Having recently completed the renovation of a rental apartment in Sliema styled with a warm and welcoming Mediterranean-Scandinavian aesthetic, Angie Sciberras, architect and founder of Angie the Architect studio, found herself contemplating an issue, or rather an attitude, that has been prevalent in the Maltese rental market for some time – that inferior interiors for rental properties is the only way to go.
“A second-rate attitude towards the design of rental properties is seen on all levels of the letting industry in Malta – you could be spending €4,000 per month on a lovely seafront property and still get ordinary interiors,” says Angie. “It’s possible to achieve good design without breaking the bank.”
A hodgepodge approach to fitting out a rental has been “bothersome” to many expats she knows – particularly those hailing from northern European countries. “During my travels to Sweden I’ve learned that they have a standard, and they live by it. Locally, especially for rental properties, standards are lacking, and I believe this needs to change.”
Angie asserts this is felt across many aspects of the property – from insufficient insulation in winter to low-quality furniture. “It’s understandable that this might not be a suitable choice for everyone, but engaging professionals like us, with our deep expertise and knowledge, leads to tangible success. By making a well-planned investment at the outset, property owners enjoy stronger returns on investment (ROI), happier tenants, and a positive impact on the local quality of life.”
Finding the target audience
An often-cited issue on the question of designing for rent is that tenants don’t treat the place as if it’s their own, so why should the landlord? “Set a standard for your tenants, and be willing to wait for them.”
“Unfortunately, many landlords put themselves in an uncomfortable situation where they attract a tenant who doesn’t meet expectations. Doing your due diligence on prospective tenants is important, just as you would for any other business transaction,” says Angie.
For the Sliema apartment her studio designed, the target audience is a young couple or family, in their mid-30s, and of Scandinavian nationality. “If your target is Airbnb close to nightlife locations, you will attract a younger crowd, so adapt your budget and design accordingly – rather than splurging on high-end appliances, set up a cool bar area instead and make it visually interesting.”
A practical case study
The brief for her design-for-rent project was clear: design it as though you’re living in it. The corner plot, located on High Street in Sliema, was designed in the 1960s by architect Dom Mintoff. It boasted ample natural light and high ceilings, “and a lot of potential.”
The renovation included a change of apertures for better insulation and sound proofing, while laminate wooden flooring was used throughout, except for the bathrooms. “In Malta, people are increasingly taking off their shoes before entering their home, which Scandinavians have always done, but cold ceramic or marble floors aren’t pleasant to walk on, making wood an ideal choice,” says Angie.
“It also gives an instantly warm appearance to the space. When the sun floods through the windows, it casts a naturally yellow glow onto the floor, furniture and finishes.”
The interior style was guided by a Mediterranean, holiday-inspired feeling, and everything from the type of furniture to the art hanging on the walls aimed to evoke a nostalgic sense of home. It features a kitchen/living/dining, master bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite, a second bedroom with an ensuite, a laundry room and a spare room that can be adapted into a home office or playroom as needed.
Design with purpose
“We investigated the property’s value, understood its potential and took cues from the building itself for its interior architecture and design. This was a house with a history, which raised four children all of whom are now in their 60s, and I really wanted it to be felt in the way the property was renovated. As Angie the Architect, we want to change this laissez-faire attitude one property at a time.”
The attention to detail is noticeable in every corner. For the master ensuite, the architect placed the walk-in wardrobe in between the bedroom and the bathroom, separated by a solid wood internal door with a tinted black glass finish that ensures privacy on both sides.
Underfloor heating guarantees warmth in winter, while the south-facing position of the kitchen, dining and master bedroom ensures a constant stream of sunlight while sparing the living space from bright light.
“We were conscious to mix up the choice of furnishing to balance out the budget – the wardrobes in two of the bedrooms and the spare bedroom bed are from IKEA, while some pieces in the living room are custom, combined with pieces from Kave Home available from Form. The trick is to know where to put your money, and put it in the right place,” says Angie.
It is in such instances that professional input can be a game changer, not only to design spaces efficiently but also to leverage on an expert’s experience to understand what works in the rental market and what doesn’t. “By engaging professionals like us, investors save time, reduce stress, and achieve a superior end result, without having to navigate the long, tedious process alone.”
Over the past decade, Angie has proven her ability to add value through successful office space designs in Malta. This same approach can and should be applied to residential properties. “Investors who fail to recognise this shift towards quality homes risk being left behind,” she concludes. “We add value.”
Photography: Michael Calleja, Studio Konnect / Decor and styling: Formadeus
