If you are buying and planning to resell or rent, to get the most out of your property you may want to make some updates to give it some curb appeal. The number of updates needed would depend on a case-by-case scenario. Obviously, if it is necessary to make the roof, the foundation, etc., there is no question. I’m talking major renovations, but updates. That curb appeal and that makes a buyer say “wow” and pay a little more for the place.
If you’re not going to be working with a designer and would like to do it yourself, I suggest going to the library or buying a bunch of up-to-date home-style magazines to get ideas of what’s on right now. Knowing your market is not that important because almost everyone wants something classy and stylish. Something I like to call “urban chic”; lots of clean lines, minimalism and bright open spaces. A zen-like approach. That look is being sold to the mass market right now.
First impressions are always important, which is why the exterior of the house needs more love. Don’t get bored either. Sew exciting colors like grey/mauve, terra cotta, or sage. Paint everything you need, wood, railing, mailbox, lighting, etc. I’m not talking about just one color, have some black or white in your contrast. If they cannot be painted, replace them.
If there is no landscaping or it is shot, you need to refresh the look. Remove or trim anything that has grown too long. Be ruthless if you must. Cedars are great when they are green and small, however if they are yellow and too tall, get rid of them. Keep your gaze short, so you can see the entrance. Remove the grass, if any, add more seeds. Clear away debris and weeds, add more dark soil and mulch. Make a nice clean line between the lawn and the garden. I would invest in a couple of contrasting shrubs and some bright annuals to brighten up the front.
The floors are the most important thing. They make a big impact. They have to be nice. If there is hardwood, I suggest refinishing them. Dying them dark is always a nice touch. The parquet looks amazing stained with chocolate. It goes from a bad 70s look to something modern and Asian looking. If flooring needs to be replaced, bamboo and other sustainable flooring are all the rage right now. If the linoleum is old, change it. If you can afford the tiles, do so.
Kitchen. If the kitchen is old 1950’s wood, there’s no need to rip it out and redo it and spend all that extra money. Paint it bright cream and add stylish knobs. You could even add a trim to it.
If it is white melamine, you can paint it with special paint or leave it as it is. Sometimes it’s the surrounding area that can polish it off and make it not look so “melamine”. That is, add a trendy tile backsplash, new countertop, and knobs. If the melamine has an ’80s edge that can be removed, remove it for a cleaner look.
If you have the 1990’s oak cabinets, they look amazing painted too. If the cabinets are hanging from the ceiling dividing the eating area, you could remove them and reuse them elsewhere, such as an island.
Additional keys:
- The faucets are important. They can be a focal point for the room. You don’t have to go high end to have a modern and refined look.
- I think the investment in crown molding adds a lot of value to the place if done right (not necessary in the bathroom). Paint it bright to give it a vintage look.
- Keep paint colors simple and light. Painting a wall in a room dark gray or another trendy color is fine, however, use it minimally.
- Dark over light is very trendy right now.
- Make sure the flow of color from one room to the next is present.
- Clean and neat windows are a must.
- Take down a wall if necessary to give the space a more open feel. For example opening the kitchen to the living room. You should check with a structural engineer before tearing anything down.
- Spotlights and dimmers.
- Trendy lamps and knobs. Don’t go high end. Places like Ikea are fine or places that claim vintage.
Bathrooms are easy because it all comes down to the choice of tile and countertop. The white bathtub, sink and toilet are always in place and if they are in good condition they will not need to be replaced. Cabinets can be painted black, chocolate, white, or cream. It will update any aspect.
