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1. Invest in your key areas
A well-equipped kitchen and bathroom will always be a drawcard for potential tenants and buyers so it pays to invest in them. ‘Spending a little extra money on your master ensuite and kitchen will pay huge dividends in the rental and selling market,’ says Andrew. ‘Floor-to-ceiling tiles, fluted glass shower screens and the addition of niches or shelves are relatively inexpensive ways to create a luxe home aesthetic.’ If this is your forever home, take advantage of our premium joinery offering to add a designer element to your space. ‘Curved batten island benches with a front waterfall create a high-end feel,’ suggests Kat. ‘Play with profiled cabinetry and add a stone splashback to elevate the look.’ Integrated appliances add another ‘wow’ factor. This can be as simple as an in-built wine fridge or integrated microwaves and coffee machines for a modern finish.
2. Selling your dual occupancy? Opt for a moody colour scheme
‘Potential buyers will view the home staged, so you have the opportunity to go a bit darker and more opulent in your colour schemes,’ says Andrew.
Kat agrees.
‘If you’re looking to resell the home, particularly in competitive suburbs, then a sophisticated palette is a great option. Moody paint tones create a high-end feel, especially when coupled with black cabinetry, tapware and fixtures to create a luxurious base that won’t go out of date,’ she says.


3. Looking to rent your dual occupancy? Consider neutral colours
Tenants will inspect the home empty, so you want the home to feel as big and neutral as possible. ‘This allows them to envision their own furniture and family within the home,’ explains Andrew.
Think lighter colours coupled with natural ply timber. ‘This will make for a calm and inviting space,’ explains Kat.
‘Keep rooms feeling fresh and airy by limiting blacks and heavy accents – instead, stick to light greys and whites. Oak floors instantly create a sense of warmth in the space, and VJ panelling or low sheen paint are a cost effective way to add interest and texture. ‘


4. Invest in key structural features
If this is your forever home, look at investing in areas of the home that can’t easily be updated later.
‘Look at larger ceilings complimented with higher doors. Increased sizes can make the entire home feel big and airy,’ suggests Andrew. ‘I also always suggest looking at heating and cooling options that have multiple zones. Whether potential tenant, buyer or your own home, people always place a high price on comfort.’
If you’re wanting to impress, consider investing in structural elements such as your staircase.
‘We have a range of stunning architectural staircases that have a grand presence and won’t be quickly forgotten,’ says Kat.
‘Skylights are another beautiful element that can change the entire feel of a space,’ adds Kat.


5. Tenant-proof your dual occupancy investment
If you’re planning to rent out one or more of your dual occupancy homes, it’s vital you tenant-proof your asset.
‘You don’t want to break the bank with a rental property, but you still need to ensure your colour and finish selections will stand the test of time,’ says Andrew. ‘High-traffic areas such as your Caesarstone benchtops and tiles in your bathroom and kitchen should be in colours that are easy to keep clean.’
Stick to vinyl flooring, adds Andrew. Not only is it a cost-effective option for a rental, but it’s also more hardwearing than hardwood. ‘Vinyl floors are water-resistant and don’t need as much maintenance to keep them in good condition,’ he says.

6. Don’t forget the smaller details
Both lighting and window furnishings help to create a sense of cosiness. For a minimal, neutral palette, roller blinds or venetians are an inexpensive way to ensure your home feels inviting.
‘For a higher-specification home, consider investing in sheers and shutters which can add a designer element,’ advises Kat.
‘Lighting will also help to bring your design to life. Focus on pendants and decorative lighting, as well as staircase and strip lighting to create highlights.’
Overwhelmed with where to start? Don’t worry, you’ll have your personal, qualified Interior Designer to help guide you through the entire colour selection process, providing expert advice throughout.

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