Back

7 Top Home Interior Features Adding Value to your Home

Sep 17, 2024
Smart LED Lighting Home
From tropical Zen gardens to practical pet wash stations, the experts at Barratt Homes reveal seven trends that boost your home’s appeal, including the features that are capturing homeowners’ attention and tips to implement them affordably.
The most sought-after interior features
By analysing UK Google search data, we’ve determined the interior features that are attracting the most interest from UK households.


Interior feature Average monthly search volume
Outdoor kitchen
 12,100
LED smart lighting
 9,900
Indoor living walls
 8,100
Zen garden
 6,600
Pet wash station
 3,600
Hidden storage spaces
 2,900
Sustainable landscaping
 1,300
 
Outdoor kitchens top the list with over 12,000 monthly searches on average each month, as homeowners seek to expand their living spaces outdoors. LED smart lighting, with nearly 10,000 searches, is also popular for its energy efficiency and customisable ambiance. Indoor living walls, attracting over 8,000 searches, reflect a desire to bring nature indoors.


How to recreate these features at home on a budget – and boost your property’s value

Feeling inspired? The experts at Blocc House of Interiors offer top tips on how to implement these features in your home affordably. 
Liv Conlon, owner of ThePropertyStagers, also shares how these features could be increasing the value of your home.


Outdoor kitchen

Karl Openshaw, Head of Creative at Blocc House of Interiors, says:
“An outdoor kitchen extends the joy of cooking beyond the four walls of your home and creates the perfect space for alfresco dining, transforming your garden into a functional oasis. 


“If you’re on a budget, focus on essentials like a durable grill and weather-resistant countertops. Utilise existing patio space and consider adding a touch of DIY by recycling materials such as wooden pallets, or even old decking which can be used to create ample storage space.”


Regarding the value an outdoor kitchen can offer, Liv comments:
“Adding an outdoor kitchen, otherwise known as an additional kitchen and dining area, to your home can boost home value by £7,000 - £15,000. Homes in areas with warm climates see the greatest benefit as outdoor entertaining is more frequent.”


LED smart lighting

Karl at Blocc says: “LED smart lighting revolutionises home ambiance with its energy efficiency and versatility. 


“Start by replacing traditional bulbs with smart LED options. Use affordable smart plugs and hubs for seamless integration which can allow you to customise lighting schedules. This is especially beneficial for security when leaving your home unattended or to avoid excessive electricity consumption from forgotten lights.”


When it comes to added value, Liv notes:


“The convenience and energy efficiency of smart lighting will attract tech-savvy buyers looking for modern, connected homes. In this bracket, they likely value investing in these cool features, adding an additional £2,000-£3,500.”


Indoor living walls

Karl advises: “Indoor living walls not only add natural beauty to your home but can also enhance air quality by acting as a natural purifier.


“Start with a vertical garden kit or repurpose items like shoe organisers or wooden pallets. Use easy-to-maintain plants such as Pothos, Ferns, or Succulents, and install the wall near a natural light source. A drip irrigation system can also be installed, which is an inexpensive way to make watering easy and efficient.”


How can adding more greenery boost your home's value? Liv explains:


“A well-maintained green wall can increase a home's value, depending on the size and complexity, the installation can be valued at £2,000 - £5,000. Not only does this increase the aesthetic look but it has environmental benefits too, especially in urban areas where greenery is scarce.”


Zen garden

"Zen gardens create a tranquil retreat at home, promoting relaxation and mindfulness. They offer a wonderful opportunity to enhance your well-being right within your own living space,” said Karl. 


“To implement a Zen Garden without spending a fortune, start with a small, dedicated area. Use simple, natural materials like sand, rocks, and low-maintenance plants such as moss or succulents. Incorporate elements like a mini water feature or a bamboo fountain for added tranquillity.”


What value can a Zen Garden bring? Liv explains:
“A well-designed Zen Garden (in addition to an existing garden) can add £3,000 - £7,000 to the home's value. It is especially appealing in urban areas where private outdoor spaces are a premium for those seeking relaxation.”


Pet wash station

Creating a budget-friendly pet wash station at home can be easy, says Karl. “Choose a spot with existing plumbing, like a utility room or garage to save on installation costs. Use affordable materials such as ceramic tiles and a fiberglass shower tray. Install a handheld shower sprayer and add shelves or hooks for grooming supplies. 


“For an outdoor setup, use a garden hose with a spray nozzle and create a simple drainage area using gravel or pavers.”


According to Liv, here's how a dedicated pet wash space can increase your home's value:


“Installing a pet shower can add around £1,000 - £2,500 to the home's value, especially in pet-friendly neighbourhoods. You will appeal to pet owners looking for convenience and ease of cleaning.”


Hidden storage spaces

“Hidden storage is the secret weapon of interior design. It allows spaces to remain clutter-free, combining functionality with aesthetics,” explains Karl. 


“Features such as under-bed drawers, wall mounted shelves with concealed compartments, or multi-functional furniture pieces like ottomans with hidden storage can be incredibly useful – especially in households with children, where clutter can accumulate quickly.”


Hidden storage spaces may be discreet, but their value is anything but, Liv says:


“Adding any type of extra storage space to a home will appeal to a wider audience, especially those with kids. If they’re hidden, it’ll increase its aesthetic appeal and add a quirkiness to the property, likely adding an additional £1,500 - £3,000 to a home's value.”


Sustainable landscaping

By integrating eco-friendly elements like native plants and rainwater harvesting systems, you can conserve resources and create a healthier, and more eco-conscious outdoor environment, says Karl. 


“Prioritise low-maintenance options such as drought-resistant plants, which thrive with minimal watering and upkeep. Permeable paving materials help manage water runoff effectively, while natural mulching reduces the need for frequent weeding and fertilisation. These choices should ensure your outdoor space remains vibrant and manageable throughout the seasons."


Embracing eco-friendly features can significantly boost value, Liv explains:

 

“Due to the reduction in significantly reducing water bills and attracting an environmentally conscious buyer, adding features such as water conservation can add an additional £5,000 - £12,000 of value.”
 

Related Articles