When it comes to buy-to-let or investing in real estate, would you opt for a spacious or rather small property? You may have considered the larger option, with the idea that it could offer a higher return. Nonetheless, decorating small spaces presents a unique opportunity to maximize the value of a property.
Interestingly, despite the general preference for more spacious properties, investors, buyers and tenants alike often change their minds when entering a small space that has been cleverly decorated and designed. In these optimized spaces, everything is designed to offer comfort and satisfaction to their inhabitants. It is possible to find small apartments that include luxurious details and even space to store bicycles or electric scooters without causing discomfort, an advantage that is not always found in larger properties.
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The Potential of Small Spaces
One of the rising trends in big cities is the growing demand for small spaces. This preference has been consolidating in recent years and, although you may think otherwise, it has become even more relevant in the post-pandemic context.
The reasons for this phenomenon are:
Small
spaces in the historic center of large cities expand access to urban life, in contrast to the higher costs of larger homes.
Smarter
generations, such as millennials (currently between the ages of 28 and 45), opt for small, functional homes that require less maintenance, as they value experiences and travel over material possessions. These spaces allow them to be close to their work, their restaurant’s favorites, and their daily activities.
Mobility
People who choose to live in the center of large cities enjoy the convenience of walking or using public transport, allowing them to get around without the need to rely on a private vehicle. This choice underscores its commitment to environmental sustainability.
Before we dive into tips on decorating small spaces, it’s essential to understand why decorating plays such a crucial role in the profitability of properties.
A well-decorated space can significantly increase the attractiveness of a home, resulting in higher rents and increased demand from tenants. Based on our extensive experience, we can say that the investor’s profitability can increase by up to 25% when comparing a small, old, and non-functional apartment with a well-decorated and equipped one, which is reflected in a higher rental price.
The 10 Golden Rules: How to Decorate Small Spaces
Well-planned small space décor can significantly influence the perception and value of a property, which in turn can increase its profitability through increased demand, higher prices, and shorter time on the market. We could go into great detail about the decoration of small flats, but we have chosen to highlight the 10 golden rules that will enhance the value of your properties with smaller dimensions.
- Design a floor plan
The first step to decorating small spaces is to design a detailed floor plan. Start by taking precise measurements of your spaces with a laser measurer and then transfer those measurements to a drawing. To make it easier, you can use free online design software such as HomeByMe, or Floorplanner, which are intuitive and simple to use. This software will allow you to visualize how the furniture will be distributed and effectively maximize the available space.
2. Set a budget
Once you’ve planned the layout of your space virtually, the next step is to draw up a budget. We recommend researching the prices of furniture for small spaces in online stores, but you must maintain a realistic view of your numbers, taking into account possible additional costs.
3. Select light colors
To achieve a feeling of spaciousness in small spaces, it is advisable to select light colors for the main furniture, such as the bed, table, and sofa. When it comes to decorating small spaces, darker colors can be reserved for textiles, paintings, plants, and other decorative elements. White, in particular, is a safe choice that never goes out of style.
4. Personalize with custom furniture
Think about investing in bespoke furniture, as it will fit perfectly into your spaces, creating a sense of proportion and spaciousness. Even if you’re on a tight budget, you can find customisation furniture options for tight spaces at stores like IKEA, which offer bespoke solutions, especially for items like closets.
5. Prioritize functional furniture
It is essential to have multifunctional furniture for small spaces that do a double function. Look for solutions such as sofa beds, extendable tables, and beds with couch frames, which provide additional storage space.
6. Choose furniture wisely
Furniture with legs is a very wise choice for decorating small spaces, as it provides a feeling of lightness and avoids visual saturation. Opting for chairs, tables, and side furniture with legs instead of solid floor-length structures gives the feeling of greater spaciousness.
7. Apply wallpaper
If the budget is very limited or the space extremely small, consider wallpaper as an economical and effective solution to give personality to the walls. Opt for pastel shades that add character without cluttering up the space.
8. Incorporate mirrors
Mirrors are the secret allies to make small spaces appear bigger. Distribute them strategically in various areas of your home, with special emphasis on the bathroom, where the light will reflect and create a feeling of spaciousness in your interiors.
9. Use blinds
White blinds are an economical, elegant, and spacious alternative to traditional curtains, which often create a feeling of visual “heaviness”. When blinds are tucked in, they virtually disappear visually, contributing to a cleaner, more spacious look on your windows.
10. Plan strategic lighting
When you have to decorate small spaces, the right lighting can completely transform the perception of the room. The strategic arrangement of lamps, as well as the choice of bulbs that contribute to creating a welcoming atmosphere, are essential to visually expand the space and highlight its best features.
We hope these tips have been useful for your decoration project in small spaces in Islamabad. If you have any thoughts on our tips or want to share your decorating hacks, feel free to leave us a comment below.
Remember that smart decorating can make a big difference in your return on investment. Don’t miss the opportunity to make the most of your small spaces!
