Jeff Cook Real Estate BlogRecently posted or modified blog posts by tag - Designhttps://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/Copyright JeffCookRealEstate.com2023-04-28T11:59:50-07:00tag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:13154Budget-Friendly Kitchen Upgrades to Help Sell Your House<a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/sellers/">Prepping your home for sale</a> can be a headache. You want to make it more attractive to potential buyers, but you don’t want to break the bank. Plus, upgrading your home pre-sale is meant to make it more attractive, and therefore worth a higher asking price. If you spend too much on upgrades, you lose a substantial amount of that extra money.
Any real estate professional will tell you — kitchens sell homes. It is the single room with the highest potential for making or breaking a sale, and for getting you the price you want. But what should you do to enhance your kitchen? Here are some budget-friendly kitchen upgrades you should consider when <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/sellers/preparing-your-home-for-the-market/">prepping your home for sale</a>.
Scrub and Organize Your Kitchen
If your budget is tight, you can still make your kitchen as impressive as possible by simply giving it a good scrub down from ceiling to floor. Cooking and use causes grease and dirt to build up on every surface, leaving a dingy appearance. Scrub walls, cabinets, appliances, and floors to remove dirt and grime and leave behind a clean gleam and odor.
Clutter is a killer when selling a home, and the kitchen is often a room that collects more than its fair share. A quick trip to the local dollar store for some inexpensive bins and organizers for your drawers and cabinets can make cluttered spaces neat and attractive. Choose colors that match your existing kitchen color, or neutral colors that blend in.
Add New Cabinet and Drawer Hardware
New cabinetry can cost a fortune, but new drawer and cabinet hardware is an affordable kitchen upgrade that makes older cabinets look new. Modern designs abound and can usually be found at a local big box home store in a variety of styles and colors. Ask a store professional or other cabinet expert about the latest styles and their recommendations.
Add an Inexpensive Backsplash
A decorative and functional backsplash above counters and below upper cabinets adds a “wow” factor to any kitchen. Many backsplash options can be found, including stick-on varieties that look like tile, stone, or other materials. These protect your walls from moisture and other substances while adding a nice dash of color or style to your kitchen.
Add a New Faucet
An older, outdated, or leaking faucet is a quick, affordable upgrade to improve the appearance and function of your kitchen. Again, many models and styles are usually available at a local big box home store, and a store representative can usually answer your questions. Choose a model that is affordable, but elegant, easy to use, and that blends in with your sink and other appliances.
Update Lighting
Updating your kitchen lighting can be more affordable than you may think. Older light fixtures stand out and make potential buyers look closer for other dated parts of your kitchen. Replace overhead lighting with something clear and understated, and consider adding under-cabinet lighting. This can not only be impressive and make work spaces brighter, many varieties are available that can be easily installed and plugged into a nearby outlet, saving you the expense of hiring an electrician.
More Help with Prepping Your Home for Sale
There are many other affordable options to consider when prepping your home for sale. Jeff Cook Real Estate can offer many helpful suggestions for your kitchen, other rooms, and outdoor spaces. Contact us today for more help with <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/sellers/">selling your home in the Carolinas</a>. We can provide experienced guidance and advice to help sell your home faster for the best price.
2022-03-30T17:29:00-07:002023-04-28T11:59:50-07:00Lee Willeytag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:6068Smart Home Features to Add to Your Home
Especially when buying or selling a home, a smart home can be a true differentiating factor that sets the home above the rest. Since home automation systems are quite new, an updated system will add to your home’s comfort and it is one of many strategies to increase your <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/increase-the-value-of-your-property-with-these-design-ideas/">home value</a>.
Smart Appliances
One of the most prominent places in your home to implement the most up-to-date smart features is your kitchen. There has never been a better time to be more connected to your <a href="https://www.allrecipes.com/gallery/the-best-of-lowcountry-southern-cooking/">cooking</a>. From smart dishwashers and refrigerators to a smart range hood, there are smart kitchen appliances for every home’s needs. (Some of them we didn’t know we needed until we learned of their existence!)
Smart Plugs
These little guys are the perfect way to add smart features to any room of the house. If there is an ordinary device that you plug in, you can upgrade it to a smart feature by utilizing smart plugs that automate and control whatever you connect to it. Smart plugs are a convenient and affordable way to enhance your space.
Smart Smoke Detector
You can rest assured that your home and loved ones are safe with smart features like the smart smoke detector. Compatible with your wifi and an app, these devices can quickly and calmly alert you whether you are home or away to any dangers of smoke or carbon monoxide.
Smart Routers and Home Devices
To take your smart home features to the next level, you can take advantage of smart routers and home devices. Widen the range of your wifi and smart features with a smart router that extends the reach of your wifi to enable your smart devices from one end of your house to the other and boosts your wifi signal. Pair this with a home device and you can essentially have a home where you can find out the weather or news from any room, use voice commands to turn on or off your lights or play music.
As home automation systems become more popular, they are becoming more affordable. As a result, your home will be more valuable, not only to potential <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/process-of-buying-a-home/">buyers</a> but also to you and your family. 2021-05-24T08:00:00-07:002022-06-17T13:05:35-07:00Lee Willeytag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:10413Best Plants for Your Garden in South Carolina<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1451/image/SC_Plants.png" width="2880" height="1920" />
<a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/5-backyard-gardening-tips-for-spring/">Gardening</a> in South Carolina can be achieved with proper care. Most home gardeners grow vegetables for their ideal flavors and nutritional value as hobbies and save some cash considering the increased food prices. The amount of home gardeners is constantly increasing in this state.
However, your garden's success depends on multiple factors, but failure could result from negligence and ignorance of the existing crop developments. So, what are the best <a href="http://www.scwf.org/native-plant-list" target="_blank">flowers and plants</a> for your garden in South Carolina? Here they are;
Marigold
These conspicuous and magnificent flowers are hard to miss considering their attractive gold color. They usually thrive during the summer, which is why they are perfect for your garden. They require minimal groundskeeping work, and they do well in the outdoors, where they can enjoy sunshine throughout the day. Additionally, they prefer fertile and well-drained soils and are impressively resistant to pests.
Phlox
Another plant that thrives during the summer is Phlox. They have large and beautiful flowers which grow 3 to 4 feet tall stems. They are easy to take care of since they need less care than other summer plants. They are ideal for Summer in South Carolina and are normally pest-free.
Hollyhocks
These beautiful flowers will for sure make your home garden look magnificent. They are among the few plants that were brought to America by colonists. Since these plants are tall, they will be perfect if planted at your garden's border. They require to be planted in fertile and moist soil to grow well. They prefer being in sunny weather and produce beautiful flowers.
If you prefer planting foliage plants, here are some that will thrive in South Carolina:
Spinach, Cabbage, Carrots, Kales, Peas, Arugula, Swiss chard, Lettuce, Green onions
Season planting
The time you can plant your vegetables outdoor is typically determined by the plant's season and species. While some plants like spinach and tomatoes can be grown indoors, beans and corns are better off planted outside. Vegetables can be classified into two categories depending on their temperature needs; warm to cool-season plants.
Cool-season crops
These crops were initially from high-temperature regions, and they have a growth timeframe which is during the cooler times of the year. Cool-season plants do not thrive during summer. While these plants grow perfectly after early fall, you should plant them earlier for them to mature before the weather becomes cold.
Warm-season plants
Warm-season crops were initially planted in tropical and subtropical areas, and they need warm weather for them to grow correctly. They are killed by extremely cold weather, and they are not supposed to be planted outside in spring without adequate protection or until the cold weather is over.
Typically, they are planted during the <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/save-money-on-your-summer-energy-bill-with-these-hvac-tips-and-tricks/">summer</a>, which should be done early enough to mature before fall.
Conclusion
Growing foliage plants and flowers is a fulfilling way to always have fresh produce and make your garden look beautiful at the same time. Your triumph as a home gardener in South Carolina begins with selecting the best crops depending on the season.
2021-04-05T11:16:00-07:002021-05-10T11:58:04-07:00Lee Willeytag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:7187Christmas Gift Ideas for a First-Time Homeowner<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1451/image/ChristmasGiftIdeas.jpg" width="298" height="450" alt="Christmas Gift Ideas for a First-Time Homeowner" />
With Christmas coming up fast, everyone's mind is on gift-giving and the Christmas spirit. At Jeff Cook Real Estate, this looks like <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/tis-the-season-for-giving-what-is-jeff-cook-cares/">giving back to the community</a> and finding ways to encourage others to give too. If you've got a friend who's just bought a new house and is in the process of moving in then they may need some of that Christmas cheer delivered to them in the form of a well-thought-out housewarming gift. Fortunately, there are plenty of things that new homeowners need and a wide selection of home-ware gifts to suit every budget.
If your first-time homeowner is moving from an apartment into a house then there are probably plenty of things that they need for their new digs that they haven't had a use for previously. If the house has a yard and garden then you have even more options for your Christmas gift-giving. Here are a few ideas for housewarming gifts to give at Christmas time.
Lawn Care Tools
Your new homeowner may be dealing with the need to care for a lawn for the first time. Chances are they don't yet have any of the tools they will need to take care of that lawn yet either. Take a trip to your local gardening supply place and see what sort of tools might come in handy for a first-time homeowner. Gardening tools come in a variety of types and prices so you should be able to find something to fit your budget. You can also get your giftee a coupon that lets them select the tools they actually need rather than the ones you think they need.
If your friend is not too keen on caring for their lawn themselves over the Christmas period then getting them a gift card for a lawn care service might be a better option than buying them tools. This lets them try out a local service and see if they want to hire someone to do their lawn for them.
Welcome Mat
One of the first things that visitors to the new home will see is the doormat greeting them into the new abode. You can find a wide variety of doormat designs that will likely suit your new homeowner, but if you want to play it safe then the standard "Welcome" message will work just fine for a gift.
Home Repair Tools
If the house your friend is moving into is a bit of a fixer-upper then they may appreciate some additions to their collection of repair tools. Hammers, saws, drills, and screwdrivers all come in handy and will find plenty of use around the home.
Houseplants
Nothing gives life to a house like adding some color and greenery to it. You can find a wide variety of plants that your new homeowner will love and which will help make their new house feel like a home to them. If you fancy giving them something less ornamental then tabletop herb gardens and self-contained indoor smart gardening systems might be something to consider.
Video Streaming Subscription
If your gift recipient needs some entertainment after moving into their new house then why not get them a subscription to a video streaming service? You can pick the length of the subscription depending on your budget, and select the type of service based on the interests of your friend. Do they like movies? Perhaps they prefer documentaries? Maybe they want something that gives them a little bit of everything? Shop around and see what services are on offer, and which ones would make good Christmas housewarming gifts.
Here are 35 more <a href="https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home-products/g1025/starter-housewarming-gifts/">"Welcome Home!" gift ideas</a> from Good Housekeeping to help you find the perfect gift. If you're crunched for time, a gift certificate to one of <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/charlestons-best-local-restaurants/">Charleston's Best Local Restaurants </a>would be a great way to help a first-time home buyer find some time to relax and enjoy their new city!
Hopefully, this housewarming gift guide has given you some interesting ideas to help your gift recipient move into their new home. They will probably have a lot on their plate with Christmas just around the corner so they'll certainly appreciate your efforts to help them get settled. Show them you care by getting them something practical and fun to warm up their new home with Christmas cheer.2019-12-04T10:18:00-07:002021-01-22T13:05:48-07:00Thomas "Jeff" Cooktag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:7025How to Make a Home Feel like 'Yours'Guest Blogger: Austin Winder
The moving process can be quite draining, so much so that it may take a while to truly feel at home. If you’re feeling as though you haven’t quite moved into your new place, don’t worry. With the following tips, your new house or apartment will have all the comforts of your old home.
Unpack ASAP
After taking on all the work that goes into packing and moving to a new home, it can be tempting to wait a while to unpack the unnecessary items. However, leaving boxes everywhere can eventually become stressful, and prevent you from truly enjoying your new home.
An easy way to start is by going room to room. Get the larger items like furniture arranged how you’d like them, and then move to the smaller, more fragile items once you’ve got a place for them. By breaking down the unpacking process to one room at a time, it makes it a much easier project to tackle. The quicker you’re <a href="https://www.northamerican.com/blog/view/all-blogs/2019/07/10/how-to-keep-your-move-organized-and-on-track">organized and on track</a> with the rest of your scheduled activities, the sooner you’ll feel like you are home.
Set up the Wi-Fi
A home without the Internet can feel particularly empty. Be sure to have your wi-fi set up immediately so you can spend time relaxing and watching your favorite shows or getting back into your regular work schedule. With you wi-fi up and running, you’ll feel less as though you’re in an unfamiliar and uncomfortable environment.
Decorate Your Home
As you continue unpacking and setting up your home as you like it, don’t forget to decorate. Bring out your favorite art pieces from your last home and start hanging them up. Similarly, don’t be afraid to go ahead and buy new artwork, signs, <a href="https://www.lovelyroses.com/home-collection">flowers</a>, or anything else that will help you express your personality in your new place. Check out these popular <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/2020-home-design-trends/">home design trends</a> for more inspiration!
Set up Outdoor Furniture
If you’ve moved into an apartment or home with a backyard, taking advantage of this open-air will help you feel more at home. When <a href="https://pergoladepot.com/outdoor-patio-design/" target="_blank">designing your outdoor patio</a> and garden, have a plan in mind for how you’d like the space to function, and fill in the gaps with foliage to provide a truly striking place to relax.
Invite Friends Over
What’s a new home or apartment without a housewarming? Celebrate this momentous occasion by inviting your friends and family members over to ring in this new step in your life. Whether you host a dinner party or have a game night, getting your old gang together will help you to feel like you belong in your new space.
If you’ve still yet to finish unpacking or painting, consider asking friends to come over to help you. Doing so will give you the opportunity to spend time with loved ones while getting a break from having to do all the work yourself.
Don’t spend another day in your new house or apartment feeling as though you are out of place. Put these five tips into practice or <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/5-diy-projects-to-tackle-this-weekend/">tackle these 5 DIY projects</a> to help transform your new space into the home of your dreams.2019-11-12T07:25:00-07:002021-01-22T12:50:19-07:00Thomas "Jeff" Cooktag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:7024A Seller’s Guide: How to Attract a Millennial Home BuyerGuest Blogger: Lilly Miller
As the National Association of Realtors revealed, Millennials are currently target buyers for any property. This generation is a strong advocate of green movements but also an avid consumer of technological advancements. This is why they will never go for huge ostentatious houses with bad insulation.
With a few carefully planned adaptations to your house, you will not only cater to their needs but you could also raise the price in accordance with your additional investment. Millennials are not spendthrifts but they are willing to pay the price for something which is a perfect fit for their needs. With that in mind, here are a few suggestions about potential changes to turn your home into a perfect abode for Millennials.
Update your home with technology
Smart home technologies have been around for some years now so there are a plethora of solutions available for different purposes. For instance, modern thermostats use Wi-Fi technology and sensors so you can control the temperature in your home and even adjust it to when you are not home which makes this an eco-friendly solution any millennial would love.
Some smart door locks offer keyed and keyless entry systems, with keyless prompting you to enter a random code each time or unlock it with your smartphone. Millennial buyers would also appreciate the efficacy of smart garage door openers which allow you to control the door from anywhere with just a touch of the screen that also come with light control capabilities. Read more about <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/smart-home-features-to-add-to-your-home/">smart home features here</a>!
Provide open spaces
Millennials care less about the size of the space and more about the way it is arranged. They dislike the feeling of being stifled by items so even the biggest of houses with too many things would probably not be appealing to them. This is why the first task you need to take care of is to declutter everything so when they come to see the house for the first time, they can feel inspired to check it in detail.
They dislike barriers between rooms in which they socialize so if you have joined the kitchen and dining room, or a kitchen and the living room, those arrangements will definitely pique their interest because these social butterflies will be able to fluctuate about the rooms freely. If you don’t have such a room arrangement and you are not up for major renovations, then getting rid of clunky furniture would change the setting greatly.
Opt for sustainable solutions
Just as with technology, millennials have a deep connection with nature and they care greatly for the environment. This is why sustainable home solutions are not just a manner to decrease the bills for them but also a passionate cause.
To comply with these needs, you can start by upgrading the front door. A sturdy door will not only boost the curb appeal but improve insulation and overall security. Windows are also a crucial point when it comes to insulation so <a href="https://ecolinewindows.com.au/double-glazing/">thermally efficient double-glazed windows</a> would be the perfect fit even for sound insulation. Doors and windows of a good quality combined with a smart lock or a quality deadbolt system would greatly improve the security of the home.
Give some life to the walls
Dark and gloomy spaces are not favorite dwelling places for a typical millennial. They like the outdoors and the light so a project that wouldn’t be detrimental to your budget would be to repaint the walls. This would freshen up the place and add some life to it. Just be careful not to overdo it so you can think in terms of painting most walls white and then having one statement wall in some bold color such as turquoise. Follow these <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/2020-home-design-trends/">home design trends</a> to freshen up your space for the millennial buyer.
Regarding the choice of paint, although they would be able to tell just by looking at it, if you want to win over some millennial hearts, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2009/feb/09/eco-natural-paints-guide-best">use eco paints</a> and don’t forget to mention that you did so. They are free of toxic ingredients that typical paints contain and they are neither complicated for usage nor is their longevity questionable.
Tend to your backyard
As mentioned, your target buyers are social butterflies who like spending time with their friends and family so acquiring a house that has space that was already designed for that would increase their interest in it manifold.
To combine their love of nature and socializing, make your backyard into a place of leisure. For starters, get rid of all the things you don’t need so as not to give out the impression of a messy claustrophobic backyard. Then tend to any plants you have there and if necessary, add some new to enrich the place. Also, if your budget allows you, to win over their hearts completely, acquire some sustainable furniture, such as a table and chairs made of bamboo, which is one of the eco-friendliest materials.
Millennials are not demanding buyers but just like any generation, they have their own ideas and tastes. They will not be impressed by lavish decorations, fragile figurines but with an eco-friendly home and recycled furniture where each piece has a story to tell. If you add some space where they can socialize with their friends and family and show your appreciation for nature with some plants, you will have them signing the dotted line in a matter of days.
At Jeff Cook Real Estate, we are here to serve YOU! If you still feel like you are <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/scrambling-to-sell/">scrambling to sell your home</a>, get in touch with <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/meet-the-sell-squad/">our team of experts</a> today.2019-11-12T07:20:00-07:002021-01-22T12:43:52-07:00Thomas "Jeff" Cooktag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:7022Mid-Century Modern Décor Ideas for Your HomeGuest Blogger: Talia Spero
<a href="https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/midcentury-modern-decor-basics-that-every-beginner-should-know">Mid-century modern décor</a> is catching the eye of homeowners once again. The colorful sofas and Danish sideboards are gaining popularity, as we realize the style may have never left the design sphere after all. There are many <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/top-5-property-problems-that-may-leave-your-home-unsellable/">problems that can render your home unsellable</a>, but updating your décor is a great way to become a popular stop on the home buyer's journey of home showings.
This <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/2020-home-design-trends/">home design trend</a> features clean lines, sleek structure, and inspiring bright colors that interior decorators could never get sick of. The key to executing the proper mix of history and modern – incorporating comfort and beauty – is realizing that this style is based on simplicity, creative use of materials, and an artistic and close connection to nature.
Less is More
You can incorporate mid-century design elements into your home by following the “less is more” concept. By adding thoughtfully and subtly crafted pieces, like marble-topped tables and molded Eames chairs to living rooms dining rooms, or tea rooms, you’ll present a contemporary and classic style that is straight out of the 1950s.
Find a focal point
In a modern style room, there should be one focal point. Choose a piece to highlight such as a chair, painting, or lamp. Better yet, a striking chandelier is a perfect focal point and it can be complemented by simple and sleek furniture. Remember to allow your walls to also be neutral in color and décor unless you have chosen them to be your focal point (Another great idea!)
Embrace texture and pattern
When designing your mid-century modern room, play with texture and pattern, and don’t be shy about mixing elements that you normally wouldn’t picture together. Think of the flooring, furniture, décor pieces, and lighting structures as layers of a canvas that you are arranging creatively and freely.
Shop for new mid-century modern design
With an increased demand for <a href="https://www.allmodern.com/the-style-shops/cat/mid-century-c1858766.html">mid-century modern pieces</a> comes new designers offering period-inspiring products. If you can’t find the vintage sofa, table, or clock you’re looking for at thrift stores, turn to the internet for new versions of something similar (it may be even more customized to what you’re looking for.)
As you go from room to room in your home, making changes and bringing out the mid-century modern design in, be sure to not overcrowd. Give each piece space to shine and stand out. Enjoy your new and improved mid-century modern home! 2019-11-07T07:25:00-07:002021-01-22T12:38:57-07:00Thomas "Jeff" Cooktag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:6072Entryway Inspiration: Fresh New IdeasGuest Blogger: Talia Spero
Make a <a href="https://homedesignlover.com/interior-design/inviting-entryway-tips/">welcoming entryway </a>to your home with stylish accessories or a bold color palette to enhance your front entry’s style.
A fresh and stylish entryway is one of many <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/2020-home-design-trends/">popular home design trends</a> that will allow guests to feel welcome and right at home. Giving your front entry walk way doesn’t have to cost money or require a lot of work; these tips will help you decide the best route to take to give your entry a boost and increase your curb appeal – for an open house or your own pleasure!
Style Made Simple
A simple yet stylish touch to your entryway is adding unique house number stickers. Whether you want to add brushed-metal numbers for a contemporary accent or crisp white house numbers for a traditional touch, they are all easy to apply – just peel, stick, and enjoy.
Classic Charm
A mahogany door with matching molding sets a timeless tone, and a do-it-yourself address plaque features self-adhesive letters and numbers for your full address to be on display in front of your home. It can be matched to the overall tone of your house with the background and frame color.
Add Greenery
A fresh finish can definitely be achieved by adding evergreens and shrubs into planters. Add visual interest by varying their heights and type of plants. An entryway garden – even when they are in individual planters – adds a fresh appeal to any entryway.
Refresh a classic entry
A few <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/5-diy-projects-to-tackle-this-weekend/">DIY projects</a> can completely change a space like a fresh coat of paint does. Instead of the expected red door, try orange or blue for a vibrant and fun look.
Customize accessories
Not willing to go as far as a colorful door? Forgo a traditional doormat for a colorful round rug that’s suitable for the outdoors. PVC planters can be painted to complement your color palette, plus they are maintenance-free and easy to move around to different areas. A different and stylish door handle will also attract your guests.
2019-10-28T06:27:00-07:002021-01-22T12:18:42-07:00Cory Towlertag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:5947Increase the Value of Your Property with These Design IdeasAre you planning to <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/scrambling-to-sell/">sell your home</a>? If that’s the case, you probably want to get your money’s worth or even more. This is a perfectly logical idea that’s more than possible – if you take the time to do a little design makeover. Certain features and design elements may seem costly upfront, but they can pay off considerably once you put your home on the market. In case you’re interested in boosting your home’s resale value, consider the following projects.
Update Your Kitchen
Kitchens are one of the most important rooms in one’s home, especially when it comes to selling it. After all, no one wants to deal with small or outdated kitchens when they move in. In that respect, repainting or replacing the cabinets and other elements as well as creating some functionality in the layout is the best way to go. It’s essential that you don’t go overboard, though. Keep in mind that your kitchen should match the overall look and feel of the rest of the home. An open floor plan or a kitchen island are proper investments but turning this area into a huge restaurant kitchen is not.
Go with Energy-Efficient Appliances
If you want a big and proper change for your kitchen, focus your attention and investment to energy-efficient appliances. Of course, there are appliances outside the kitchen and these should be considered, too, but most of the appliances are located in the kitchen and can waste a lot of energy if not star-rated. In that respect, you should replace your old appliances with new ones that actually contribute to the sustainability of the home.
Remodel Your Bathroom
Every bit as important as your kitchen, the bathroom should be next on your redesign list. In general, <a data-cke-saved-href="https://betterthathome.com/spa-like-bathroom-designs/" href="https://betterthathome.com/spa-like-bathroom-designs/" rel="nofollow">spa-like design</a> is very popular at the moment, with no tub showers and free-standing tubs. However, if you don’t have the room or the means for such a redesign project, you can make a difference with other projects. Replace broken tiles with new ones. Repaint your bathroom as well. Light blue and green shades, white, grey as well as some earthy tones are very effective for a clean bathroom look. Replace the toilet and the shower battery. Also, add storage room. If there’s no space for cabinets, consider installing floating shelves.
Reinvent a Room
In order to differentiate your property from the rest on the market, you need something interesting. Since it’s important to provide all the essentials in a home and remain relatively neutral, the best way to spruce up your place is to reinvent a room. After all, adding a new room is not the best investment to turn to. Instead, unused space such as basement, attic or any extra room in your home can be transformed into something new and more attractive to potential buyers. If your property is on the smaller side, this can be an extra bedroom. But it can also be a library, an entertainment room, kids’ playground, etc.
Paint and Decorations
It’s true that you should stick to the neutral look when selling your property. In that respect, it would be best to opt for neutral paint when giving a fresh coat to your interior. However, it always fares better when there’s something more unique to the whole environment without the actual clutter or vibrant shades. In that respect, don’t hesitate to check your options when it comes to decorative moldings, skirtings, mantelpieces, shelf fronts, etc.
Add a Deck
Interior is very important for increasing your home’s value but don’t forget the exterior either. Specifically, the yard area where the future owners will be able to rest and enjoy themselves. A proper deck area can boost the resale value of the property considerably and for a good reason. After all, what’s the point of having a yard, your own natural oasis, if you can’t enjoy it properly? If you’re handy and have some skills in this department, you can earn plenty by adding a deck on your own. Still, even if you hire a professional to build a deck for you, you can expect a great return of investment.
Replace Doors and Windows
This isn’t always necessary, but don’t disregard this particular project just yet. Even though your doors and windows may be perfectly fine, consider whether new, fancier alternatives could drastically change the overall look of your home. The truth is this often is the case. Better quality wood and more intricate design of the doors feel luxurious. Furthermore, <a data-cke-saved-href="https://maghulldoubleglazing.com/10-benefits-of-double-glazing/" href="https://maghulldoubleglazing.com/10-benefits-of-double-glazing/" rel="nofollow">double-glazed windows</a> are a must if you don’t already have these installed. These improve the insulation properties of your home thus upping its price.
Keep in mind that design practices meant for boosting your home’s resale value should never be personal – or at least not too personal. You never know what the potential buyer might like, which is precisely why you should stick to the timeless trends like <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/mid-century-modern-dcor-ideas-for-your-home/">Mid-Century Modern Design</a>. 2019-09-16T11:28:00-07:002021-01-22T10:56:57-07:00Cory Towlertag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:6001Decorating Your Home on a Budget Most of the time it is hard to get inspired. We get in a funk and have a hard time visually planning what our dream home should look like. That’s why we all need inspiration for decorating. But, making time to look for what appeals to our interests, or is eye-catching, isn’t always the trick when it comes to decorating our home.
I bet you have the same issues that most homeowners do when it comes to creating a more functional way of living. There is always the constant battle of where to get the right kind of inspiration.
Of course, there is always Pinterest. It has an overabundance of inspiring, aesthetic photos of beautifully decorated rooms and organized living space. Oh, how amazing it would be if MY home could be that wonderfully laid out.
But, as much as we want our homes to look “Pinterest Perfect” we have to face reality and try to make it work with what we already have.
For most, it isn’t easy to throw everything out and redecorate. I know most budgets don’t allow homeowners to redecorate hardly ever. Even though most crave the beautiful kitchen or family room, there is a way to stay inspired and keep pushing towards your end goal without starting from scratch.
Instead of pushing the budget or taking out a line of credit so you can have those awesome sofas you want, wait…take a step back.<a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/5-diy-projects-to-tackle-this-weekend/"> Little touches over time</a> can go a long way.
Shop your home!
This is usually the first step in decorating your own home. Look around your home and see if you can repurpose furniture, or if you have some accessories that you can use in a different place or for a different purpose. Use books as décor accents, recover throw pillows, switch up your lampshades. The options are endless!
Simply…paint!
Never underestimate the power of a<a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/tips-on-painting-your-homes-interior/"> fresh coat of paint</a>. Paint old chairs, dressers, cupboards, mantels, or even a wall. This s a super affordable way to get a big update and get inspired.
DIY Art
Pieces of art always tend to be very expensive. So, try saving money by <a href="https://www.hgtv.com/design/design-blog/design/have-a-big-space-to-fill-on-your-wall--7-diy-art-projects-to-try">creating your own pieces</a>! Simply picking out a favorite frame and printing out your favorite design can create a perfect art piece for any room. <br />Thrift Shop!
There is no shame in your game when finding what treasures you can find at your local thrift store. Sometimes you can score with great pieces that are perfect just the way they are, and sometimes you need to get a little creative with what you find! Either way, thrift shopping can be a great way to find pieces you wouldn’t normally see in stores.
By completely some simple steps, homeowners can collect, create, or recover pieces to create their very own “Pinterest Perfect” home.
And, remember, it is a process. It will all eventually come together as long as you keep an optimistic attitude.
“Focus on Improvement, Not Perfection”2018-07-05T07:15:00-07:002021-08-30T12:32:43-07:00Thomas "Jeff" Cooktag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:60093 Components of a Dream Kitchen So you’ve got your dream home, but now it’s time to design your dream kitchen. Whether you have a large family, or you live alone and simply like to entertain, you know that they say “The kitchen is the heart of the home” for a good reason. So here are a few tips to help you design the kitchen of your dreams, no matter what your budget may be.
1. Consider style AND function.
Sure, <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/paint-colors-that-can-brighten-up-your-home-and-your-mood/">picking out paint colors</a> and finishes is fun. But think about what would make your life more comfortable in the kitchen. Love to cook, host dinner parties, or feed a big family? Double ovens are right up your alley. <a href="https://fantasticservicesgroup.com.au/blog/how-to-clean-a-kitchen/" target="_blank">Hate the cleanup?</a> Check out dual-drawer dishwashers
2. Open up your floorplan.
Think about how you move in the space and interact with others. Do you want to be able to chat with your family or hold conversations with your friends while you’re prepping, cooking, or cleaning? Do you want a statement kitchen island offering that casual dining element? That’s what an open concept kitchen is all about! And spending a little more on a kitchen redesign to attain it is something you’ll never regret.
3. Storage, storage, storage.
Being able to access what you need in your kitchen easily is crucial. So making sure everything has its place is just as important. And get creative with your storage. Consider open shelving if you have nice dishware you’d like to show off that works with your color scheme. Think about things like shelving for cookbooks, or a cute wine or spice rack. <br /> <br />There you have it! Your kitchen isn’t just a place where you cook or dine—it’s a place in which laughs are heard, and memories are created. So take these tips home with you and add this to<a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/5-diy-projects-to-tackle-this-weekend/"> your weekend DIY project list</a>, or let the pros at Jeff Cook find you a home with your dream kitchen!2018-06-14T07:29:00-07:002022-03-19T03:34:41-07:00Thomas "Jeff" Cook