Food for thought:
When we embark on home renovations, the thought of resale value often looms over us. It’s an understandable consideration; after all, renovations can significantly boost a home’s market appeal. However, in the pursuit of maximizing this value, how often do we compromise our own personal style and preferences in favour of creating an interior that appeals to the real estate market?
This raises an interesting question:
Should we be renovating for future buyers, or for ourselves?
A new perspective:
Imagine for a moment that resale value wasn’t a factor, would you still design your home in swaths of neutrals and subtle accents to suit a potential buyer’s tastes? Maybe, maybe not. Don’t get us wrong, we love a neutral. They have a wonderful calming and cohesive effect that can really expand or even cozy up a space – they’re dynamic and versatile. But it’s not really about the “what” of the matter, it’s about the “why.” Why are you making the renovation or design choices you are making? Is it to appeal to potential homebuyers or because it brings you joy? If you are prioritizing your joy would you still design in neutrals or would you go bold, colour drenched, ornate, textural, patterned? Would you dare to create a space that weaves in personal details that are a reflection of your own unique story, style, and personality?
This approach opens up a world of possibilities for design and aesthetics. Even if you plan to sell someday it’s important to remember this is your home right now, so make it yours! It’s not about following trends or thinking like a future buyer; it’s about building a space that feels genuine, homey, and uniquely yours.
Here are a few elements to consider as you envision a home built just for you (and your family):
1.Prioritize function over aesthetics
Start with the fundamentals: how do you move through your home daily? Do you need built-in storage to keep the clutter at bay, maybe you love entertaining and would like to expand your kitchen and dining area, or do you work from home and need a dedicated workspace to be productive? This mindset should drive your design choices, ensuring each space serves a clear purpose. For example, you might want a cozy reading nook near a window with natural light, or a mudroom with ample hooks and cabinets if you have kids and pets. Do you want open cubby storage for easy access or closed cubbies for a pristine feel. It’s all about making sure that your home works for you, enhancing your day-to-day living.
2.Go for unique materials and finishes that speak to you
Beyond furniture and decor, the materials that make up the space, such as your floors, walls, and ceilings will set the overall vibe, so what vibe speaks to you? Perhaps you’re drawn to the warmth and rustic feel of reclaimed wood with its distinct grain and history, a conversation piece built right into your home! Or maybe you want a space that reminds you of your trip to Europe by incorporating archways and ornate tiles, bringing vibrant, custom details into your space. You can also consider creating a striking look with materials such as polished concrete floors for a modern-industrial touch or modern wood paneling for that 70s “mid-century modern” look that reminds you of your childhood. These choices might not be in every magazine, but they create a one-of-a-kind atmosphere that you connect with.
3.Experiment with playful design choices:
When resale value isn’t on your mind, you have the freedom to truly play with the design and look of your space. Home renos can be and should be an outlet for creativity and fun! So, experiment with that whimsical wallpaper in the living room and really give your home a real PUH-POW factor. Love the look of arched doorways? We get it—they’re timeless and add character. Or maybe you’ve always wanted kitchen cabinets in a bold colour? We say, go for it! The goal here is to create a space you’re excited about and comfortable to be in. Let’s be honest with ourselves, life’s too short to go with the ordinary.
4.Don’t hesitate to go BOLD with your colour choices
Here is an unfortunate reality, research shows that colour is disappearing from the modern human world, with greys, whites, blacks, and other neutrals dominating everything from homes, cars and material items to even commercial spaces and advertisements. It’s easy to believe when you compare our modern surroundings with the 20th century—remember those beautiful pastel cars from the 1950s?
Additionally, real estate agents often advise to “beware of bold and embrace neutrals” when selling a home. This advice is due to the fact that buyers prefer less personalized blank slates—spaces that they can imagine themselves in and don’t require repainting. That’s why shades of grey and other neutrals have become the blueprint in so many 21st-century homes.
We say, throw out the rule book! If you love colour, go for it. Your living space needs to appeal to you, and should not conform to potential future buyers and modern world standardization. Alternatively, If you’re hesitant to the commitment of painting your walls a bold colour, try incorporating colourful hues through furniture and décor. You might be amazed at what the right rug can do!
The takeaway…
Our environments have a very real impact on our energy. You know that satisfying feeling of gratitude…. you know the one that manifests itself in a deep sigh of relief? We want that for you when you wake up in the morning, or when you get home at the end of a long day, or even just as you sit in your home and feel as though it’s embracing you in a warm hug. So we’re here to remind you that it’s okay to prioritize YOU and to give yourself the freedom of self-expression! Here’s to waking up in a space you love that has you exhaling “ahhhhhh” each morning as you realize “I can’t believe I live here!”
As a team of “ahhh”-moment experts we would love to help you get there!
Get inspired with the unique accents in this Modern Guest House or contact us so we can start exploring your vision together.