To refresh your home, focus on dated areas
Imagine an unlimited design budget for your home, so you could create any living space, inside or out, to your heart’s content.
You could source unique building materials and furnishings for every inch of your home. A luxury master bathroom, complete with dreamy spa features as well as a Carrie Bradshaw inspired walk-in closet. A backyard out of a reality TV show, with everything from a fire pit and swimming pool to a regulation bocce court and cascading waterfall. Great rooms and game rooms with the most current media components. And kitchens; both indoor and outdoor, equipped with state-of-the-art appliances and modern conveniences that would leave Gordon Ramsay speechless, for at least for a second or two.
Even without an unlimited budget, a well-designed kitchen goes a long way. Most of us really do live in our kitchens – from cooking and eating, doing homework and working at kitchen desks, to entertaining and playing with our furry family members.
Kitchens need to have a functional layout, hard-working appliances and, above all, really good storage for food, appliances and everything else that a kitchen services.
If you are taking on a kitchen remodel with the idea that you will be moving in the next few years, consider designing the kitchen not only for your needs but for what the next buyer may find useful and modern. Maybe updating a ’70s or ’80s kitchen aesthetically is more appropriate than moving walls and adding windows.
Bathroom investment
Bathrooms are another good space for investments if you are planning to move soon. Like with kitchens, the budget for a bathroom remodel is not something to be taken lightly. Plumbing fixtures, glass elements, sinks, toilets and tile can add up quickly.
Consider updating the tile, painting the cabinet, adding new light fixtures and changing the mirror. For a more in-depth remodel, think of timeless, classic and functional options like subway tile, an oversized rectangle, or even a 12 x 24 tile for the floor, shower or tub walls. Instead of a color, opt for neutral and quiet tones.
When planning upgrades, focus on living spaces or focal points that look their age. A fireplace with red bricks and brass accents. A study with modular cabinetry. A front door that feels like it could take you into 1970 instead of 2021.
Think about replacing fogged and sticky sliding doors with updated French doors. Or create an organized, bright and cheerful laundry room with a stacked washer and dryer and functional storage. And don’t forget new lighting, which is an instant way to update and upgrade just about any space.
Whether your budget is dreamy and unlimited or thoughtful and conservative, spend your design funds wisely. If you are looking to upgrade somewhat quickly before you move, take on design projects that make sense.
Getting rid of dated materials that make your living spaces look tired and shabby will make a world of difference to a new buyer. If you intend to stay for five to 10 years before moving, consider personalizing the living space a bit more.
Jennifer Leischer is the owner of J. Designs Interior Design based in Clayton. Contact her with questions, comments and suggestions at jenna@j-designs.com.