High-Impact Hot Spots
Home Upgrades EverBODY Wants
STORY KATE DAVIDSON
As a designer, I work with clients at various stages of the home-ownership cycle. Some are buying their first place or upsizing, with specific design and renovation plans. Others want wide appeal to attract buyers on the market. Regardless of the goal, here are five areas of the home that always are top of mind.
Your home's exterior is the first thing you see. Make it stand out with a bold front door. Check painted trim and garage doors for unsightly peeling and staining and give them a touch-up.
Designer tip: When painting, save the leftovers and label them for when the trim needs a fresh coat.
As you'd accessorize an outfit, add some jewelry to your home's exteriors with new light fixtures that make a statement to complement your home. Replace old house numbers, mailbox and door hardware - all easy fixes that make a big difference.
Once inside, you're greeted by the entranceway/foyer. Ensure it's neat and suits your home's style. For a casual atmosphere consider a sisal rug and bench with accent cushions. For a formal setting, dress up the entrance with a dark geometric tile or rug, and a sleek console with mirror above.
The next big-impact space in the home is the kitchen. It's no secret that the kitchen is among the priciest of home renovations, but it also typically yields the best ROI. Refresh dated cabinetry by replacing the door faces, or get your existing doors painted. Common requests right now are for off-white cabinetry, or a darker warm-grey paint or stain.
For countertops, quartz is a fabulous option since it's beautiful, practical and durable. While quartz can be costly, granite or a solid surface like Corian could be a more economical option. For the really budget-conscious, you can really save on the backsplash. A simple, classic, porcelain subway tile will give you great timeless appeal. Finish the look with great cabinet hardware and faucet.
The bathroom is next on the list of "most requested" upgrades. Like the kitchen, cabinets, countertops and tile make the biggest impact. Take a cue from the kitchen and consider painting your existing vanity a fresh white or grey, as a cost-efficient and easy update. The place to splurge would be on really beautiful floor tiles and the countertop. These items are worth it and will make all the difference. Because these areas are limited in a bathroom, these updates are relatively low cost but definitely high impact.
Last but certainly not least, basements shouldn’t be forgotten. Basements often become a dumping ground for castaways. Clear the clutter, and finish this highly usable space with flooring and trim that matches the rest of the home. This creates continuity and ultimately, as space you'll use and love.
Whether you're in the home-buying and decorating phase of the home-ownership cycle, or you're getting ready to put your place on the market, these are the updates you'll want to pay attention to. You'll love them while you live there, and someone else will appreciate them, and possibly even pay more on resale.
About Kate Davidson, Kate + Co. Design
Kate Davidson is the founder and principal designer of Kate + Co Design. For more than a decade, the multidisciplinary interior design firm has been providing complete residential and commercial design services throughout North America. Kate + Co is known for creating luxurious, livable interiors.
