A lot has happened this year and it has affected every area of our lives. One of the hardest-hit areas has been the economy and consequently, our personal finances.
If you are looking to sell your home right now, it can be quite challenging. Finances are not great for most people, and that makes it difficult for people looking to buy a home.
However, you can make your home an attractive option for buyers by refurbishing it.
Here are a few decor tips to help increase your home’s value.
1. Add storage
Storage is always welcome in any home. It helps keep rooms neat. How can you increase storage?
â—ŹÂ Â Â Â Â Put a walk-in closet
A walk-in closet is every woman’s (and some men) dream. Having a room for your shoes, bags, and clothes is fantastic. If you have some extra space in bedrooms, expand the closet space to appeal to potential buyers.
â—ŹÂ Â Â Â Â Kitchen cabinets
Apart from the bedroom, the kitchen is the other space where we need a lot of storage. Put in cabinets overhead or under countertops. You can also build a kitchen island with storage space underneath – that will make your home even more attractive.
â—ŹÂ Â Â Â Â Attic or basement storage
Take advantage of extra room in the attic or basement and put up some storage. These spaces can be used to store old clothes, books, and other items that new homeowners need to get out of the way.
2. Upgrade old appliances and furnishings
If you can afford it, install new appliances. For example, in the kitchen, you could put in a modern hob and hood. Get energy-star-rated appliances for better energy efficiency.
Replace worn-out rugs and sofas, and refurbish other furniture. Old wooden furniture can be refinished. Here’s how to refinish your furniture.
3. Repaint the home
A dull house can put off potential buyers, and if your home has some out-dated colors, repainting is a great way to increase value.
Repainting a home is a cheap way to improve your home value. You can do it yourself, although a professional paint job is always recommended.
Use neutral colors for your home interior, as they appeal to a larger customer base. Repaint the outside of your home if it’s looking shabby too. Some colors that add curb appeal are pale green, slate gray, or blue.
4. Work on the yard
Speaking of curb appeal, first impressions count. What buyers see when they drive up to your home will shape their opinion of it.
Therefore, your yard or garden should look excellent. Grow plants native to the area as they are low-maintenance and avoid making it too elaborate as that translates to a lot of work for potential buyers.
It’s wise to plant trees that will shade parts of the house that receive a lot of sun to help save on home cooling costs. If plants are not your thing, ensure the lawn is well-trimmed by using a robot lawn mower for convenience, and remove any clutter from outside.
Most importantly, make sure your porch looks welcoming. A few potted plants and a neat looking door with an attractive color will do the trick.
Get flowers that are colorful and low maintenance for the door, such as Geraniums. A splash of color at the entrance makes the house more inviting.
5. Make it look bigger
A spacious home is always welcome. A house that feels stuffy is hard to live in. Even if your rooms are small, you can make them look visually larger by using the following tips.
- Let in light by expanding the windows. If too much light is a problem, invest in architectural ceramic window films, which will filter out harmful UV rays and keep your home cool.
- Replace heavy drapes with sheers to bring in more light. Hanging them above the window frames will also give an illusion of height.
- Use neutral colors like beige or white on walls and furniture to make rooms feel more spacious.
- Add mirrors opposite light sources such as windows. The reflection of light will make spaces feel bigger. If it reflects some greenery, it will also add some ambia
- Too many items of furniture and knick-knacks in a room will make any space feel smaller. So declutter as much as possible.
- Hiding storage can help declutter a room. You can do this by putting in floating shelves.
6. Replace the flooring
While replacing old rugs and carpets is great, changing the flooring is an even better idea. Hardwood floors are popular with homebuyers because they are durable.
Another popular option is waterproof flooring, such as tile, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Buyers want durable floors that are low maintenance and water-resistant and will appreciate vinyl flooring.
If you live in a cold area, installing heated floors will increase the value of your home.
7. Redo the bathroom
Bathrooms are an essential part of every home. Any potential homeowner wants a spacious and functional bathroom.
Redo your bathrooms and add stylish upgrades such as water-saving faucets, dual-flush toilets, and good quality showerheads. If you choose to install a bath, freestanding tubs are popular.
A spacious vanity area also matters. Install two sinks and leave enough counter space for bathroom accessories, and buyers will love it.
If you have some extra room, why not install an extra bathroom in your home. Large families require houses with enough bathroom space.
Hire an expert
These are nine home decor tips you can use to increase home value. If you are looking to sell your home, use them to get the best price. You can also use them to improve your house and make it a better place to live in.
However, when all is said and done, there are interior decor experts with a lot of knowledge in this area. Although you have the time to refurbish your home, you may not have enough experience to make the right choices.
Hiring a decor expert can also help you save money. Even if you choose not to involve them in the whole re-decorating process, they will give you an idea of what to work on in your project. Moreover, you can stay connected with different home decor quality blogs.
Author: Joan Marks