Anyone who owns a property in Cyprus will sooner or later think about renting it out. Today there are many options on the market, from luxury apartments to budget ones. The latter are rarely in perfect condition, as owners are in no hurry to spend money on repairs. And who wants to invest in new furniture or linoleum when the rent is still much lower than in a new building?
But time passes, they look at the flat and... reject it. It looks nice and the neighbourhood is not bad, and the house is decent, and the stairs do not smell of cats, and you are still paying the bills out of your own pocket. However, it is possible to make a rental property in Cyprus attractive to potential tenants without spending a lot of money. All it takes is a little imagination.
Here are 10 little tips you can use to update the interior of your property before you rent it out, if you don't have the money, time or energy for a major renovation.
Add new textiles
The quickest and cheapest way to update the interior is with textiles. Cheerful curtains in the kitchen, a bright tablecloth on the table can change the feel of the place. Textiles are essential if you want to give upholstered furniture a tidy look. No money for new upholstery? Buy new cushion covers for decorative cushions. Bright and neutral colours, knitted or fluffy, they will draw attention away from the scuffs on the furniture.
Buy or make chair covers
It's no secret that chair seats are the quickest to lose their look: they get wiped down, soiled, stained. Reupholstering requires a certain amount of skill, as does working with upholstery fabrics. But sewing new covers is within the power of every hostess. You can easily find step-by-step instructions on YouTube. As a last resort, you can buy soft seat cushions in the same Jumbo. The cost is minimal and the look is completely different.
More mirrored surfaces
Any mirrored surface not only adds air and light to the room, but is also a great way to draw attention to small imperfections. A full mirror, even without a frame, is not cheap. But mirror stickers - acrylic and vinyl, in a variety of sizes and shapes - allow for creative solutions. They can be affixed not only to walls and doors, but also to furniture and even household appliances with special adhesive tape.
They can be used to disguise a wall in the hallway, or to visually enhance a wardrobe or bathroom. If you wish, you can create a whole composition of mirrored elements and 'stretch' it to the size you want. The main thing to remember is that a mirror 'doubles' reality - both the attractive and the less attractive. Think about what you want to reflect in it.
Put mats in front of your chair or bed
A small cotton or sisal rug in front of a chair or bed won't break the bank. But it can add natural warmth and charm to an old floor. It's not for nothing that designers are willing to give the rugs themselves a worn look - it's all the rage.
A neutral colour will balance the brightness of other interior elements or emphasise their laconism and minimalism. If the interior is monochrome, kept in muted tones, a bright rug will break the monotony and become a point of contrast. A geometric pattern in a natural palette will bring a sense of homeliness to the room.
Save the nursery walls with interior stickers
Nursery walls can be hard to save from naughty fingers stained with chocolate or bright coloured markers. And monochrome walls look too boring and mature.
If you are ready to rent to a family with children, get special interior stickers. They are fun - bright or subtle watercolours, made from vinyl, and the sticky base means they are not only easy to apply to the wall, but can be removed without leaving a trace. And in the kitchen, self-adhesive film under marble (or any other texture) will not invest in replacing the apron and will be a budget choice.
Change the handles on your furniture fronts
Updating wardrobe furniture can be a costly affair. But there's an economical solution. Modern handles and hinges can give old-fashioned cupboards a new look. The price of a hinge starts at 5 euros. It would be a good idea to put closers on kitchen cupboard doors. In general, if the cupboard doors close neatly and easily and the shelves are conveniently placed, vintage fronts are unlikely to confuse tenants.
Add colour
Does the interior look 'tired'? You need some solid colours to add fresh tones. You can paint the skirting boards, a bed alcove, a kitchen wall, a bookcase or a shoe rack - anything you think looks out of place, even if it's in good working order.
Hang pictures on the walls
A home gallery is the place to let your imagination run wild. It's easy to find stock photos: there are plenty of free collections on the internet, in good resolution, on all kinds of subjects. All that remains is to buy frames - preferably simple wooden ones: they can easily be painted in a colour that matches the rest of the interior. Of course, you will need to plan the hanging and prepare the wall.
Repaint old furniture
Old pieces of furniture often delight us with their shape, but not their surface. For example, a round dining table, coffee table or chest of drawers would look great if sanded and repainted. Then it's up to your imagination. The result is sure to please not only you, but everyone who enters your home.
Refresh the details in the bathroom
The best bathroom decoration is impeccable cleanliness. If the property is rented to a tenant who likes to keep things tidy, a tidy bathroom can outweigh many drawbacks. It makes sense, therefore, to concentrate on getting rid of the blackened seams between the tiles: they always spoil the look. It's easy to get rid of them if you buy sealant, a trowel and grout. It may take all weekend, but the bathroom will look like it has been renovated.
A flat without fresh repairs is not a reason for frustration, but a space for creativity! You can always try your hand at being a real decorator, able to breathe new life into any interior. Dare to try!
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