If you are in the happy position of having a little money to spend decorating or styling your home then you will need to think carefully about where exactly you decide to spend it. Your final decision needs to be based on a number of factors including how much you have to spend, the kind of life you lead and whether or not you are planning on moving house.
How Much Can You Spend?
When considering where to improve the interior of your home, money is a major issue. If you are lucky enough to come into extra thousands of pounds, you may have the option of doing something major – installing a new kitchen or bathroom, for example, or even adding an extension.
If, however, your budget is much lower, then you need to be realistic. Consider where spending a few extra pounds will make the most difference. Is your living room looking shabby?
Would it benefit from a new coat of paint? Or is it really time to put a new rug in the hall to give your entrance space a brighter more welcoming feel?
Think About Lifestyle
Next it is important to consider your lifestyle. If you are someone who regularly entertains then you will probably want to use your money to give your reception spaces a fresh look. It could well be worth redecorating your dining room or giving your living room a new style.
Perhaps, on the other hand, you are someone who works from home. If this is the case, it is vital that your work area is appealing and pleasant to spend time in. So why not splash out on a new design that will give the room a fresh feel so it almost seems like a change of work space? On the other hand, family comfort might be top of your agenda.
Could your home benefit from additional space? Would adding an extra room or carrying out a conversion make life easier for all those living within the space? If you have the money, this may be your best option.
Do You Want to Add Value?
You may want to spend money on your home for an altogether different reason – you may wish to add value to it. Perhaps you are considering moving house or maybe you are simply a sensible homeowner who wants to keep improving in order to maximise your profits when the time comes.
If you are considering moving, then take advice from your estate agent. Walk round your home with him or her and ask advice on where you should spend your money. This will depend very much on the condition of your property.
It will also depend on how much you have to spend and what your style of home, in your location, can realistically sell for regardless of the work you do to it.
Many estate agents will steer you away from installing a new bathroom or kitchen but will instead suggest sprucing rooms up with fresh coats of paint and new accessories. A kitchen can be restyled by bringing in new unit doors or handles, or repainting cupboards.
If you are looking to add significant value to your home and you have a large amount to spend then it may well be worth converting a basement or loft, or adding an extension to your home. This could add value but do take advice before going ahead and spending.
A Smart Home
Overall, where you spend your money is about ensuring you are styling your home to ensure your own happiness and well-being. Creating a space that is smart and fresh will help ensure it is somewhere you can escape the stresses and strains elsewhere in your life and truly relax.
Consider, therefore, spending your money on keeping the overall standard of your home up.
Wander round and do an assessment. Does that carpet look a little tired? Could the kitchen benefit from a lick of fresh colour? Would changing the sofa in the sitting room give the room a whole new look? Take a pen and notebook with you and make a few notes.
Then decide which area is most important to you, at that particular moment. You may not be able to do everything you want to now but, who knows, it might not be long until you have some more spare funds and can consider focusing on the next most important area of your home.
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