Are you tired of the way your home looks? Does its layout no longer fit your needs? If so, then it’s probably time for a remodel. A remodel is an exciting opportunity to make your home exactly the way that you want it. As such, you want to make sure that you are taking the time to plan it well. Consider the following as you start compiling your ideas.
Create Open Space
The first thing you might want to do is create open spaces in your home, so you don’t feel cramped anymore. Many older homes have walls dividing the kitchen from other spaces like the living room and dining area. You can remove these walls and create a much more open and spacious feeling in your home.
You can also remove an exterior wall and build an addition to your home to create more space. If you choose to do this, make sure that you consult with a building contractor. You’ll want the finished result to look nice, and you may need to reroute some of your utility lines to accomplish this.
Replace Your Kitchen Appliances
One strikingly visual way to modernize your home is by replacing your kitchen with new appliances and countertops. Appliances have improved dramatically over the two decades. Not only do they have better visual designs, but they also have improved function. New appliances will save you a lot of the time spent in the kitchen.
Upgrading appliances may sound like it’s going to be expensive, but it can also save you money. Modern appliances are much more energy efficient. Their capital cost might be high, but it could save you a couple hundred dollars a year on your utility bills.
Remodel Your Bathroom
The bathroom is one of the most important rooms in your home. It is one of the few places where guests will be allowed to go unaccompanied. It will have a big impact on the overall impression of your home. To make it comfortable, try updating the toilet. Some older homes have very small toilets that are uncomfortable for adults to sit on. Upgrading to a newer and more water efficient toilet will increase comfort and save you money.
Many homes use white tiling around the showers and off-white floor tiles. Don’t be afraid to branch out and try other things. Marble with stone and slate can give your home a very grand and luxurious feel.
Make It Brighter
Modern homes are well lit and take advantage of natural light. Older homes often feature only small windows because windows were historically poor insulators. With modern insulated glass, it is now economically viable to widen your windows to let in more light. You could even consider adding a skylight so that natural light can be better dispersed throughout your home. Your electrical lighting can be improved by changing out your incandescent bulbs for LEDs. LEDs can give off a soft white light rather than the dull yellow that is common with incandescent bulbs. They also use far less energy, so you’ll be saving money.
Go with Eco-Friendly Changes
Focus on ways you can increase the energy efficiency of your home and cut your power bills. Check out the standard home building codes in your area. These codes give requirements for how a home should be built so that it is efficient. The codes have probably been updated since your home was built. If they have, then by making changes that bring your home up to code will help reduce your energy bill. One great way to do this is by increasing the insulation in your home. More insulation means that less energy needs to be spent on keeping your home cool.
Cables and Cords
The last thing you want to have ruining your newly remodeled home is cable and cords running all over the place. Not only are these tripping hazards, but they give your home an unkempt look. As you remodel your home, consider where you will be needing to use electronics. If you like to use your laptop on a couch, it may be a good idea to have a plug in the floor nearby. You may even wish to add additional plugs to your walls for later convenience. Don’t try to do this work yourself, make sure you have a professional electrician do it for you.
Feature Walls
One way to make a dull room interesting is by having a feature wall. A feature wall gives a focal point for a person’s attention. Just make sure that you choose the right wall. The right wall is the one that your eyes are already naturally drawn to. For example, the wall where the tv is, or where the fireplace is located. You can make a feature wall by painting it a different color than the others, or by covering it with wood or wallpaper.
Natural Accents
One of the best ways to give your home a relaxing atmosphere is to bring the outside, inside. Consider getting potted plants to use as accents around your home. You can use large pots to house small indoor trees in the corners of your home or place small flowers or shrubs on side tables and mantles. Just make sure that you water them regularly and place them where they can get enough sun. If that seems like too much of a hassle, you can always use fake plants.
Handles and Knobs
Nothing dates your home like old fashioned handles and doorknobs. You can give your home a more updated and modern feel by simply switching out this hardware. This is a cheap and easy thing to do. Choose handles that are simple, yet sleek in appearance. Modern design will often employ a silver satin finish rather than the shiny brass of older designs.
Your home is your palace, so make it your own. Don’t just try to copy what everyone else is doing. Tour homes and browse the internet for ideas and suggestions, but at the end of the day, come up with a plan and design that truly represents you and makes you feel at home.
If you’re ready to remodel your bathroom or kitchen, contact us so we can make your vision for your home a reality!
