Checking out what’s happening underfoot can quickly reveal why your home is looking tired or out-of-date. Flooring has a drastic influence on the overall appearance of a property.
Updating your flooring can refresh a room, breathe life into a space, offer a general feeling of cleanliness and to top it off boost the value of your home.
Carpets
Carpet comes in all shapes and sizes – well, all colours, textures and compositions! One of my favourite types of carpet for homes is a Solution Dyed Nylon. I love that it is soft under foot, hard wearing but also not too expensive. As with all carpets it does come in different grades. Often, I’ll specify a mid-good quality Solution Dyed Nylon with a top-quality underlay. Don’t under estimate a good underlay! There are other compositions of carpet of course, including Polyester, Polypropylene, wool and more.
Timber
If you have timber floorboards or decide to rip up old carpets to find them underneath, they might be a little worn and torn. Give them some TLC by having them re-sanded, stained and resealed. The list of what you can do with floorboards is endless, it’s up to you and your interior design, but also consider re-staining or lime-washing them, just to name a few.
Floating Floor
Don’t have floorboards, but wish you did? How about a floating floor, which unlike floorboards are snapped or glued together over basically any hard surface like concrete or ceramic tile. These can give you the option of the timber finish without the price tag. Timber of course is a lovely option, as is Bamboo. Another one to consider is Laminate. However, be very careful when selecting a laminate brand (cheap ones can look very cheap very quickly!) and make sure your installer is a seasoned professional.
Tiles
Clean tiles look great! Dirty ones not as much, and often we leave our tiles too long without some love and attention. Before you start to look at replacing them, give your tiles a solid scrub and steam, getting rid of that grim build up in the grout. You won’t even realise how dirty they were until you’re done. If there’s no saving your tiles and they’re a little worse for wear, choose a modern and fresh tile that is going to stay on trend for a long period of time. I find a nice neutral very light coloured warm grey/beige is a great option. Go for a larger tile (depending on the size of your house); usually a 500x500mm or 600x600mm for open areas such as lounge, dining, hallways and kitchen.
When modernising or doing up a house, many people will spend their renovation dollars on bathrooms and kitchens. However, you may not be aware that other rooms in your house can easily be modernised to add extra appeal. Here are some tips and tricks that the experts use.
OPEN PLAN LIVING
These days open plan living is what most families prefer. It desegregates a family by allowing for multiple types of activities in the one space while also making a home look more spacious.
Three common areas really work well together when opened up – the kitchen, the dining room and the lounge. Sometimes opening the space up will involve taking out a wall or two, so check which walls are structural and get costs before you commit to any plans. Structural walls can still be removed; it’s just a case of finding which method of support suits your design and budget, so don’t let this put you off making the change.
After the space has been opened up, it’s time to look at the flow and interaction between the spaces. It’s a good idea to use the same flooring and wall colour throughout all the open plan areas to enhance the sense of spaciousness. However, you do have to be careful that you don’t just have a vast sea of openness. One way to do this is to ensure each space is visually defined in some way. Visually defining the space establishes the purpose of each space without physically closing it off the way solid walls would.
Starting with the kitchen, one way to separate it from the dining area and define it is by hanging pendant lights directly over the island bench. If you prefer down-lights in the kitchen, a pendant light over the dining table could work well. You could have pendant lights in both dining and kitchen, but it’s a good idea to use aim for a different style of pendant light for each so that you have clear definition between both areas.
Adding a centrepiece or table mat to the dining table and a floor rug under the dining table will also visually anchor and define the space.
I also like to visually anchor the living room with a rug, and I deliberately face the furniture away from the kitchen and dining area and towards the television or a piece of artwork so that the layout of the furniture frames and further separates the areas.
EXTERIOR
Irrespective of the style or materials of the exterior of the house, you can modernise it and enhance curb appeal while retaining its architectural origins by focusing on three key areas – colour, focal point and visual balance.
Too often older style houses show their age through the colours used on the exterior, so bring your home into 2018 by repainting in a fresh, modern colour.
You can create a lovely focal point by using your existing entryway and enhancing it in some way. For example, you could build a new pergola, add a deck and new balustrades, or simply place some beautiful pot plants by the front door.
Next, it’s time to see if the front of the house is visually balanced. This doesn’t mean everything has to be symmetrical; it just means you have to balance visually heavy items. For example, if you have something visually heavy like a garage door or large tree on one side of the house, try and put something equally heavy on the other side of the house.
OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES
An outdoor living space is really another room of sorts, so I like to blend a bit of the indoors with the outdoors in these areas.
What you create outside will depend on your budget and the value of your property, but a deck is a great way to help modernise an old-fashioned yard space. You could go very basic with just a slightly raised deck (depending on the height from the ground of course) or more elaborate with a full deck with a roof and balustrades.
To keep the deck looking modern, give a bit of thought to the materials and colours you will use. I tend to keep the deck in the same architectural style of the house, but I add a bit of a modern twist.
Once the deck is built, it’s time to dress it up a bit so that it acts as a gradual transition from the house to the yard. The aim here is to try and blend a bit of the inside with the outside. You can do this through things like fairy lights, vines and pot plants as well as your deck furniture. You can create a focal point and maximise views through the layout of your deck furniture so give their positioning some thought.
So, those are a few expert tips for you to try when you modernise your own home. If you need advice when planning your makeover or renovation, get in touch with us heat Hotspace.
The kitchen and living spaces are typically the hub of your house; and whether the others in the ‘hub’ are helping or just watching, it’s often where you’ll connect and bond after a day at the office or school. Most people prefer an open plan layout for this reason; simply to fit all the people who want to congregate there. Since it’s such a draw card; it needs to not only function well, but all look great too.
Layout
No matter whether you’re planning a new build or a renovation, layout is the very first step to designing your kitchen. Ensure the layout is practical, makes the best use of the space you have and, if possible, has a view to the outdoors. If renovating, consider altering the layout to better suit your needs.
You can design the layout using the traditional ‘kitchen triangle’ of sink, oven and fridge, or you could do the more modern ‘zoning’ system. This usually consists of a prep zone (benches, etc.), a cooking zone (oven, microwave, thermomix, etc.), a storage zone (cupboards, fridge and pantry) and a cleaning zone (sink and dishwasher). You could incorporate both schools of thought if that works in your space.
Style
Are you going for an ultra-modern look or a clinical white? Perhaps Hampton beach is more your thing. Whichever way you go, you need to take into account the architectural style of the house. For example, putting a sleek, modern kitchen in a colonial house or a Queenslander would really look out of place. However, you can find a middle ground where you create a modern-ish kitchen with a ‘nod’ to the style of the home (Queenslander, Federation, 70’s etc) to make it visually work better and more cohesive.
Colours and materials
Cabinetry – If your kitchen is going to get a bit of wear and tear from kids or tenants, vinyl wrap or laminate could be your best option. They come in a range of styles and profiles and are of much better quality than in days gone by.
Other cabinetry choices include 2 Pac or timber; these are perfect if they’re not likely to get too much rough treatment.
Handles – There is a vast range of handles to choose from, and they come in an assortment of colours, shapes, finishes and styles. I like to use the handles to give a bit of a nod to the architectural style of the house.
Splashback – My choice here is usually tiles. With an array of sizes, colours and styles; you can always find something that complements your kitchen design. A large plain tile can be used to balance out a busy looking kitchen while a smaller tile can be used to add texture to a stream-lined kitchen.
Glass splashbacks have been popular in recent years but if you’re leaning towards using them, bear in mind that glass is painted on the back face, so any splashes of oil will not only show the splash itself, but also the shadow of the splash.
Mirrored splashbacks also show cooking splashes much more than tiles do. Both glass and mirrored splashbacks usually only suit very modern kitchens.
Benchtops – Your best choice is stone in most cases. It’s hard wearing and comes in a broad range of styles from white with chips of stone through it to a marble-like look. Neutral colours can work just as well as whites. Prices range from moderate to expensive.
If you like the look of wooden benchtops, consider using stone instead but adding some wooden shelving or other accents. Although the warmth of timber benchtops is nice, it’s not always practical in the long run.
If you’re doing a very low-value renovation or new build, you might choose laminate but just bear in mind it generally won’t wear as well as stone.
Lighting – I’m a bit of a fan of pendant lights in the kitchen. Hanging two large ones or three smaller ones above an island bench can really add something special. Lighting is a great way to add some wow factor, so put some real thought into it your lighting plan.
So, that’s most of your kitchen design choices covered! If you would like to talk through kitchen design options or need a bit of a hand planning your dream kitchen, you can get in touch here.
Conclusion
In conclusion, designing your dream kitchen requires careful planning, creativity, and attention to detail. From choosing the right layout to selecting materials and finishes, every decision plays a role in creating a space that’s both functional and beautiful. But don’t let your design journey stop there!
If you’re looking to enhance your home’s exterior as well, explore modern house facades and front designs with us. From sleek modern styles to charming single-storey facades, find inspiration to elevate your home’s curb appeal. Visit Hotspace Consultants today and discover diverse facade ideas for your dream home.
When ‘reality’ renovating is on TV every night, it’s very easy to get caught up in the moment and think it is a good idea for you to do too. TV makes it look so simple, but never really go into the details of the planning that is critical for a successful outcome.
Thinking carefully about your intended outcome is so important – and planning so that your intention is realised – is not done often enough. I see it all the time.
A successful renovation means more than just making a house look good. It’s as much about meeting the practical needs of those who will live there as it is about what it looks like. Almost equally important is what it costs to make the renovation a reality; because unfortunately not many people have an unlimited budget. This is why the following questions are so important to consider right from early stages of planning.
Q1 – Why do you want to reno?
Are you going to live in the house for the long term? Are you planning to sell? Are you trying to add value, so you can release some equity for some reason? Your answer will dictate the type and extent of renovation you should do.
Q2 – What rooms and spaces will you update?
Are you going to renovate the kitchen, laundry, bathroom, the lounge? The worst rooms in the house aren’t always where you should be spending most of your budget. Just because the laundry is amongst the worst you’ve ever seen, doesn’t mean you should give it a head-to-toe renovation. And just because the kitchen is the best room in the house, doesn’t mean it shouldn’t have some loving too. Knowing your answer to Q1 will help you prioritise the areas you choose to renovate.
Q3 – What sorts of things do you want to do to your property?
Think about who will live there and what your intended outcome for the renovation is (to sell, live in, increase equity). Make a list of the intended end users’ needs and wants, in order of priority. Know what you are doing and why you are doing it; that means being able to justify every choice you make about your renovation – and also knowing what every wall, floor finish, splash-back, window furnishing, shower, toilet, bench-top (just to name a few!) looks like and costs to buy and install – before any renovation work begins.
Q4 – What look are you going for?
This is most important when renovating your own home. Pinterest is a fantastic and free resources and I often send clients there to create an folder of their preferred Interior Design style prior to us working together. The trick is to get a fresh, modern look while taking into consideration the existing style of their house. Your selections of door handles, splash-backs, light fittings, window furnishings and kitchen cabinetry (for example) can make your renovation work – or not. I refer to it as giving the existing style of the house a ‘nod’. We’re creating something modern, but there is a subtle reference to the existing style of the home that just makes it work. People who are design trained or who have a good eye for design, intuitively know how to do this.
Q5 – How big or small is your budget?
Knowing how much you can afford to spend on your reno without over-capitalising is really important. Once you know what that amount is, of course it’s best to stick to that figure. That means you need to articulate clearly everything you are going to do – and then work out accurately how much those things are going to cost to implement. You can only have a rock-solid budget (always with a contingency for the unexpected) when you have rock solid plan of what you’re going to do. There will always be swings and round-abouts, but the more you know, the more you can plan NOT to blow your budget.
We always articulate every aspect of our clients renovations in their Facade Design Plan) so they know exactly how to renovate their property. For inspiration and dozens of before and after photos, check out our Gallery page.
I often refer to the street front view of your property as being like the cover of a book – if people don’t like the exterior, they’re unlikely to want to look inside. So, how is the façade of your home? Are there a few things that need improving?
Here are some common turn-offs and easy ways to rectify them.
AIR CONDITIONING UNITS
Great big blocky air conditioning units do nothing for the aesthetic appeal of a house so, if possible, have them placed at the side of the house or in a less prominent position. If they must go at the front, you might be able to get creative using a landscaping feature to hide it. Alternatively, you could get a casing made of slats to cover it. It will still get airflow, and once you give it a coat of paint to match the colour scheme of the house, it won’t be so noticeable.
DOWNPIPES
Another thing that looks better at the side of the house is the downpipes. You may even be able to set them towards the back so they aren’t visible at all from the street. However, if moving downpipes is not an option, painting them to match the colour scheme of the house will help them blend in a little better.
GARDEN HOSES
No matter what you do with garden hoses, they are never a good look for the façade of your house. Reeling them away makes them look neater, but for a less visible yet still accessible option, store them at the side of the house.
LANDSCAPING
A neglected garden or yard can detract from your property, but sometimes it’s a struggle to find the time to maintain a hedge or rake up leaves and branches, isn’t it? Rather than let your landscaping and gardens get out of hand, you might want to consider changing or replacing the messy or time-consuming parts with something more manageable. It may make more sense to trim back or chop down a tree or to replace a hedge with something more manageable.
CARPORT
An open carport or garage often becomes a dumping ground for all those odds and ends you need but don’t really know where to store. If your garage is long enough, it’s probably worth investing in some storage options. Not only will your property look neater, but often the storage is lockable too. An added bonus is your items will not deteriorate as quickly as they would when left to the elements.
DRIVEWAY
Older concrete driveways with a grass strip down the middle date a property. A couple of ways you can easily improve and modernise them is to rip up the grass and replace it with a combination of pavers and pebbles, or Mondo grass and pavers/pebbles.
FENCE
Because a fence defines and frames a property, it’s important to keep your fence in good order and looking great. An unappealing fence can bring the whole tone of your property down, so if your fence is looking a bit worse for wear, consider giving it a coat of paint or replacing the entire thing. Just remember to visually link it to the design of the house.
As a general rule, if the fence is over 1.8 metres high, it can make your property look defensive. This can be more pronounced if the house is close to the fence. Of course, some properties can get away with a tall fence, but if yours isn’t one of them and you want to it look more welcoming, you might want to lower the fence to 1.5 metres.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Anything that is shabby, untidy or not maintained well is going to reflect poorly on the property as a whole, so have a look at the façade of your house to see what needs a bit of love. Things that commonly get out of hand are leaking or rusting gutters, peeling paint, trims that need painting, and general driveway maintenance.
Remedying and beautifying those areas as well as anything else that looks out of place or untidy will vastly improve the appeal of your home.
Entering the world of property renovation may seem daunting. You know that you must manage risk to make a profit or avoid over-capitalising, but some risk is inherent in property refurbishing. To avoid getting in over your head, use these three levels of renovation.
As you start your venture, choose level one properties. After successfully completing projects at the beginner level, consider properties in level two. Building your way up to level three will help you increase your skill and avoid becoming over-committed or frustrated.
Level One Renovations
Cosmetic improvements are the best renovations to begin with for your first project. If possible, stay away from homes that need work inside the walls (wiring or plumbing) or layout reconfiguration. Choose a property that needs surface improvements, such as fresh paint, flooring, lighting and landscaping.
At level one, you may consider refurbishing a kitchen or bath within the existing layout. Replace kitchen cabinetry and/or add new bench-tops. Update the bathroom with new flooring, paint and a vanity without moving plumbing or wiring. Cosmetic work can go a long way in kitchen and bathroom refurbishing.
Consult with an interior designer for assistance in determining which improvements will increase the value or sales price of your property if this is important to you. They can suggest popular home designs and colour schemes, as well as recommend uses for awkward spaces.
Level Two Renovations
If you have mastered the cosmetic renovations included in level one, you are ready for level two. At this level, you begin to take on more complicated work that may require hiring more professional help, such as electricians, plumbers, and structural engineers. Reconfiguring a home’s layout is the skill added at this level. Rather than sticking to the surface changes made in level one, you will begin to consider how a property’s space can be maximized by moving, adding, and removing walls.
The choppy layouts of older homes can be greatly improved by level two reconfigurations. They often have a multitude of small, awkward rooms that benefit from removing a few non-load bearing walls. It is possible to make older homes appear much newer with open layouts, natural light and modern conveniences. An interior designer can help you make the most of a property’s existing space.
Consult an expert before removing walls to maintain the home’s structural integrity. You may need to add beams or columns when removing a load bearing wall.
Level Three Renovations
Level three renovations feature extensive home re-configurations and possibly extensions. At this level, consider homes that require complete layout changes and widespread cosmetic work. These may be abandoned properties or foreclosed homes that have been severely neglected. You may also consider re-purposing properties into homes, such as churches or commercial space. Or even creating a dual occupancy out of one residence. For each property, use your expertise to analyze the profit potential (if important to you), cost of renovations, and final home value. By this point, you will be capable of managing a large budget and project to turn a profit on comprehensive renovations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, home renovation projects can quickly become overwhelming without the right approach and expertise. By planning carefully, budgeting wisely, and seeking professional advice, you can avoid common renovation mistakes. Your home’s exterior plays a crucial role in its overall appeal and value. With Hotspace Consultants, you can unlock the full potential of your home’s exterior. Our bespoke modern facade designs blend style, sustainability, and smart technology to create a home that’s truly unique to you. Transform your space and elevate your home’s curb appeal with our expert design solutions.
