The right home upgrades can make your house feel like new again. From draught proofing windows to adding a backsplash, these simple projects are stylish and practical, and many of them recoup their cost at resale.
Replace old carpeting with neutral-toned rugs or add wood floors to an older home. You can also spruce up your lighting fixtures by painting them.
1. Paint Your Built-Ins
When you decorate your home, a lot of it may have been trendy at the time, but it can look outdated in a few years. You can easily spruce up dated pieces by painting them.
From shelves to armoires, built-ins are a gorgeous way to add character and personality to your space. A fresh coat of paint can transform them into a stunning display for family photos, knick-knacks and collectibles.
This is also a great opportunity to extend a color palette from room to room. Using a consistent palette makes a house feel more polished.
2. Upgrade Your Lighting
Lighting is the key to setting the tone in a room, so it’s a good place to start when upgrading your house. New fixtures and bulbs are a relatively inexpensive way to add value to your home.
Consider layering your lighting in living spaces to create a more dynamic atmosphere. For example, if your family tends to watch TV together in the living room, a brighter blue light during the day and warmer yellow tones in the evening can reduce eye strain while improving the ambience of the space.
3. Install a Smart Home
When it comes to modernizing your home, smart technology is the way to go. Smart home technology allows you to control your devices remotely, and it also offers security features. For example, a smart smoke detector will send an alert to your phone so you can act quickly in the event of a fire. Other smart home appliances and gadgets include a smart water leak detector, smart plugs, and smart entertainment products like TVs.
Another great thing about smart home systems is that they offer energy efficiency and can save you money on your utility bills. This is a good way to add value to your home and make it more environmentally friendly. If this is something that interests you, Cinch Home Services: Home Warranty can provide you with a lot of information on smart home service and coverages.
4. Add a Pool
Unlike some upgrades, like wall-to-wall carpeting (which people are turning away
because it’s considered an allergen hazard), pools can increase your home’s value. But it’s important to understand whether this type of improvement is right for your home and neighborhood.
For example, a pool might make sense if you live in a warm climate where summer is the best season for swimming. But if other homes in your neighborhood already have pools, then it may be difficult to recoup the costs when it comes time to sell.
5. Turn Your Dining Room Into a Nook
Quick Fix: If your home has plenty of straight lines, introducing a round dining table or a set of curved barstools can balance them out. This can also help modernize a room by making it feel less dated.
If you’re working with a small space, look to create nooks where possible. These seating areas are ideal for boosting productivity. For example, this nook designed by Kit Kemp combines a reading area with a desk.
A nook can even be a great way to make an awkward stair landing feel like a hangout spot.
6. Add a Walk-In Closet
A walk-in closet is an expectation for modern home buyers, so this upgrade can increase your house’s resale value. You’ll also enjoy having more storage for your clothing and shoes.
Make a stylish, cozy dressing room out of your closet with custom drawers and shelving to keep everything organized. Display a framed photograph, decorative books or fresh flowers for an elegant look.
Having your coffee or tea close by in your closet can make it easier to start the day. Include a small beverage station in your closet with countertop space for the coffee maker and cabinet space for clean mugs.
7. Install a Backsplash
If you’re ready to sell your home and move on, modernizing it can help you get top dollar. While you might think a full renovation is necessary, there are many cost effective ways to make your house feel newer.
Emphasize simplicity by removing clutter and hiring a local pro to refinish your outdated fixtures. Then, install a glass tile backsplash that complements your choice of materials for countertops and floors. The clean lines and flat surfaces will instantly update your space. This is a project you can easily tackle yourself over the weekend.
