As Dorothy stated in The Wizard of Oz, there’s no place like home. And we’re happy to put in the effort to add touches that make your home more comfortable and cozy. So, how can you ensure your home renovation is effective? How can you ensure it not only enhances the living conditions in the present moment but also adds resale value, should you need to visit this option sometime down the line? The last thing you want is to burn through your budget without getting a great return on your investment. The right contemporary home improvements can go a long way in making your home inviting and future-proofing it to give you a win-win.
Create a Conversation Starter with These 12 Modern Home Upgrades
More than anything, home renovations can be a great talking point. Have you ever visited a beautiful home where you couldn’t help wanting to know more about the design process? Well-designed homes tend to have that effect on most of us. We show you how to make your home stand out and be a talking point with these contemporary home improvements.
Curb Appeal
Traditional entry door to brick home with an added blue stone walkway.
The phrase “never judge a book by its cover” does not apply to your home. First impressions are everything; your home’s curb appeal can add beauty and value. From repainting the exterior to replacing your front door, or even investing in a well-kept lawn with gorgeous trees or plants all around, can go a long way in getting the right attention. Some interesting advice? According to Barbara Corcoran from TV’s Shark Tank, people decide whether they want to buy your home within 8 seconds of seeing it, so you’d do well to make it look incredible at first glance.
Give Your Kitchen a Facelift
A reflective white countertop makes this remodeled kitchen seem open and bright. See the Project Details.
Start by adding a fresh new coat of paint or replacing worn-out wallpaper. Repainting your cabinetry by itself can change your entire room if you don’t want to replace the cabinets altogether. Fix and replace sinks, backsplashes, and faucets and install energy-efficient appliances. If you can also install a new floor, it will work well to transform this area. Depending on your usage and design, a countertop might require more investment, but there are many materials to choose from, such as granite, quartz, marble, and soapstone. Don’t underestimate the conversation starter a stunning new countertop can be and the value it can add to your home in terms of aesthetics and selling potential.
Beautify Your Bathroom
Repainting this bathroom helped give it a feeling reminiscent of a luxury hotel suite. See the Project Details.
The bathroom is often the first area potential buyers want to see. Give it an update by stripping away dated wallpaper and fixtures and adding in a fresh new coat of paint or tiling with a modern toilet, vanity, and shower can put your home ahead of the game.
Create a Conservatory
A conservatory can increase your living space and bring in plenty of natural light while providing a safe connection to the outside world. From spending cozy evenings there to enjoying that perfect sunrise, this is a room that offers so much pleasure.
Replace Old Windows
Simply adding double-glazed windows can increase the value of your home by:
- Making your house look better.
- Improving the insulation.
- Being a valuable source of ventilation.
Modern windows can help with your energy costs too. Add wooden frames to create an upscale feel to your space. You can also look at bay windows, French windows, skylights, and other high windows that can transform your home without sacrificing privacy.
Create Flow
The best way to transform your house is to add a sense of “flow” and openness by removing an unused island or perhaps even a non-structural wall.
Let There Be Light
Well, let there be more light or better light. When it comes to your home, a well-lit house is both welcoming and spacious. Yes, upgrading and changing your light fixtures can transform the look and feel of your home and affect your mood and health. Different spaces of your home require different types of lighting, so modernized and customized lighting is one of the contemporary home improvements that’s well worth investing in to make a real difference.
Upgrade Your HVAC System
Install a new system altogether or even retrofit your old one, as this will improve your energy usage, which will, in turn, bump up your property rates. Another option is to add a smart thermostat to make your unit more efficient.
Add Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors add warmth and coziness to this blue and white kitchen. See the Project Details.
You’d be surprised to know that wood floors can increase the value of your home. Brand-new floors can last for a decade, and what’s more, you can sand and refinish them up to ten times, making them an excellent investment. Of course, nothing beats the warmth and coziness that wooden floors offer in terms of look and feel.
Give Your Garage a Cool Update
Add storage options to create a clean and clutter-free garage environment. See the Project Details.
Don’t ignore this area while redoing your exteriors and interiors. After all, it’s not just your curb appeal that will grab eyeballs. How your garage looks goes a long way in making a good impression, so start by replacing your front door if it’s dented or old. A fresh coat of paint and insulation on the door will quickly improve the look of this space and increase your home’s value overall.
Don’t Forget the Backyard
Garden Architecture designed the outdoor living space and fire pit. See the Project Details.
From plant beds to foot-friendly walking spaces, paying attention to this area can considerably improve your home’s look and feel. You can further enhance this space with a cozy seating area, outdoor kitchen, fire pit, or even a patio or deck to add character and increase its worth.
Freshen Up
Consider painting with timeless neutral colors, then add dashes of color and vibrancy through your accessories and décor. See the Project Details.
It’s not just your exteriors, garage, kitchen, or bathroom that can benefit from a paint job – your entire home can. Painting is the easiest way to revitalize the look of your entire home completely. We’d go so far as to say that a new paint job is absolutely necessary. Ceilings, walls, and trim can benefit enormously from fresh paint, and just getting rid of that peeled, faded paint can breathe new life into your home. A tip if you’re looking at upping the value of your home is to opt for classic, timeless, more neutral colors that can be elegant, warm, and inviting, as trendy hues tend to lose their appeal with time. Instead, add dashes of color and vibrancy through your accessories and décor. That way, you can change the look more often without constantly repainting.
Contact Us Today
A successful home renovation project can make your home look like a million bucks and create an ambiance that captures the attention of anyone who visits while making it more aesthetic for those living there. The added benefit is that it increases the value of your home by quite a considerable margin. So, this is an investment you want to get done right. To do this, you need the right team behind you. A project well begun is not enough for your home; you must ensure quality from start to finish. At Owings Brothers, we make this happen. Contact us today to see how we can add value to your home with contemporary home improvements.
