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For most of us, buying a house is the most significant investment we make. Once you’ve managed to get onto that elusive property ladder, you want to make sure that you feel completely comfortable and content in your home, and that you protect your most valuable asset. If you’re planning renovation work, or you’re hoping to add value to your property in the coming years, here are some savvy ways that will enhance both the style and the value of your home. 

The vast majority of people consider the kitchen the most important room in the house. If you’ve recently bought a house that doesn’t have a fabulous kitchen, or it’s been a long time since you updated the decor in your home, it may be worth considering a kitchen revamp. Buying a new kitchen may not be a viable option if you’re on a budget, but there are several ways you can update and refresh your kitchen without spending a fortune. Look at options like painting units, switching wall colors and upcycling furniture. If you do have a little more leeway when it comes to your finances, take a look around showrooms, browse online galleries, and create a vision of what you want before you make any final decisions. Compare prices from different retailers and look out for promotions and special offers. 

In some cases, the obstacle facing homeowners is not dated or drab decor, but a lack of space. If your kitchen is cramped, there are various options that may be available to you. If you have a separate dining or laundry room, or even an oversized larder, it may be possible to knock through and open up the space to form one larger room. You could also consider a kitchen extension if you have room at the back or the side of the house. These projects may not be cheap, but they will add substantial value to your home. If adjusting the size or layout of your kitchen isn’t possible, opt for light flooring and neutral wall colors, avoid clutter and bounce natural light around the room by hanging a mirror on the wall. Keep the decor understated and clean, and use accessories like vases of flowers and potted plants to add a fresh feel. 

Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/84063900@N02/7697115400

Most people look at the kitchen and the bathroom when they’re viewing houses and deciding which property to buy. Upgrading and revamping your bathroom will make your home more saleable if you decide to move, and it will also give you a relaxing, inviting space to take a shower, enjoy a soak in the bath or indulge in a home pampering session. If your bathroom has seen better days, you can choose to overhaul the design and replace the entire suite or make simpler, more small-scale changes. 

Painting the walls, replacing worn and broken tiles and adding new accessories can all enhance the aesthetic of the room without blowing the bank. If you are looking to swap your tub, toilet, and shower unit and create a brand new bathroom, visit some stores and showrooms, think about the space you have available and focus on bringing your vision to life. Look at individual pieces, as well as bathroom sets, and make use of reviews. If you’re shopping for a new toilet, for example, some sites say that Toto and American Standard produce the best ones, but it’s worth exploring any products that catch your eye. Consider what kind of look and vibe you’re going for. Do you want an ultra-modern, sleek bath and stainless steel fixtures and fittings, or are you opting for a rustic, retro feel with a freestanding clawed tub, vintage mirrors and shabby chic chests? If you have a look in mind, but the price is too high, there are often ways of recreating bijou bathrooms on a budget. Shop around for the best deals on new suites, and see if you can pick up items that you can upcycle to create the perfect piece for your home. Freestanding baths, for example, can cost hundreds, or even thousands of dollars, but you can often find them floating around salvage stores.

 

Picture taken from https://www.pexels.com/photo/bathroom-cabinet-candles-faucet-342800/

Are you short of living space, or have you got a loft that is currently used only to store bags, crates, and boxes? Converting an attic is a fantastic way to add value to your home, and it will also maximize the space you have available. If you don’t need an extra bedroom, you could add a study or a studio, a teenage hideout, a gym, or a chill out area to read, listen to music or meditate. Loft rooms are versatile, and if you do sell, they can make your home more appealing to a wider range of buyers. 

If you have space available in your attic, and you’re thinking of taking the plunge, the first thing to do is contact some reputable, local building firms to get quotes for the job. It’s wise to contact several companies so that you have an idea of what you can get for your money. Once you know how much the project will cost, and you’ve set a budget, you can focus on how you want to use your new room. You could create a guest suite, an extra bedroom for a child or a parent, a workspace or a place to enjoy hobbies and leisure activities. When you have an idea of what you want to use the space for, think about how you want to decorate it. If there isn’t a huge amount of ceiling space, it’s best to stick to crisp, light colors and to adopt a minimalist approach when it comes to furnishing the room. 

Image via https://kaboompics.com/photo/9248/croissants-and-figs-on-a-green-plate-a-cup-of-coffee-and-a-candle

If you’re a homeowner, you want to design a home that you love, but you also want to protect and grow your prized asset. These renovation ideas will enable you to create a stylish space that complements your personality and taste and boost the value of your home.