UPDATING - 11 WAYS TO MODERNISE YOUR HOME
Some homes look like more of a remnant of the past than a product of today. Occasionally, this is a good thing, but for the most part, you’ll want to modernise your home in order to keep up with popular trends and add value to your property. In this article, we’ll take a look at 11 of the best ways to modernise your home and ensure you don’t get left behind, from becoming more energy efficient to adding outdoor pavers.
1. Energy efficiency
Modern homes are going green in an effort to defend our environment from the ongoing threats of energy overconsumption. Install solar panels on your roof to harness the power of the sun, or connect your laundry and shower to a rainwater tank. You’ll get the added bonus of lower electricity bills to boot.
2. Knock down a wall
Older-style homes often have small rooms connected by narrow doorways. Nothing says modern like big and open plan. Try knocking down the wall between rooms and opening up your space.
3. Install downlights
LED downlights are super energy-efficient and look fantastic. They burn very cool compared with more traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs, have a longer life and are super durable. If you’re looking to modernise your home, they’re an obvious choice. Include dimmers for bonus points!
4. Replace old carpet
Nothing makes your home feel used and worn like tatty old carpet that hasn’t been replaced in years. If this sounds familiar, go ahead and lay fresh carpet — it will make your home feel like new again. If you’re looking for something completely different, you could even try polished floorboards with a nice rug.
5. Repaint
This goes along the same lines as the carpet — many older houses have uninspiring paint or wallpaper just begging for a couple of new coats. Stick with light, neutral tones like beige or off-white to make your rooms as appealing as possible to a wide range of styles. A bold feature wall is okay, though.
6. Update the kitchen
For a contemporary, industrious look to your kitchen, go with stainless steel every time. Stainless steel is heat-resistant, durable, and will bring your home into the future.
7. Hang mirrors
Mirrors have the outstanding effect of making rooms feel bigger than they are. Hang them on walls in narrow rooms or hallways to add a sense of width.
8. Display art
Display contemporary art around your home. You don’t need to go overboard; just a couple of well-chosen paintings here and there. If you’re not an artsy person, black-and-white photos of you and your family in contemporary frames will do the job perfectly.
9. Add greenery
We’re not necessarily talking about outdoor greenery here — that’s best left to landscapers. However, a few innocuously-placed, low-maintenance indoor plants will breathe life into your home.
10. Let the sun shine in
Open things up! We already mentioned this earlier, but it rings true when it comes to your windows as well. Curtains are great for privacy, but during the day, open the curtains and add some natural light to your room.
11. Add outdoor pavers
Lead visitors into your modernised home with a path of sandstone pavers . This style of paving is also ideal for modern patios, foyers, entertainment arenas and piazzas.