FRESH NEW YEAR, WHY NOT UPDATE YOUR HOME WITH A FRESH, NEW LOOK?
TIP 1: Reevaluate the Space You are In
Most people associate remodeling with a home expansion. But often, rearranging existing space can do the trick.
Ask yourself these questions: Do you really need more space? How much space do you need to be comfortable in your home? Can you borrow from the adjacent space to conjure the extra square footage you need? Then, as a last resort, consider a bump out or a small addition.
TIP 2: Use Lighting to Amplify Perspective
The way you introduce light into a space can have an enormous effect on an environment, reflective surfaces help bounce light around, augmenting the presence of natural light within a space.
One less obvious way to do this is by adding a built-in bookshelf near a window. The shelving edges act as reflective surfaces, bouncing extra light into the room.
Another option is to place a window adjacent to a perpendicular wall, instead of in its typical central location; that wall then becomes a reflective surface as well. Finally, placing soffits above windows can help transfer light into a room. All of these alternative lighting sources help with the ambiance and feel of a space.
TIP 3: Enhance Your Space With COLOR
The way the light falls on different colors can completely transform a room. Determine the most important wall in each room, the place to which you want to draw peoples' attention, and paint it to your heart's desire.
Paint large pieces of paper in all the colors you could imagine and even all the colors that you'd never expect to use. You might just find that the brightest or most unexpected shade fits perfectly on your favorite wall.
Once you select your colors, select your paint. New environmental regulations, and consumer demand, have led to the development of low-VOC and zero-VOC paints and finishes. Most paint manufacturers now produce one or more non-VOC variety of paint. These new paints are durable, cost-effective and less harmful to human and environmental health.
Tip 4: Perform an Energy Audit
Reviewing your home for air leakage and other sources of energy waste will save you money monthly and help increase your home's resale value.
There are many free ways to audit your home for energy efficient improvements. When deciding how to prioritize changes, remember your return on investment is best spent on retrofits in the following order: hvac systems, windows, roof, doors, basements, foundations, and walls.
Many of this months tips are from renowned architect, and author of the Not-so-Big Architectural movement, Sarah Susanka. www.notsobighouse.com
Seacoast Cottage Company is proud to be a member of the Not-So-Big Home Professional network.
