You know that feeling when you walk into an apartment and it just feels expensive, even if it’s not huge or brand new ? Yeah, that. That’s perceived value. And honestly, it’s often built on tiny, almost sneaky details. Not marble floors or designer sofas. Simple stuff. The kind of tweaks you can do over a weekend, coffee in hand, music on, thinking “why didn’t I do this sooner ?”
I’ve seen it again and again, especially when people prep a flat before selling or renting. Sometimes it’s the difference between “meh” and “oh wow”. Even estate agents will tell you it’s not always about square metres, but about vibe, flow, light. If you’re curious about how decoration ties into property value more broadly, a site like https://international-immobilier.com gives a good global perspective. But let’s stay practical. What can you actually do, right now ?
Fresh paint : boring advice, but it works
Let’s get the obvious one out of the way. Yes, paint. I know, everyone says it. But there’s a reason. A freshly painted apartment smells clean, looks clean, and feels cared for. That alone boosts perceived value.
Perso, I’m a big fan of warm off-whites. Not hospital white. More like soft cream, broken white, maybe with a hint of grey or beige. In a London flat I visited last year, the walls were slightly yellowed. Nothing dramatic. But once repainted, the place felt bigger. Lighter. Almost calmer.
Would I go bold ? Maybe one accent wall, if you’re confident. But if you’re hesitating… stick to neutral. Neutral sells. It’s clear.
Lighting : the most underestimated upgrade
This one surprises people. Lighting can totally change how “valuable” a space feels. Harsh white bulbs ? Instant downgrade. Sorry, but it’s true.
Swap them for warm LEDs. Add a floor lamp in a dark corner. A table lamp near the sofa. Suddenly, the room feels layered, cosy, intentional. Like someone thought about it.
Quick question : do all your lights come from the ceiling ? If yes, that’s your sign.
Handles, switches, little touches that matter
I once changed kitchen cabinet handles for about £40 total. That’s it. And the kitchen looked… newer. Sharper. More “done”.
Same with light switches. Old, yellowed plastic ones scream “dated”. Brushed metal or clean white versions feel modern without trying too hard.
These details don’t jump at you, but your brain registers them. And buyers or tenants feel it, even if they can’t explain why.
Declutter, but don’t sterilise
Minimalism is great. Lifeless minimalism, not so much.
Clear surfaces. Hide cables. Remove the extra chair that no one uses. But keep a few objects that tell a story. A plant. A book. A throw casually placed (casually, but not too casual, you know ?).
I find that one or two well-chosen accessories per room is often enough. More than that, it gets noisy. Less than that, it feels empty.
Mirrors : cheap trick, big impact
Mirrors are magic. They bounce light, they add depth, they make rooms feel bigger. Especially in apartments where space is tight.
A tall mirror near a window can literally double the light. I’ve seen narrow hallways transformed just by adding one mirror and a small console underneath. Suddenly, it feels intentional. Designed.
And no, it doesn’t have to be fancy. It just has to be placed right.
Textiles : warmth you can almost feel
Hard floors are practical, but they can feel cold. A rug fixes that in two seconds.
Curtains too. Even sheer ones. They frame windows, soften the room, and add that “finished” feeling. I once walked into an apartment with bare windows everywhere. Clean, yes. Inviting ? Not really.
Textiles add comfort. Comfort adds value. Simple math.
Final thought : perceived value is emotional
At the end of the day, increasing perceived value isn’t about tricking anyone. It’s about making a space feel loved, coherent, pleasant to live in.
Ask yourself this : if you were visiting this apartment for the first time, would you feel at ease ? Would you imagine your life here ?
If the answer is “almost”, then honestly… you’re probably just a few simple décor ideas away.