For the majority of homeowners who are on the lookout for the perfect living space, it can be daunting to think about how to take their home up a level. But with thoughtful consideration and preparation, home improvement can be an exciting opportunity to express one’s self, up the comfort factor and increase the value of the home. Here are some steps to get started on taking a living space from everyday to extraordinary.
1. Dream Big: Delve into online inspiration photos, develop an idea board and envision what the perfect space would be. Start by jotting down what the room will be used for, such as hosting dinner parties, entertaining, family functions, working from home, to get an idea of what to include in the design and setup.
2. Priorities and Budget: Get a better understanding of the projects desired to get the full value out of the improvements. Carefully plan and prioritize which projects should take place first before diving into any construction. It’s essential to decide how much the budget can offer to each room and which projects must be taken into account to keep within the budget.
3. Color Palette: Selecting a dominant and accent colors for a room can create an energy that feels calm and inviting. Look for colors that draw out the furniture and additional décor, but also remember to take into account the light that comes into the room when selecting the paint colors. A few colors are better than one, so don’t be afraid to mix varying colors into the décor.
4. Style Choices: Defining one’s own style while decorating a home can be a complex task, so lean into the themes that best suit the style. Glam, classic, minimal, industrial, Scandinavian, rustic— there is a vast array of styles to pick from and the ending product should be reflective of the preferred look.
5. Appreciate the Furnishings: Furniture that is designed with both convenience and visual appeal in mind can make all the difference in a room. Shopping for pieces that match the color scheme adds to the balance of the design, as does adding in accessories such as vases, clocks and paintings that will bring the entire room together.
6. Consider Storage: There can never be too much storage for any home. Whether opting for built-in shelves, bins, closets, cubbies or drawers, designate some of the budget to storage solutions that let one easily tuck away and organize items.
7. Lightening: Lighting choices such as lamps, floor lamps, chandeliers and recessed lighting can bring life to the room in an unexpected way. For an enhanced look, adding dimmer switches to control the lighting level makes the room more conducive for a cozy evening in.
The same principles can be applied when improving the other areas of the home, from upgrading the kitchen and bathroom, to transforming an outdoor space. When completing a home improvement project one is limited only by imagination – the options are endless.
For the bedroom, setting the right tone is essential. A bedroom should be a place of comfort and relaxation: think soft textures, calming colors and the perfect mattress for the type of sleeper. Accessories like throw pillows, quilts, wall décor and paintings can personalize the space. Of course, no bedroom is complete without a stylish headboard or lampshade that pulls the look together.
When renovating or sprucing up a bathroom, one should not be afraid of bold colors that will create a spa-like feel. Fixtures like sinks, baths, lightining, taps and tile should all be carefully considered to make sure the bathroom is both practical and stylish at the same time.
The kitchen is a special area of the house where many family members connect and create memories. Besides choosing cabinets, appliances and counter tops, a great addition to the kitchen would be a kitchen island. A kitchen island is an ideal space for prepping meals or gathering for a meal.
No home is complete without an outdoor space, be it a patio, balcony or backyard. When creating an outdoor living space, one should always remember to think of ways to maximize comfort for entertaining. This includes furniture selections, adding strings of lights, installing a water feature, umbrellas for shade, and other accents that transform an ordinary backyard into a place for special memories.
When working on the interior, adding plants to the home also helps to bring the indoors out. Not only do plants freshen up the air, but they are beautiful home accents. Add a few blooms indoors or create a space outside with different kinds of greenery that not only looks fabulous but also brings a sense of tranquility.