Unless you’re a DIY buff constantly tinkering with fixtures and fittings, finding a starting place for home improvement can be hard. Home improvement doesn’t necessarily mean building extensions and gutting the kitchen as you can do a lot with what you already have. Here are some ways to make any home more attractive:
Lighting
Good lighting sets mood, creates ambiance, highlights features and minimises small defects. It can give a touch of drama or create a romantic glow depending on how you use it and what type of lighting you choose.
Kitchen lighting should be bright and preferably shadowless (especially light over worktops) to make food prep safer and easier. Add accent lighting such as a pendant fitting over a dining table, or glowing floor lights shining out from the kickboards under cabinets. Modern kitchen lighting is creative as well as practical, and instantly updates the look of the room. It needn’t be expensive to install.
Have two types of lighting in bedrooms: soft bedside lamps for immediately after retiring, and brighter overhead or wall lighting for dressing.
In living rooms, accent lighting helps make the most of alcoves or to highlight wall art or photographs. LED lighting is versatile and can be fitted just about anywhere to throw light into dark corners. Use table lamps for a warm glow when watching TV or entertaining friends.
Decor
In general living, you can choose whatever colour scheme you like, regardless of current fashions. If you’re planning to sell, however, it’s still preferable to stick to a more neutral colour palette.
You don’t have to shun all colour in favour of magnolia, but keep the colours gentle and muted, adding colour accents with rugs, cushions or drapes that are easily changed. You’ll create a more restful atmosphere for yourself, as well as the kind of space buyers could see themselves living in. If colour confuses you and you’re not sure what goes with what, use a colour wheel as a guide. Complimentary colours are opposite each other on the wheel, for instance.
Maintenance
Keep on top of the little jobs. Fix wobbly door handles or dripping taps as soon as they fail and the running list of DIY jobs won’t grow out of hand.
If bathrooms and kitchens are looking a little tired, new sink or bath fittings will revitalise the whole look. Instead of retiling, simply replace the grout or give it a good clean. Update shower screens and get a new lid for the loo, along with fresh flooring or rugs.
Throughout, keep the paintwork spotless. Over time, we tend not to see the little knocks and scratches any more, but anyone entering the house will have their eyes drawn to them. A quick sand down and touchup will work wonders to maintain a fresh appearance.
Outside, regular weeding, sweeping, mowing and pruning takes care of the garden and if done on a regular basis shouldn’t take more than a few minutes each week (depending on the size of the garden, of course). Keep guttering and drains spotless to avoid odours or leaks, and keep gate and door hinges well oiled.
When we think of home improvement we tend to automatically conjure up the big jobs, but it doesn’t have to work that way. Little improvements make a big difference too.
Drew writes for Black Brick Buying Agents. See their website for more information about their property services.
