When it comes to home upgrades, most people often focus on either aesthetics or practicality. But some also want their homes to look beautiful but also highly functional.
As per statistical reports, 30% of homeowners are motivated to invest in home upgrades to get rid of worn-out or damaged parts. Meanwhile, 20% wanted to improve their homes’ livability, and 16% simply craved a change. However, the most successful renovations harmoniously blend the two aspects, aesthetics and practicality.
Focusing too much on one aspect over the other can lead to spaces that are beautiful but impractical or highly functional but lack visual appeal. The key here is to find the balance between visual appeal and utility. But don’t worry now, as this article can help you find the harmonic balance between aesthetics and practicality when doing some home upgrades. Read on!
- Choose upgrades that serve a purpose
When deciding what home improvements to make, really think about how they will make your life better. It’s sometimes tempting to focus on upgrades just for the sake of appearance that don’t really improve daily function. However, cosmetic changes just for looks often end up being a waste if they don’t also upgrade the home’s utility.
Thus, evaluate which renovations will solve problems or meet needs to avoid spending on pointless surface-level tweaks. Good upgrades to consider are remodeling an outdated kitchen or bathroom, finishing a basement, replacing worn-out floors or appliances, and adding useful features like a mudroom. For these types of upgrades, it’s preferable to hire professional home renovation Wahroonga contractors to ensure the projects are done properly, safely, and successfully. Practical projects like these can truly boost how well your home works while letting you enhance the style, too.
- Enhance the aesthetics of practical upgrades
Functional upgrades like replacing the bathroom or installing new floors offer the perfect chance to also upgrade the look. For example, you can take a drab old bathroom from dull to wow by swapping in stylish new tiles, fixtures, lighting, and accessories. Statistics also report that one of the major changes homeowners make during a bathroom renovation is changing the layout (45%) and modifying walls (41%).
Think also about the finishes, surfaces, and colors that align with your overall home’s design. After all, boring floors can become a focal point by using quality materials in a trendy color and pattern. The key is to ensure your upgrades coordinate seamlessly while standing out in their own way.
So, don’t just stop at the practicality – take the extra step to also make these key spaces look as great as they function.
- Maintain design continuity and cohesiveness
When renovating, consider how new upgrades will fit with your existing decor. You want improvements to feel like a natural extension of the home rather than clashing. For example, a sleek modern kitchen would seem totally out of place in a traditional cottage-style house. Or, flashy new floors might fight with more subdued existing finishes.
Think about the current architectural details and style of your spaces. Your home should feel connected, not choppy. So, maintain harmony by ensuring upgrades complement and build upon the original design.
- Choose multipurpose furnishings
During home upgrades, you’ll likely be shopping for new furnishings as you update the old ones. When doing so, look for pieces that go beyond just looking stylish, but rather the ones that serve practical and multiple purposes. Notably, research shows that the market size of multifunctional furniture is anticipated to grow 5% more by 2029, highlighting its importance and benefits. After all, such furniture boosts your home’s capabilities while still being decorative.
For instance, a storage ottoman adds seating space plus stashes items out of sight. Meanwhile, console tables offer surface space while incorporating storage. Benches, on the other hand, give you a place to sit while also providing a spot to toss bags or shoes when you walk in the door.
Dual-purpose furnishings like these maximize utility without sacrificing your design aesthetic. They tackle practical needs like keeping entryways and living areas organized while also acting as eye-catching focal points.
- Maximize lighting capabilities
Lighting serves the important job of illuminating spaces and creating ambiance. So, when upgrading, pick fixtures that do both jobs well. Swap outdated lights for well-designed ones that provide ample brightness where you need them, like over kitchen counters and bathroom mirrors. Then, layer in accent lighting like sconces and lamps to cast a warm, inviting glow over living areas and make them feel cozy.
You can also spotlight functional spaces appropriately while using adjustable lighting to set the perfect mood. By using lighting fixtures that adapt to your needs, you can enhance the use of your space and make it visually appealing.
- Don’t overlook small touches
It’s sometimes easy to fixate on the big-ticket projects like kitchens and bathrooms when renovating. But small refinements can make just as much aesthetic impact.
A fresh coat of paint with a trendy hue, for example, can instantly modernize rooms. Meanwhile, stylish new hardware elevates cabinetry and drawers. You can also add attractive window treatments to pull together separate spaces. Even little touches like updated outlet covers can also make a difference. And not to be overlooked, landscaping and pathways can improve curb appeal and walkability.
Don’t neglect these smaller details that have the power to bring whole rooms together visually. They’re finishing touches that polish off your new upgrades and help your home look its best from top to bottom.
Wrap Up
At the end of the day, home renovation is about finding that sweet spot between practicality and aesthetics. But as a good start, focus on fixes that solve real problems and upgrade what needs it so your home works better for you. Then, make those functional spaces look as fabulous as they function. By doing so, you’ll wind up with a home that impresses on all levels, inside and out.
