According to Brisbane architect Stephanie Skyring, “a beautifully renovated home will add more value”, and considering the property values are already increasing, an exponential profit may be earned. Unfortunately, while some homes look incredible after renovation, others look disjointed. The combination of old and new rids the house of a specific style, and leaves it looking unfinished. So we've put together four ways you can avoid this and create a stylish home.
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Get the big jobs out of the way
A huge aspect of renovation is determining what the necessary changes are, and instituting them first. You need to create a solid foundation in order for your home to be perceived as stylish. Surface renovation without a solid base can create many problems in the future, so take your time to get these things fixed first.
This may be a fresh coat of paint on the walls, fixing any plumbing issues, or even updating some parts of the house for a stylish version. This could mean a new kitchen, counterweight garage door or even a fresh driveway! All of these things will make a huge difference to your overall style. Do a thorough check of your home and make a list of things that need to be fixed. Contact the appropriate people and get on your way to implementing a solid foundation.
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Know your budget
The housing renovation market in Australia is worth a whopping $32 billion according to a report by the Housing Industry Association in 2017. The number of renovations each year is forecasted to increase, so it is important to make a budget that you can stick to. With redecorating becoming hugely popular, it is very easy to get carried away and needlessly spend money.
Know your timeline and budget but be flexible. There are always hidden costs, and unexpected roadblocks that you may have to pay for. Consider these early, and set a budget accordingly. Another important thing to consider, is your budget of time; renovation is greedy, and will attempt to suck all your time away. Proceed with your plans at a steady rate, not too quick that you burn yourself out, but also not too slow that you lose momentum. It won’t be over overnight, so be ready for the long haul.
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Keep it simple
This is a great way to make your renovation last through style changes and crazy trends: keep your base simple. In the past, patterns were a huge trend. Patterned wall, rugs, furniture, all of which created a cacophony of colours and noise which somehow represented houses in the latter half of the last century. Reduce the noise and opt for a simple and neutral colour scheme that will stand the test of time. Partnering a simple base with accent pieces will create a stylish and modern finish. For inspiration, visit the Dulux website, they have many wonderful examples of stylish and modern homes. Alternatively, browse Pinterest for some great ideas!
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Make it yours
Your home belongs to you, and should reflect who you are. Don’t be afraid to go against the trends, and break the rules every once in a while. If you would like to paint your front door a crazy colour, do it! Be brave, be bold, and recognise that your space does not have to appeal to everybody. Coco Chanel said “in order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.” Allow your home to reflect your individuality and irreplaceability. That is the true essence of style.
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So, there we have it, four ways to create a stylish home. Renovating a home is quite an undertaking, so be ready to embrace the challenge. If you have any tips or questions, do share with us in the comments below.
Till next time... create a stylish home!