How and what to renovate in your home (with detailed and examples)
Renovating your home can be an excellent way to breathe new life into your living space and increase your property value. However, knowing where to start and what to renovate can be a daunting task. In this article, we’ll provide you with some ideas for how and what to renovate in your home and tips for renovating different areas of your home.
Renovating your home can be an excellent way to breathe new life into your living space and increase your property value. However, knowing where to start and what to renovate can be a daunting task. In this article, we’ll provide you with some ideas and tips for renovating different areas of your home.
Kitchen Renovations
The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home, making it an ideal space to start your renovation project. Here are some renovation ideas to consider:
- Replace outdated countertops with granite or quartz for a sleek, modern look.
- Install new cabinets or repaint your existing ones to freshen up the space.
- Adding an island: if you have the space, adding an island to your kitchen can provide extra storage and countertop space, as well as a place for casual dining.
- Update your appliances to energy-efficient models for a more eco-friendly kitchen.
- Install new lighting fixtures, such as pendant lights or under-cabinet lighting, to brighten up the space.
A modern Shaker style kitchen handmade to fit this unique space in a new extension in Teddington. Woodgraindesign, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Example:
For a full kitchen renovation, you might replace the cabinets, countertops, and appliances. You could go for a modern, minimalist look with sleek white cabinets, quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances. You might add a pop of color with a bold backsplash or statement light fixture.
Bathroom Renovations
Bathroom renovations can be a great way to add value to your home and create a more luxurious space. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Install new fixtures, such as a modern sink or a rainfall showerhead, for a spa-like experience.
- Replace outdated tiles with new, stylish options for a fresh look.
- Upgrade your bathroom storage with new cabinets or shelving.
- Consider adding a freestanding bathtub for a luxurious touch.
- Installing new tile: updating the tile in your bathroom can instantly transform the space and add visual interest.
Porcelain bathroom tiles are made from a pure blend of high-quality clay and sand. They are commonly used to cover floors and walls, with an absorption rate of less than 0.5%. The clay used to build porcelain tiles is quite dense. They can either be glazed or unglazed. Porcelain tiles have high silica content and result in materials that have all of the characteristics of silica itself once fired which are low water absorption, high chemical resistance, high abrasion resistance, and good overall wearability. WikiFix2007, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Example:
For a bathroom renovation, you might replace the tiles with a sleek, modern option, such as subway tiles or hexagonal tiles. You could add a new freestanding bathtub, a modern sink, and a rainfall showerhead. You might also install
Living Room
The living room is often the hub of activity in a home, and renovating it can create a more comfortable and inviting space. Some popular living room renovations include:
- Installing new flooring: Replacing old, worn-out carpet with hardwood or tile flooring can instantly modernize your living room and increase its value.
- Adding built-in storage: Custom built-in shelves or cabinets can not only provide additional storage, but also add visual interest to your living room.
- Updating the fireplace: If you have a fireplace, updating the mantel or adding a new surround can completely transform the look of your living room.
Mandarin Suite living room at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong. Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Example: A living room renovation project could include replacing old, worn-out carpet with hardwood flooring, adding custom-built bookshelves and cabinets to one wall, and updating the fireplace with a new surround and mantel.
Exterior
The exterior of your home is the first thing people see, and renovating it can increase curb appeal and overall value. Some popular exterior renovations include:
- Adding a new front door: Updating your front door can instantly improve your home’s curb appeal and make a great first impression.
- Installing new siding: Replacing old, worn-out siding with new, modern materials can improve your home’s energy efficiency and increase its value.
- Adding a deck or patio: Outdoor living spaces are increasingly popular, and adding a deck or patio can provide a great place for entertaining and relaxation.
- Creating an outdoor kitchen: Installing an outdoor kitchen with a grill, sink, and countertops can greatly enhance your outdoor living space and make cooking and entertaining more convenient.
- Adding a fire pit or outdoor fireplace: A fire pit or outdoor fireplace can create a cozy ambiance and provide warmth during cooler months.
- Building a gazebo or pergola: Adding a gazebo or pergola can provide a shaded space for outdoor dining or relaxation.
- Adding landscape lighting: Installing landscape lighting can create a warm and inviting atmosphere in the evening and improve safety and security.
- Installing a water feature: Adding a water feature like a fountain or pond can create a calming ambiance and attract wildlife.
Out door living. Miracle leaves in Japan, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Example: An exterior renovation project could include adding a new front door with sidelights and a decorative glass panel, replacing old vinyl siding with new fiber cement siding, and adding a custom-built wood deck with built-in seating and a pergola.
In conclusion, renovating your home can be a fun and rewarding experience, and there are many areas to consider. Whether you’re looking to update your kitchen, bathroom, living room, or exterior, there are endless possibilities for creating a space that is both functional and beautiful. Just be sure to do your research, set a realistic budget, and work with.
Photo credit: Giovanni_cg via Pixabay