Home improvement projects can be an essential part of improving the overall quality and value of your home. Whether you’re attempting to spruce up the interior or give an extra boost to the exterior, knowing what you need to do and how to do it can help you create the home of your dreams. Here are some tips on how you can take your home improvement projects to the next level.
Start with a Blueprint. Whether you’re redecorating or starting completely from scratch, it’s important to have a plan. Visualising a goal is useful in achieving it. Whether it means going through Pinterest boards to get aesthetic inspiration, searching through old magazines, or creating a 3D rendering of what you want to achieve – having a clear picture in your head of how you see your finished project will help you stay on track.
Make Space and Time for It. Whether you’re upcycling furniture, laying down a new rug, or painting a mural – it’s important to make time. Projects can take days, sometimes months, to finish – especially if you’re taking it up a notch. Set aside blocks of time if you need to finish a project and create a schedule to divide the tasks throughout it.
Step Up Your Material Game. While you may want to save some funds when carrying out a project, don’t let it be at the cost of the final product. Spending a bit more on materials, especially items like paint or specialised tiles, can make all the difference when it comes to giving your project that extra boost.
Choose Trusted Professionals. For certain parts of a project, you may need outside help. Doing your research when it comes to hiring professionals is essential. Make sure to look for advice from family and friends, read reviews and find out how much experience they have. You want professionals who know exactly what’s needed and, most importantly, can deliver it.
Try Something Unique. Recreate a classic instead of reinventing the wheel. Take something familiar to you and put a twist on it. Are you buying a rug? Try alternating two colours in the same style. Are you painting a wall? Shuffle two colour, giving the illusion of a marble effect. Taking something classic and combining it with something modern can create something unique and unexpected.
Be Mindful of the Little Things. When it comes to creating an inviting atmosphere at home, it’s often the little things that people remember. Choosing some statement pieces such as curtains, cushions or artwork can add that extra level of luxury. You could also try bringing the outdoors in by adding some indoor plants or using wooden finishing touches whenever possible.
Stay Flexible. Whether it’s a rearranged interior, a new kitchen, or an extra set of stairs, you’ll no doubt hit a few roadblocks during any project. But don’t pay too much attention to them and don’t be afraid to adapt to it. These issues can often be a catalyst for something even better – if the design you had in mind doesn’t quite work out the way you expected it to, don’t be afraid to abandon it and create something from all the elements you had originally planned to include.
Utilise Natural Light. No matter what you intend to do with your space, natural light is always a quick and cheap way to give it an automatic facelift. Whether you’re optimizing existing windows and frames or replacing them altogether, natural light can often be your best friend. Allow it to enter any room and it’ll provide a therapeutic atmosphere, while illuminating the features of the space.
Include Storage Solutions. It’s easy to get caught up in the aesthetics of any project, but it’s also important to remember the practicalities. Functionality is key, plus it can help to reduce clutter and enhance the overall look of the room. Invest in high-quality storage solutions such as built-in cabinets or shelving units – these will enable you to have enough space for any larger items and organise the smaller ones.
Ensure Quality and Safety. There are certain standards to bear in mind when carrying out larger projects. From safety codes to aesthetic considerations, make sure you’re up to date with the regulations in your local area. Research is essential – find out whether or not certain materials are allowed to be used and think of your long-term objectives. That way, you can ensure the final product is up to standard and everyone involved is safe.
Make a Statement. Your home is a reflection of your personality and can often be used to inspire you. Take your project one step further and make a statement with it. Whether it’s a mural depicting your favourite place or a painting which captures a certain emotion – highlight something which resonates and will make you feel at home.
Outsource With Care. Delegating tasks is integral when it comes to larger projects. However, you want to make sure you’re hiring the right people. Consider cancelling unbillable tasks or consider sharing the costs. This will give you more control and flexibility while making sure that the quality of the final product remains intact.
Focus on Your Creativity. Home improvement projects should be a source of joy, so make sure to channel your creativity when it comes to them. Try something out of the ordinary and break the rules, as long as you can strive for the best results. Take time to experiment and find what works for you, and don’t be afraid to let go of any preconceived notions.
Invest in Education. A great way to take your home improvement projects to the next level is to stay up to date with the latest trends. Spend time to research the latest trends and stay ahead of the game. Get inspired by other people’s work, sign up for tutorials and attend workshops. Learning about the latest materials and techniques will help you bring your project up to a professional standard.
Go Green. Looking for a sustainable and smart way to finish your project? Make every effort to reuse or recycle materials wherever possible. You can also look into ways to reduce the amount of energy you use – reducing the costs and helping the environment.
Use Smart Design. Show off your space with clever design solutions. Utilise the space you have at your disposal – maybe with a sofa bed, having multi-functional furniture or a wall of artwork. Look into ways to maximise the surface area within any room and make sure any bold decisions are well thought out.
Personalise with Tech. We’re living in a modern age – so why not use it to our advantage? Invest in some smart home features such as automated lights, energy-saving devices and voice tech. Not only will these features help you save energy and money, but they’ll also add a personal touch to your home.
Rely on Structures. When it comes to reworking an existing structure such as a balcony, staircase, wall or pond, it’s important to be mindful of the dangers that can come with remodelling them. Make sure to check if any permits are needed, get professionally-rated tools, and know the limits of what you can do.
Consider Your Target Market. Are you considering selling your home? If so, make sure to consider how a potential buyer would view the space you’re remodelling. Just like any other business, the goal of your home improvement projects should be to create a space which is attractive, practical, and timeless in order to make any buyer interested.
Look to Nature. One of the best ways to make any home improvement project look luxurious is to bring a touch of the outdoors into your interior. Take cues from nature to give your space a natural, fresh look. Whether you choose plants, wooden furnishings, or stones – these elements can help enhance the atmosphere of your home.
Embrace Contrast. Striking the perfect balance between two opposite elements is a great way to take your project up a notch. Use one bright colour to highlight another’s subtlety. Try different materials such as contrasting glass and rock to provide texture, or add unique pieces and statement furniture to provide interest.
Let it Grow. When it comes to any project, don’t immediately limit yourself to specific expectations. Allow yourself to go with the flow. Instead of trying to cover up any details you weren’t expecting, why not use them as a feature? Enjoy the trial and error stage and don’t be afraid to go back to the drawing board.
Focus on Maintenance. Once your project is complete, make sure you have all the right resources and materials for its maintenance. Avoid shortcuts and take the time to understand what can and can’t be done. Learning how best to take care of your space is vital in order to keep it looking and functioning as best as it can.
Have Fun. Above all, remember to enjoy yourself during the process. Home improvement projects are an opportunity to be creative and test your limits. Let your imagination run wild, be open to taking risks, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if something doesn’t work. At the end of the day, these projects are all about having fun.