Feb 09 2007
Add value to your home
Disposable fashion is fine for adding a new accessory to a classic wardrobe, but when it comes to their homes, Canadians want value - investments that will offer years of increased pleasure and increase their homes’ worth when the time comes to sell. Five tips for adding value to a home:1. Consider Your Surroundings
You are unlikely to make friends or add resale value to your house by making it outshine your neighbors’. When it comes time to sell, potential buyers might not appreciate your lavish, lined silk draperies. A better solution is to choose a window fashion classic such as Hunter Douglas Silhouette window shadings (1-800-265-1363; www.hunterdouglas.ca). They are elegant on their own and also work well with side panels.
2. Update Your Kitchen
Appraisers advise that a kitchen should have serviceable countertops, high-quality flooring and, if possible, an open view to another room. A window above the sink is always a big plus, as it provides homeowners with a view to the outdoors at a place where they tend to spend a lot of time.
3. Light Can Change Everything
It has been scientifically proven that light affects our moods and health. Sometimes something as simple as changing your light bulbs can make a big difference. Bulbs such as GE Reveal bulbs filter out dull, yellow rays to enhance your surroundings. And when natural light is available, window fashions put you in charge of this vital resource. Some, such as Silhouette shadings and Duette honeycomb shades from Hunter Douglas, provide softly diffused light that relaxes the mind and body.
4. Modernize Your Bathrooms
A master bathroom, especially with a spa or whirlpool tub and a separate shower with steam and / or multiple jets, is considered a big asset in today’s real estate market. Remodeling an old bathroom generally costs less than updating a kitchen.
5. Create a Master Suite
A luxurious master suite that serves as a serene retreat is on many homeowners’ wish lists. The suite should have luxurious bedding, ample storage, a comfortable place to lounge and inviting d�cor. To create a sumptuous ambiance, consider dressing up the windows with a versatile premium product, such as Alustra Luminette Privacy Sheers or Alustra Silhouette window shadings from Hunter Douglas, which will soften the incoming light and create a luminous glow throughout the room.
Credit: www.newscanada.com
Today’s on-the-go homeowner demands furniture that performs double duty to provide high function without sacrificing style. Amid today’s challenging economic climate, families are calling for quality and casual trends that can resonate for years to come, all at smart prices.
Thoughtful splashes needn’t cost thousands: Consider accessorizing rather than renovating. Low-cost, easy changes can enhance a [...]
Resale value isn’t the only reason to redo a kitchen. Even if the home is a rental, or resale is far in the future, the room where families spend most of their time together cries out for a personal touch.
Taking your kitchen from everyday drab to your personal “fab” doesn’t require a complete makeover or [...]
What is the one fall home fix-up project that takes only a couple of hours and yields the biggest bang for the buck of any exterior home renovation?
Here’s a clue: This project adds style, energy efficiency and security to your home, and the preparation is easy and mess free — all you need is an [...]
With more and more people concerned about the environment, building and decorating green has never been more popular. One of the easiest ways for homeowners to limit their environmental impact is to consider replacing the lighting inside their home.
Incandescent bulbs waste energy and burn out quickly, and when the more energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs outlive their [...]
As Mother Nature wows us with fantastic fall colors and scenery, the latest trends in fall decorating and entertaining bring the beauty of the great outdoors inside. Give your home some fall-time flare by adding nature-inspired decor with unexpected crafty details.
“This fall, decorating trends are inspired by nature, but the key is to use these [...]
