Ideas to smarten up a home
23rd January 2007
Summer is a great time to prettify your home or investment property. Building advisory service Archicentre provides 10 top ideas to maximise a home's appeal.
1. Repainting
A new coat of paint is the best value for money. Colours should always be neutral and elegant. As a highlight, a cement-based paint can provide a simple textured finish and additional visual pizzazz.
2. Polishing floorboards
Floorboards are better than worn carpet. Pull up the carpet, sand and polish floorboards using an odour-free, oil-based stain. But seek the advice of a floor specialist first.
3. Pergolas
Sun-shading devices such as pergolas can make for a fine addition, particularly when covered in deciduous plants. They provide shade to windows, define outdoor living spaces and provide a simple but effective link between indoor and outdoor spaces.
4. Fencing
Fences can be cheap but make sure the fence is compatible with the style of home.
5. Orientation
Show how a north-facing garden can flourish on a sunny day. Set up some well-oiled teak outdoor furniture (umbrella, table and chairs), a barbecue and a sun lounge.
6. Vibrant garden
A landscaped garden is like having an extra room. Create an attractive ambience by enhancing facades with carefully chosen vegetation. This is often a mixture of indigenous plants that require little watering and exotic plants as the highlights. Pebble mulch ages better than woodchips and helps keep the garden looking clean and bright.
7. Patching cracks
Patch wall gaps and cracks, sand and fill with a flexible sealant. Be careful to colour-match the existing render or finish.
8. Cleaning roofs
Cleaning tiles can make the roof look new. Lichens can be removed with copper sulphate from a hardware store. Clean out gutters, replace rusted sections and remove cobwebs.
9. Decluttering
Keep surfaces clean and neat. Remove knick-knacks, souvenirs, children's artwork, sporting equipment, toys, scatter rugs, pet food bowls, baskets and scratching posts.
10. Ambience
Decorate the interior with plants, vases or single feature sculptures. Burn a nice, subtle fragrance oil. Open the window to get a breeze going. Enjoy the serenity.
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