Simple Ideas For Home Improvement

Home owners are putting more time and money into renovating their homes than ever before. Whether you are looking to change the style and feel of your home, or are looking to up the rate of return on your investment, either way it can be a daunting task to decide where to focus your attention and energy when undertaking such a project. Kimberley Seldon has been featured on HGTV with her show 'Style at Home', and she offers some great, simple tips on how to up your home's style and value.

When a decorating or home improvement project is required, all of us appreciate smart solutions that won't break the bank. Here are a dozen affordable ways to improve your home's style quotient and value while offering more bang for your decorating bucks.

Combine stock elements with custom elements. For a kitchen renovation, you can choose stock cabinetry for lower cabinets as well as the majority of upper cabinets, but opt for custom-designed wall units flanking a feature window. The impression will be anything but routine.

Modify items that are noticeably dated. The '70s wall tile in the bathroom, the balloon shades in the living room or eggplant-coloured toilet can be improved upon. (Unless, of course, you are designing a room that is retro in style.)

Use standard elements with custom flair. For example, 12-inch by 12-inch slate flooring tile can be customized by cutting the tile into numerous sizes, say 6 inch by 12 inch and 2 inch by 2 inch and using the various pieces to create a unique pattern.

Update items at eye level where the immediate impact can be appreciated. The dull stair runner, tired backsplash, bland wall colour or chipped cabinetry offer instant gratification when replaced or enhanced.

Don't be afraid to mix pedigrees. The Ikea sofa and the Hermès throw are perfectly companionable, provided they have a similar design.

Paint offers the most notable changes at minimum cost. Good quality paint doesn't chip, goes on easily, and covers well. The role of paint is to enhance other items in the home.

Spend the most you can comfortably afford on investment pieces like area carpets and sofas, as they are frequently used and enjoyed over many years.

Update lighting for immediate improvement. Replace dated fixtures and improve atmosphere by adding table and floor lamps. Incandescent light sources provide the most comfortable, flattering lighting.

Improve cabinetry in any room by changing uninteresting hardware. Today's choices are limitless with finishes ranging from pewter to porcelain, glass to nickel.

Invest in original artworks. Seek out local artisan sources and purchase a painting or photograph that inspires or pleases you. Phone a local art college to gain access to student showings.

Traditional homes benefit from the addition of crown moulding and substantial baseboards. Although it requires some skill to do the installation, it's a relatively easy project. In addition to adding depth and history to rooms, architectural enhancements like these will contribute to the home's resale value.

Adopt a five-year plan. For many of us , this is the only practical way to create the home of your dreams. Make a list of all the required changes and work systematically through the list beginning with "hidden" work such as lighting, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and roofing. Although these initial tasks are not glamorous, postponing them can actually be dangerous and cost you more money in the long run.  - Kimberley Seldon

Simple steps to home improvement [Toronto Star]
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January 21, 2005 in Home Improvement | Permalink