What updates can make a big impact on your home’s style?

When choosing to update your home, you probably have a long wish list of everything you want to do. But the reality is very few of us have an unlimited budget and carte blanche to make all the changes we see fit. For most of us, renovation is done one room at a time, working within the time, space, and financial constraints that fit our situation. When this is the case, you want to make as big of an impact as possible with your renovation choices. But not all updates are created equal, and you’ll want to know more about what you’re considering before contacting a contractor.

Weighing Your Renovation Needs

Before deciding where you need to make the biggest impact, it helps to understand why you’re renovating in the first place. Maybe you want home updates that fit your lifestyle because you’re planning on staying in your home for the long-haul. Or you want to make changes that will make your home more attractive to buyers. Wherever you are in the process, there’s a right renovation choice to spruce up your home now.

Targeting Your Updates for Big Impact

New tankless water heaters are nice, but if you’re looking for something that will wow your guests, they don’t fit the bill unless you’re planning on offering a tour of your utility closets. While “hidden” upgrades are nice, if you want something that’s eye-catching, it has to be where you, your family, and your guests can easily see it. These upgrades should either give your home a pleasing aesthetic, add missing functionality, or ideally do both. Here are some of the top renovation products that will make the biggest impact on your home’s appeal.

Redo Your Kitchen

The kitchen is the traditional heart of the home. From preparing family dinners to eating breakfast together before a busy day, it can be the hub around which your home’s life revolves. From updating the countertops and backsplashes to an entire kitchen redo with new appliances, there’s a lot that you can get done in the kitchen depending on your goals. If you’re looking for immediate turn-around value, focus on countertops and paint, as these are the first items guests or homebuyers will notice. For long-term use, examine how you want your kitchen to function, and plan on maximizing your space with islands, better flow, or efficient appliances. This is not a space to skimp on, which is why you may want to consider a kitchen renovation contractor—they can help you coordinate and get the installations done in a correct and efficient manner.

Bathroom Build-Outs

Knobs From Anthropology

The kitchen may be the heart of the home, but good bathrooms can have even more impact on a home’s resale value. An updated bathroom with new furnishings, new tile, and cabinets freshened up with new cabinet handles and knobs will immediately capture the attention of guests and house hunters. A new bath can create a restful environment, and yes, those tankless water heaters can pay dividends here if they fall within your renovation budget.

Fill Out Your Furniture

One of the easiest ways to upgrade your home’s style is with your choice of furniture. It can be one of the most cost-effective actions you can take right now while saving up for bigger renovations down the road. New furniture can be pricey, but hitting up thrift shops and estate sales can be a great way to find quality pieces that can provide accents or centerpieces for your decor, changing the entire feel of a room. While you may not necessarily find exactly what you want, with a little ingenuity, you can repurpose yard sale furniture into unique pieces you can’t find in any store. 

Put on a Fresh Coat

Fresh paint can help update the look of any house. While the interior can benefit from the latest accent colors, the outside of the house will have better curb appeal if it looks fresh and new. While contracting with a pro for your paint job is perfect for faster turnaround times and excellent results, you can save some money on smaller painting projects by doing them yourself. If you’re afraid of messing up, start with the bedrooms, where you might be able to temporarily hide mistakes from visitors and touch-up later if necessary. 

Creating Your Perfect Space

If you feel like your current living space is lackluster, there are plenty of things you can do to turn it around. Whatever your budget or need, with some imagination, you can upgrade your house to look exactly how you want it.

About the Author | Katie Tejada is a writer, editor, and former HR professional. She enjoys writing about events, travel, decorating trends and innovations for the home, but also covers developments in HR, business solutions, real estate, and finance.