• 

Hey folks. It has been a while since I shared a reno project on the blog, and today I am sharing a bit of a doozie of a reno. I’m taking you back to the beginning of my main bathroom. The photo above is from the real estate listing. Over the 8 years we have lived in this house it never really got any better than that photo aside from me painting the purple out in a pale grey and the chair rail molding in black. This bathroom had a few great features and others that were totally lacking. Great = the stained glass curved window, marble hex tile floor with off white curved trim tile (I think original to the home that was built in 1940) and off white subway tile in the shower with curved black trim tile. The problems with this bathroom were the former owners stuck a cheap, useless pedestal sink in there, so there was ZERO counter space. And there was NO OUTLET!!! We found out there was asbestos so we ended up having to gut the parts of the bathroom we were working with and able to leave the features we weren’t touching. This meant we were easily able to have an electrician put in an outlet, have a separate switch for the fan, and add electrics for a ceiling mounted light (I had one in storage I wanted to use). I wanted to keep all the tile in the shower area and the floor and trim tile because they were beautiful. Turns out this decision cost me a small fortune and would have been much cheaper had I simply replaced the floor tile, because there was a lot of prep work required when re-drywalling to set up for the new tile to be installed flush with the trim/floor tile. Anyway, it is what it is and I am happy to have maintained original features in there.

• 

Here is a shot post-asbestos removal, after adding new insulation and electrical all set up.

This renovation started about a year and a half ago and during many pandemic lockdowns and also with this city having next to nothing in terms of fun options for renovations I did almost all of the purchasing for items in here online, and turns out most of them were from Wayfair (the sink, faucet, all new plumbing hardware in the shower, wall mount light fixture, towel bars). I did want to find a vintage cabinet for the sink, and came across this on Facebook Marketplace for $150:

• 

We sanded it down and gave it a coat of Livos and some new knobs, fit it with a Carrera marble counter and backsplash, refit it inside to fit the plumbing pipes and make use of the top drawer and it worked out really well! You’ll see a bit further below but first a quick note on the tile. I went to a discount tile store and managed to find simple black glossy subway tile and they had plenty to do the walls I wanted tiled. It cost about $200!!! And I decided to add a little bit of colour and found a square tile in green online at Home Depot to add a stripe through the room. That cost $35! I was having a hard time deciding on how the tile should be laid but then saw something online that made me think of this pattern:

• 

My tiler thought it was really creative and though it was a bit of a pain in the ass to prep the drywall for 2 different depths of tiles (try and avoid that – will for sure keep the cost down), I love the end result.
Enough babbling – let me show you my new Art Deco inspired bathroom!

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

(A couple of other sources: the mirror I have been hoarding a while from Highjinx, the shower curtain is Marimekko from Bed, Bath & Beyond, the little cabinet over the toilet is an antique watch cabinet I found on FB Marketplace, the painting is by Mike Rachlis, the rug is from Turkey via Etsy, the towels from H&M Home and everything else I shopped my house)

• 

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.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

An absolutely beautiful château for sale in Poitou-Charentes, in the Angoulême region of southwestern France. I love the unassuming, rustic nature of the architecture. With its high walls and its tower, this 15th century fortified unit, was redesigned on the 17th century, and it is incredibly charming. Of about 650sqm of living space, it is composed of:
A dwelling (320sqm), a wing with a master room (bedroom, sitting, room, bathroom and toilet) and 2 bedrooms with bathroom and toilet (100sqm), a guest house composed of a sitting room, equipped kitchen, bedroom and bathroom (88sqm), a large reception/recreation room (113sqm), a study in the dovecote. The outbuildings comprise: some stables (loose boxes, tackle room), a double garage, a large outbuilding as well as an old farm to be restored. 15 acres of land mainly composed by meadows. It also comprises some wood and a horse riding arena. A large pool (5x10m) heated by heat pump and situated a bit further away from the chateau. For sale (1,890,000 €) via Le Nail.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

•