Displaying posts from August, 2022

When is too much stone too much? Never when it’s handled as beautifully as in these spaces by Sydney interior designers Smac Studio. I’m swooning at the colours, the patterns, the way it is deftly used throughout. And then there are the stairs … and the shelving … and the bathrooms. Contemporary liveable luxe.

“This spacious family home in Parsons Green delights with beautiful details at every turn, from bold chinoiserie wallpaper in the drawing room to a deep green panelled bathroom featuring luxe Arabescato book-matched marble slabs. Bespoke joinery was designed for the dressing room as well as a bar unit in the reception room, painted in high gloss for impact.”

Quintessentially English. Quintessentially fabulous. Parsons Green by Rosanna Bossom.

Photography by Astrid Templier

I looooove how Iñigo Aragón and Pablo López Navarro of design firm Casa Josephine Studio took what could have easily read as a very cold and small apartment (70 sqm located in the center of Madrid) and created just the opposite. Painted out brick, stone, concrete with exposed beams and a concrete floor in pale grey keep things light and add a coziness, fabrics in rusts and orange shades add warmth, and stainless and tons of mirror provide much reflection and make the space seem larger. Genius. (Photos: Pablo Zamora)

You can never go wrong choosing to give your home a makeover and transform it into a warm, fuzzy place where you can relax and unwind after a busy day. Whether applying a fresh coat of paint or replacing outdated appliances with new ones, renovating your home can instantly enhance its overall appeal and significantly boost its value. The good thing is that you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on major renovations to update your home.
Even minor improvements like painting your kitchen cabinets or installing modern lighting fixtures can go a long way toward improving your home’s look and feel, fetching top dollar when you decide to sell. Once you’ve found a reliable mover like Osmon Moving and Storage to offer you relocation services, you need to plan how to update it to increase its resale value. Below, we’ll look at some of the cost-friendly ways to boost your home’s value when you decide to sell:

1. Update Fixtures

Old switch plates, curtain rods, outlet covers, doorknobs, and light fixtures can make your home look dated, significantly reducing its value. Upgrading to modern-looking fixtures can give your home a high-end look without breaking the bank. Consider replacing outdated fixtures with shiny metal switch plates, decorative curtain rods, and modern light fixtures. Instead of replacing the fixtures, you may also consider spray-painting to give them an elegant look.
Consider replacing outdated bathroom fixtures with newer versions. For instance, you can add a touch of luxury to your bathroom by installing an elegant looking bathroom vanity, a stylish sink faucet, or a chrome showerhead. These updates are affordable and easy to install, saving you a lot of cash.

2. Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint

Painting is another affordable improvement project that can instantly improve your home’s curb appeal and value. Painting is a DIY project you can easily complete yourself, so you only need to buy a few gallons of paint and other inexpensive tools like painter’s tape, brushes, rollers, and drop cloths. To sell your house faster and for top dollar, you should consider painting neutral colors since they appeal to most buyers.
A new coat of paint can make dirty and scratched surfaces appear clean and updated, whether it’s your home’s front door, bedrooms, or even living room. This adds charm to your home, making it more desirable and valuable once you put it on the market.

3. Install Energy-Efficient Features and Appliances

Home remodeling projects that reduce your monthly utility bills are a smart way to boost your home’s value. Making your home more energy efficient is a valuable investment that can save you tons of money and make your house more marketable once you put it on the market. That’s because energy-efficient upgrades usually appeal to many buyers, especially those looking to lower their monthly expenses.
Some inexpensive ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency and overall value include replacing old appliances with new, energy-efficient models. Installing new modestly priced appliances can also make your home look modern, helping you net a higher sale price. Other affordable energy-efficient upgrades that you can make include installing a smart thermostat, adding insulation, and replacing leaky windows. These upgrades can also improve your home’s overall functionality and comfort, serving as strong selling points when you list your property.

4. Update Your Exterior Door

Your home’s exterior door is the first thing prospective buyers will see when they come for showings. Replacing your dated front door with a rustic wooden or modern glass door can dramatically enhance your home’s exterior appearance. However, if you’re working on a limited budget, upgrading the hardware can also give your doors a fresh look. Replacing doorknobs is a simple project that you can do on your own, so you don’t have to spend on hiring a professional. If the doors are in perfect condition, consider freshening them with a new coat of paint or power washing them.

5. Polish Your Hardwood Floor

Instead of installing new hardwood flooring, refinishing and polishing your flooring can restore it to its original splendor without spending a fortune. Polishing your wood floors can also prolong its life, adding to your home’s overall value. Ensure that you test existing finishes on your flooring to determine the correct polish to use. Choosing the wrong one can damage your expensive hardwood flooring, which could cost hefty amounts to repair or replace. If you’re unsure about the kind of flooring in your home, consider pulling up a corner of the carpet to confirm. If you find that you have wooden flooring, remove the carpet and refinish it to restore its shine and improve its durability.

6. Deep-Clean Your Carpets

Apart from polishing and refinishing your hardwood floors, you should also consider thoroughly cleaning your carpets. Old and stained carpets can be difficult to restore to their original splendor, so it’s best if you replace them. Deep cleaning your carpets is vital since they tend to hide dirt, contaminants, and allergens affecting indoor air quality. Carpets also hold odors, leading to an unpleasant smell in your home.
Regular vacuuming and removing any noticeable stains using the right cleaning products can make your carpets look brand new. You may also consider cleaning with salt and baking soda, vinegar solution, and steam or using an air-neutralizer to get rid of unpleasant odors on your carpets. Doing this can give your house an updated look and make it more appealing to prospective buyers.

7. Improve Window Treatments

The outdated window treatment that you installed or found in your house years back when you moved in doesn’t add to your home’s value. You might want to replace the outdated aluminum or plastic blinds and paper shades with something elegant looking, such as wooden blinds, drapes, or plantation shutters. Ensure you choose neutral color options to appeal to many home buyers, so you can get the most out of your house sale.

Endnote

You don’t have to make major renovations that require hiring contractors or even buying high-end materials to increase your home’s value. With the tips discussed above, you can enhance your home’s overall appearance and boost its value, no matter your level of skills or the size of your home improvement budget. This can help you get the most value out of your home when you decide to sell. Ensure that any changes or new additions best complement your home’s overall décor and aesthetics, and keep up with regular repair and maintenance to help prevent issues down the road once you decide to sell your home.

Please enjoy these wonderful gardens and outdoor spaces designed by London based garden and landscape designer Alexandra Noble. I love how lush yet purposeful her designs are.