It’s amazing what a few freshening touches can do to transform every day living areas. Improving the comfort and style of a home through minor renovations can increase its value as well as enhance its appeal to a greater audience. Helping a buyer see the potential of a home while making it a more move-in ready are pluses that can encourage offers.
The Family Room/Kitchen
Kitchen Before
The California ceiling, with its drop-down fluorescent lamp and bulky fan along with the rest of the dated décor were the first things that could go. Attached to the kitchen area was the family room, which was also in serious need of modernization, especially for home owners who enjoyed entertaining guests.
Kitchen After
The family kept the existing white cabinetry (due to budgetary concerns), but it was updated with black marble counters, which were also used in the newly installed island with custom oak trim made to match the floors. New paint transforms the vibe. The new lighting fixtures highlight the modernized décor and palette.
The Kitchen Door
Before
The main problem with the kitchen door was that it was always mistaken for the front entrance.
After
Putting in a 6ft patio out front re-located the pathway so that people could be directed to the proper entrance. Changing to sliding doors also allowed in more light and the easy to use panels are less odour absorbent than curtains (to avoid odours caused by cooking, etc.).
The Family Room
Before
Attached to the kitchen area was the family room, which suffered the same dated and cluttered appearance.
After
The old dusty fan light from the 70’s was taken out and replaced with adjustable chandeliers, such as the one over the new island. New parquet flooring was installed. The reeded wallpaper was removed (along with about 6 pounds of glue) so that the walls could be re-painted; the colour taken from the back splash of the island. Now, it’s much more warm and inviting.
Ensuite Bath
Before
The bubble gum pink is questionable and something really needed to be done about the missing cabinet door. Perhaps the worst part was the dirty old white shag carpet that had to be immediately yanked out (not pictured).
After
The pale olive of the walls was a cue taken from the darker green bed cover in the bedroom (not pictured). Having the bright lighting – a warm, pink/yellow hue – softens the green. New cabinetry was installed (with the corners whacked off to make more room for this small ensuite), as well as new baseboard tile and vinyl flooring. A hint of red, provided by the flowers, opposite the green, provides a spirited jolt of colour.
Epilogue: To sell or upgrade and stay? That is the question. It’s not uncommon that after home owners decide to renovate and style their home for resale that it becomes so much more attractive that they decide to stay put.
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Makeovers by Susan V. Phillips, Spotlight On Decor, Spotlightondecor.com
