5 stylish home improvements for this summer
Ready to make your home something you can be proud of? As the days start to draw out, you might be finally getting around to that renovation project you’ve been thinking about.
No matter how big your ideas are, bringing a vision to life can be one of the most satisfying things about being a homeowner. Whether you’re renovating for the first time or planning changes to your next investment property, it’s always worth knowing what works best.
- Renovate the kitchen
Renovating the kitchen is one of the most effective ways to make your home seem more impressive, especially if it’s starting to look a little bit tired. With new worktops, new cabinets, new oven, and a large, modern sink, kitchen upgrades are immediately noticeable.
If you’d like to transform your home into a space for entertaining, the kitchen is the best place to start. Welcome guests with a kitchen island, spacious dining area, or impressive bi-fold doors onto your outside areas – perfect for those sunny afternoons.
- Fit a new bathroom
You use the bathroom several times every day, so it’s important to make it a space you feel comfortable in. Ripping out an old bathroom can throw unexpected pipes and problems into the mix, so it’s wise to take out renovation insurance before starting any bigger projects.
Depending on your vision, a bathroom can become an impressive space. Browse walk-in shower trays, L-shaped baths, and wide, square basins to add glamour to your bathroom. If you live with a big family, a four-piece suite could be the best move.
- Build in the garden
Working from home? Building a separate annexe or small, sturdy building in your garden could be a fantastic option if you’d like to make sure that work stays away from your living space. Many people find a physical separation between work and home invaluable for their productivity, and it could help you to feel closer to nature too.
If you’re building a new structure in the garden, it’s important to check if you need planning permission before getting stuck in. However, if you’re building a tiny home or another type of unit on wheels, it’s unlikely that you’ll need to apply.
- Upgrade your lighting
Make an impression by upgrading the light fixtures in your house. From ceramic ceiling pendants to fancy wall lights, the right lighting can help to shape and define your interior – along with casting a soft, ambient glow in cosy spaces.
You can choose designer lampshades for table lamps to effortlessly add a stylish feature in your interior without making any structural changes to your home. Floor lamps look elegant in hallways, while a pair of matching bedside lamps could give your bedroom a beautiful boost.
- Convert your loft
Whether you need a guest bedroom, or you’ve got another member of the family on the way, a loft conversion could provide a simple solution. The scale of the project will depend on the current state of your loft, but if it’s already well-insulated, you shouldn’t expect it to be a long-term goal.
Over the course of a few weeks, you can install new carpets, walls, a doorway and a skylight window to make your loft feel homely. From that point, you can adapt it to suit your vision for a new bedroom, storage space, or home office. For carpets specifically, you want a thick, plush carpet that will seal in the warmth and help with insulation. Online UK retailer Carpet Warehouse recommend a dense, saxony style, which shouldn’t be too expensive for a small attic’s surface area.
One more thing…
Always remember that renovating comes with hazards. Make sure you wear the appropriate personal protective equipment for the task at hand – and don’t hesitate to consult professional services if you’re in any doubt.