Now that summer is nearly upon us, most homeowners are diving ever deeper into their home remodeling projects. Whether you’re sprucing up your current home or hiring moving services to finally make it to your fixer-upper, just about everyone is itching to put the warm weather to good use.
In fact, most homes are bought and sold during the busy months of summer. It makes sense since the weather is ideal for moving. Homeowners don’t have to worry about slips and falls, navigating through winter traffic, and carrying heavy moving boxes through tall layers of snow. Selling in the summer simply makes sense for the savvy homeowner. When you get cash for your home, it’s time to put that money to good use: namely, improving your new humble abode.
Some people might be interested in crafting a modern home or they might opt for a more rustic vibe. After all, all you need is a little elbow grease and a savings account and you can realistically transform your home in the span of just a few weeks.
One of the most desired home trends, however, is the charming home. This welcoming atmosphere feels light, fresh, and comforting to anyone who walks through your doors. These homes might be a little smaller or they might feature delicate pastel colors throughout the house. In some cases, a little old-school charm might be just what your home needs to stand out.
The charming home is making a real comeback in 2020. Whether you own a large house or a small bungalow, here are some of the top tips you should consider when you’re building the charming home of your dreams.
Amenities that you enjoy
Every home remodeling project should start because you want to make your life at home more enjoyable. Whether that means simply changing up your home’s colors or choosing a more intense project, like updating your master bathroom, it typically occurs because you want to better your home in some way. You wouldn’t install that kitchen island if you hated its appearance, right? When you start to create the charming home of your dreams, your desires should come first.
You can start by making a list of all the changes you wish to see in your home. Start with the most urgent desires first. If you haven’t been able to enjoy your porch because it doesn’t have a screen, that might be at the top of your list. However, you also have to take into account how realistic each project is. Installing a guard tower might be a cool idea in theory, but it might not work out in practice due to finances, zoning laws, and other structural issues.
Balancing the top desires you have and the ability to perform these remodeling ideas is essential. That’s why listing them out and assessing each one is vital to the home remodeling process. If you want to spend more time on projects in the garage, opting for garage door installation services may take precedence over another project in the home. Mapping out a plan for these projects, allocating funds, and setting realistic goals will be the key in making all your the dreams you have for your charming home come to fruition.
Here are some of the top home amenities people are looking for today:
- Resort-style pools, complete with a hot tub. These options might also rely on saltwater filters or ozone technology to clean the pool instead of traditional chlorine.
- High-tech everything is a must for people who want to achieve an integrated home. Opt for a security system that connects right to your phone so you can have control over your house when you’re home or away on vacation. Some systems can even connect you to Bluetooth speakers to play music and your home’s thermostat to control the space’s temperature. This is hugely beneficial for those upcoming summer parties.
- Home theater systems designed for entertaining large parties. Any sort of entertainment space is a highly desired change in the charming home you want.
- Private gyms in a comfortable area of your home. Many people have started to take their health plans more seriously. As such, some homeowners with ample space might also be interested in opting for a pickleball court or a tennis court. These spaces can encourage higher levels of activity in your family, especially if you hate going to the gym. Just be sure to invest in the right men’s and ladies pickleball apparel before you lace up your tennis shoes and hit the pavement.
Do any of these options speak to you? Find out what local contractors charge in your area before you sign that dotted line.
Plants and greenery
The charming home you desire will greatly benefit from a few plants.
Studies show that plants in the workplace can increase productivity and lead to better moods throughout the office. Plants in the home can have a similar effect to homeowners, guests, and everyone in between. This is because humans are naturally drawn toward green spaces and nature. Health professionals also note that spending time outdoors can lower blood pressure and decrease levels of stress. By that train of logic, it only makes sense that you’d also want plants inside of your home.
Even if you don’t have the greenest thumb, there are plenty of hardy plants that do well with little care. Succulents, for example, just need a little light and a spritz of water every now and again. Spider plants only require watering a few times a week and need minimal light to stay healthy so you don’t have to follow the sunshine throughout your home. Even leaving them outside on your porch can be a great way to craft an inviting, charming home. If these features are paired with the natural grain of birch wood doors throughout the home, this contrast can make a small space seem larger, friendlier, and more inviting.
It’s thanks to this contrast that the charming homes you see in magazines are so successful. Try to station these plants such that they contrast against the color of your rug, couch, or stand out against a white wall. By providing a neutral background, your decor can really stand out. You can also have fun when it comes to choosing the right planters and pots for your various plants. Buy them from the store or invest in some simple options that you can paint yourself with your family.
Don’t forget the outside of your home
The charming home you’ve always wanted needs to be perfect, both inside and out. After all, the facade of your home can say a lot about your space. As soon as your guests arrive in your driveway, they immediately start to make judgments and assumptions about your home. Even as something minuscule as a few weeds on your lawn can make someone look twice though its usually larger issues, like discolored siding and crumbling roofs that will really make an impact on your guests. Metal roofs are rising in popularity — and longevity. These major projects can take a bite out of your budget, but it’s essential to maintaining your home and protecting it from water damage.
Neglecting the outside of your home is a recipe for disaster, especially if you spend a lot of time outside. As such, it’s important to invest in landscaping, hardscaping, and any other touches you think might help provide a welcoming atmosphere. Some cottages have seen success by lining the driveway with flowering plants. Others have added rustic decor to the outside of the home, particularly on front patios and doorframes. Choose flowers and decorations that you like to give the place a charming vibe that’s uniquely you.
Unfortunately, repairing a fixer-upper will come with a few necessary outdoor projects that will take a little more time than simply planting some flowers. Pest management, for one, is a huge issue when you’re dealing with an older home. These residences aren’t equipped with the modern technologies that can help keep bugs, animals, and other pests at bay. Installing new windows can help keep bugs out, along with investing in new doors with better weatherproof seals. Since your house moves with the foundation over time, investing in these two items should be at the top of your priority list as a homeowner. You might also need to seal entry points around the home’s foundation to keep more pests away. Call your local exterminator to get a better idea of what you can expect when you hire their services.
Don’t forget the small stuff
Above all else, the charming home you know and love will look even better if it’s tidy. That doesn’t mean that you have to fold up and put away all those cozy blankets; rather, it just means organizing your space with intent. If you want the blankets to contribute to the cozy feel of your abode, drape them across the back of the couch or hang them on a blanket bar for easy organization that requires little thought.
You might also benefit from investing in the right floor coatings. Unfortunately, hardwood floors don’t have the naturally shiny luster you might see on television. As such, a quality floor coating will keep it looking good for years to come. You might also want to invest in floor coatings with safety in mind for the garage and other places that can get slippery.
A little DIY can also be a fun project for the whole family. Adjustable hose clamps are known for making your garage and basement function, but they can also be used in projects for a little rustic charm. Try using these clamps as wall decor or to help streamline your home’s organization on coat racks and for jewelry. The more rustic and DIY you can get, the more charming your home will appear.
Cleaning is also an integral part of creating a charming home. Sweep, vacuum, and mop often to keep your floor tidy and organized, especially if you have pets. Even though Fido will only help add to the charm of your home, their fur might say otherwise. Try to partake in these cleaning activities at least once a week and more often if you have a pet that sheds more frequently.
The charming house you want might want won’t always be move-in ready. These top tips are some of the best ways to make your new house into a home that you will love for years to come.
