From installing solar panels to updating the landscape and curb appeal, most homeowners focus on exteriors when boosting property value. However, making interior design changes through remodeling or incorporating modern interior design trends can significantly boost property value, especially if you are getting your house ready for selling.
Like exterior renovations, some aspects of interior changes affect property resale value more than others. You should focus your energy, efforts, and financial resources on interior design changes that attract more potential buyers. Below are a few interior design tips that increase property value.
1. Consider the Target Market
You shouldn’t necessarily spend exorbitantly when redesigning your interior to increase property value. Ideally, you should invest in redesigns that assure good returns. Choosing the wrong interior design projects that cannot impress the target market can make your property less appealing.
Choose your interior design projects according to the location to ensure good returns after redesigning. Generally, most locations have unique property markets, making it necessary to consider the average property value, the nature of the neighborhood, and the age group to which the property might appeal.
While some locations are ideal for families, others appeal to high-net-worth persons or young adults. Begin by predicting who your target buyer might be before investing in interior design features, such as storage and special finishes.
2. Kitchen and Bathroom Upgrades
Despite being the most expensive renovation projects, kitchens and bathrooms are the most renovated rooms by most homeowners. According to Remodeling Magazine, kitchen upgrades cost over $66,196, while bathroom remodeling costs $20,420. Unfortunately, these projects can make the difference when selling your home, especially to cash buyers.
Potential buyers closely inspect and judge a house based on the appearance of the kitchen and master bathrooms. Below are a few kitchen and bathroom upgrades that significantly increase property value:
Add Functionality
Remodeling a house offers unlimited opportunities. While space is a significant limiting factor, it shouldn’t stop your ambitions of constructing your dream kitchen and bathroom. For instance, if the kitchen and bathroom have limited space, install hanging cabinets to increase storage options.
As for the kitchen, changing the countertop material allows you to get the most from it. Choose countertop options that are attractive and provide unlimited functionality. Some of the best countertop materials include marble, recycled glass, quartz, soapstone, granite, laminate, and limestone.
Add Light Fixtures
Changing your kitchen and bathroom lighting is another interior design element that can increase property value. Dim lights are among the contributors to accidents in bathrooms and kitchens. You can avoid such accidents while concurrently increasing property value by adding light fixtures.
Go Green
Eco-friendly installations have recently become an important consideration for potential buyers. You should consider adopting green options in your kitchen and bathroom. Fortunately, this can be achieved in various ways. These include energy-friendly appliances, such as dishwashers and eco-friendly flooring made from reclaimed tiles and wood.
As for the kitchen, you can change centerpieces, such as adding countertops, or minor changes like replacing the dishwasher and old sinks. Minor kitchen changes have a significant impact on the room. The same applies to bathrooms. Consider well-positioned bathroom mirrors and high-quality installations that improve your old bathroom into a spa-like space. Such changes increase property value and attract potential buyers.
3. Make Rooms Feel Bigger
Making various rooms appear bigger in your home is the best way to tell potential buyers they are getting more than what they are paying. While the actual size of the house determines its value, the perception that rooms are bigger inside increases the chances of making a sale. Making the rooms spacious convinces buyers that the house has more potential. You can make your rooms feel bigger in the following ways:
- Use light colors and contrasts – In the interior design world, lighter colors make any room appear bigger and brighter. Light and bright rooms are very reflective, making them feel open and maximizing the effects of natural light. Accenting walls also make the rooms appear bigger. Dark colors absorb light, making even big rooms appear smaller.
- Open-up rooms with creative lighting – Natural light makes the interior rooms appear larger. If your rooms can access natural light, use large windows to connect the rooms to outdoor environments. If you can’t access natural light, use creative lighting fixtures.
- Declutter – Ensuring your rooms are tidy and organized makes these spaces appear bigger. Minimalism should also be applied to the walls. Limit the number of pictures and art pieces on your walls. One large art piece is better than several small paintings. You should also maximize the arrangement of various rooms. For instance, you should scale furniture to fit the size of different rooms. Large furniture should be positioned against walls to maximize open spaces and make a small room bigger.
- Create a focal point – You can also increase the perceived size of your rooms by creating a focal point. This entails creating one area or having a feature that captures attention. You can use a large painting in the living room, your bed in the bedroom, or the dining table in the dining room.
4. Don’t Forget Small Details
While you may focus on large interior design projects when upgrading your property for sale, don’t overlook the importance of small details. For instance, stylish light fixtures, such as plug sockets, can improve the interior appearance of your home. Small touches, such as door handles and properly sized curtains, add a luxurious appeal.
Similarly, while your home’s interior should look appealing to potential buyers, having a baking cake in the oven or freshly brewing coffee makes the house inviting and homely when conducting viewings. Such small details can place your property ahead of others in the real estate market.
Endnote
Interior design upgrades are undoubtedly underestimated by homeowners looking for ways of increasing property value. Even though most people plan on overhauling the interior after buying a house, upgrading your property’s interior before selling can directly increase its value. Some investments can be costly, but the returns outweigh initial expenditures. Working with professional interior designers is highly rewarding.
