.” It’s all about letting the buyer walk in and paint their own narrative on to the walls, rather than distracting them with your own personality and taste.

Spending a little more on a few select, high-quality items is always beneficial, rather than filling the space up again with a multitude of objects. And make small changes: if your taps are starting to look a little worn, replace them. It’s an affordable and easy item to change, and the buyer’s eye will go straight to the new, shiny tap. It’s like buying new shoes – subtle but makes all the difference – and people will notice.

Lighting is another simple change that you can make. No one wants to walk into a room with a stark, white light, so consider the right colour temperature for your space. Warm, yellow lighting is welcoming and comforting, so invest in large warm lamps with shades and light dimmers or spot lighting. Mirrors are another way to enhance the space, though Lawrence advises keeping it simple with the frame and letting the mirror do all the work.

Knowing your audience is vital. Lawrence suggests always talking to your agent to understand who you’re selling to, then you can dress the space to suit the needs of the buyer. “If it’s a family, you might have a bootrack in the hallway to show how the space could be utilised. If it were a city professional, you’d streamline more and have the wine glasses out. It’s a bit of a cliché, but it works!”

Final touches are important, too. A vase of fresh, seasonal flowers are always a welcome addition, as is a beautiful scented candle in the bathroom, or the waft of good-quality coffee coming from the kitchen …

Simple changes to your apartment clearly don’t need to be costly or challenging, and can easily enhance the value and desirability of the space. Have a declutter, dim those lights and invest in a few high-quality items.