When renovating your Hamilton home, it’s all about making the most of the space you have.
Giving areas like the kitchen, living room and dining space an overhaul to open them up, create more storage and make them easier to use not only makes life a little easier to live; it should also add value to your property.
We have put together a few renovation and design tips that might help you with your post-COVID renovation plans to create more space in the home you own, and, at the same time, give your property’s value a boost as well.
Kitchen and dining room
- Gone are the days of a separate kitchen and dining room. Today, where the meal is cooked is often where all the social interaction takes place. If your kitchen and dining space doesn’t facilitate this, then look at whether knocking out non-structural walls is a possibility, in order to open up both spaces.
- Island benches are great – but if yours makes it hard to work in your kitchen, rather than easier, then consider a rolling island on wheels, or a an island bench that has a dining table as part of its design.
- White and lighter colours will usually open up a space, and make it look bigger than if you painted it in darker shades.
- Sliding draws to hold your crockery, saucepans and containers will save on space, compared to traditional cupboards with swinging doors and shelves.
Bathrooms and toilets
- Can you recess the cabinet over your vanity into the wall? This will free up space and achieve a more streamlined look
- Step-in showers with a shower door have long-been on the out. Instead, a large, glass panel helps show the size of the room and, again, offers a more sleek aesthetic.
- Utilise a clever tile selection, so you can have the same tiles on the floor and walls. Again, this will create a streamlined look, will help to make the space look bigger and, if you select a lighter colour, will add to the sense of space
- A floating vanity or pedestal basin opens up the floor space.
- Use of large mirrors can help create an illusion of space, too. .
- Replace clunky toilets with a wall-hung tank. Concealing the tank in the wall will save on space and provide a more modern look.
Living rooms and bedrooms
- Use space vertically, not horizontally. For example, floating wall shelves, or floor-to-ceiling shelves that you can recess into the wall are both good ways to fill the space in a room
- Furniture with more than just one purpose is always well-received; a coffee table with a shelve underneath; beds with hidden storage underneath.
- Furniture with delicate detailing, such as narrow arms and raised legs, can to create an illusion of space.
- Paint the walls, trims and ceiling in the same light shade to make ceilings appear higher. Hanging curtains closer to the ceiling will do the same.
- Incorporate mirrors into your room, which will help bounce light around the space.
- Consider building a loft into your ceiling to create valuable storage space.
- The use of light is key to creating a home that looks welcoming and spacious – skylights are a way to achieve this from above.
Laundry
- Combine your bathroom and laundry into one, so that you can make the most of the plumbing architecture.
- Go European – tuck your washing machine and dryer inside a kitchen cupboard and reclaim the laundry for a different use.
- Consider a washing machine and dryer that will fit under a bench, so that even if you maintain them in your laundry room, you will still have adequate storage above them.
Outside
- Green, well-kept spaces have a huge impact – and they don’t need to be horizontal, either – vertical gardens are another way to add some greenery to a small space.
- Ensure any outdoor furniture is functional and appropriate to the size of the household.
- Once again, multifunctional furniture that has storage options built in (benches with storage under the seat), is always well-received.
Ready to renovate?
Irrespective of the size of your property, there are plenty of clever renovation tricks to maximise the floorplan and potentially drive up its value.
If you’re ready to get started, please reach out for advice about finance. As your mortgage broker, we’ll explain your renovation finance options, and help you choose the right loan for your specific needs.
Remember, now is a great time to consider renovating, with the government’s $25,000 HomeBuilder Grant on offer. Get in touch and we’ll explain the eligibility requirements.
