Got the itch to redo part of your home? You’re not alone. According to a recent survey from Trulia, 76 percent of Americans have plans to renovate their living space, focusing on remodeling the bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom. Not only are these rooms fun to personalize but, updated with key elements in mind, they can add loads of value to your home.
The truth is, most of us will probably be operating under a budget, so it’s important to pick upgrades that provide the most bang for your buck. Here are 12 suggestions from the Trulia Design Panel, an expert group of interior designers, home stagers, and organizers across the nation, to help update your home, whether the goal is to give it a solid refresh or to add value (or both!).
In the Kitchen
According to Tulia, 48 percent of people would love to focus their renovations in the kitchen. Here are a few projects that can make a big difference in this common area.
Old, worn countertops can be an eyesore. One easy way to give your kitchen an instant lift is by installing a lovely new slab of stone.
“Nothing dates a kitchen more than an old countertop, and nothing updates a kitchen more than a fresh slab of marble or quartz,” Hannah Crowell of Crowell + Company tells Trulia. Engineered from stone chips, resins, and pigments, quartz has started to give granite and marble a run for the money as the go-to material in higher-end kitchens, according to Consumer Reports.
If you’re looking for a DIY project, why not give your cabinets a new coat of paint? White cabinets are popular right now, and experts say this light aesthetic will make the room feel spacious.
“A fresh white to brighten your kitchen space and make it feel larger,” interior designer Becki Owens recommends to Trulia.
Another quick, easy project that can have a big impact in your kitchen is updating the hardware. Hit up the nearest home improvement store to find budget-friendly, modern hardware for your cabinets and drawers—you’ll be surprised at how it can transform the space!
For a bigger project, the Trulia experts suggest creating a pantry to increase storage space in your kitchen. If there’s a closet or nook that you can transform into the pantry, you’ll be increasing your home’s value, as well as improving the overall functionality of the space.
In the Bathroom
Tied with the kitchen for most popular renovation area is the bathroom, with 48 percent of survey respondents saying they want to update this space. Here’s where experts recommend you invest your bathroom reno budget.
To add the most value to your bathroom, your best bet may be to add tile to the room: “The best place to put your money in the bathroom is hands down on tile,” Crowell says.
Classic white subway tile is always a great option, but you can get creative, too, incorporating fun shapes or patterns into the walls and/or floor.
Tired of your boring old faucets and shower head? Give new life to your bathroom simply by upgrading to modern fixtures.
“I have purchased many an old home with dated, drippy faucets, and simply changing those out for a modern fixture makes a major difference!” Crowell explains.
Boost the functionality of your bathroom by integrating new storage options. There are several ways you can do this, whether it’s by installing a linen closet, opting for cabinets, or even just putting up a few floating shelves.
For a more cost- and labor-intensive project, you may want to consider updating your vanity and/or cabinets. This can completely redefine the aesthetic of your bathroom, and many retailers sell package options with a vanity, sink, and mirror that won’t completely drain your bank account.
In the Bedroom
Finally, 27 percent of respondents to the Trulia survey said they wanted to redo their bedrooms. Luckily, there are plenty of budget-friendly ways to update your sleeping area.
It can be quite pricey to install new flooring, so if your current bedroom floor is an eyesore, you may want to purchase a new rug for the room.
“Layering a new rug in a bedroom can distract the eye from undesirable carpet or tile flooring,” says Owens.
A new bed frame can do wonders for the overall feel of the room, but you can also just dress up your existing bed with a fresh duvet, throw blanket, and decorative pillows.
Trulia’s experts recommend swapping out tired bedroom lighting for updated, statement pieces. Look for a hanging light for the ceiling and chic bedside lamps.
Completely transform your bedroom with the addition of an accent wall. If you’re a minimalist, this could be as simple as painting one wall a different shade. However, if you’re ready to go bold, shop around for a fun (temporary!) wallpaper or vinyl covering that will make the wall pop.
Have you made any improvements to your home recently? Share your experiences with us below!
Written by: Camryn Rabideau
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13 Comments
oak cabinets. They match the floor and, besides, we like them! Rarely do I see solid cabinets in even new homes anymore.
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