As housing markets become increasingly competitive, many shoppers are bypassing a “starter homes” in hopes of finding their forever home on the first try. First-time buyers looking for a long-term home are often choosing square footage over high-end amenities. If your new home hasn’t been updated for a while, you’ll want to make some improvements once you’ve settled in.
Most of the homes for sale in Baltimore were built in the 1980s, so if your style is more 21st century, it’s likely your purchase is due for some TLC. If you’re aiming for a luxurious look, knowing which features offer the greatest “wow” factor can make projects easier to execute. The following upgrades can help you achieve an ultra-luxe feel in your forever home.
1. Stately Ceiling Enhancements
Small enhancements can go a long way in transforming the look and feel of your home. Crown molding — ornamental wood molding framing the perimeter of your walls where they meet the ceiling — visually joins the corners of a room to create a polished look. Tray ceilings, or recessed ceilings with a two or more tiers of insets framing the room, add dimension and color contrast without being overbearing, making just about any room of the house look grand.
2. Tailor-Made Touches
Nothing says luxury more than a made-to-order home. Built-in bookshelves are a great way to achieve that custom look while saving space and adding convenience and organization. While custom closets create a similar aesthetic, wet bars might inspire you to play host more often. A step up from the bar-cart trend seen in 2016, built-in bars are reported be a hot home improvement trend this year.
3. Chic Kitchen Cabinet Updates
Giving your kitchen a fancy facelift might be easier than you think. Updating the cabinets alone can transform your kitchen without burning a hole in your pocket. In fact, this project might even earn you money down the road. Last year, homes for sale that boasted shaker cabinets in the listing description went for almost 10 percent above asking price and sold 45 days faster.
4. Catalog-Worthy Countertops
Just like the cabinets, upgrading the countertops is another project that can make your kitchen and bathroom look like they’re straight out of a magazine and increase the value of your home. While opulent marble surfaces are becoming more popular, consider your return on investment: Homes mentioning quartz counters in their listings could sell for 6 percent more than expected.
5. Elegant Color Inclusion
Even if you don’t have a true foyer, the right paint job can make any entrance grand. You can also pair color with molding or wainscoting to take your dining room from bland to dinner-party ready. Be on the lookout for jewel colors like emerald green or sapphire blue — vibrant and saturated hues are another home design trend for 2017.
Whether you’re shopping for a home that needs a little love or you already live in one, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. If the luxury look is what you aim for, try tackling some of these upgrades, and make those “someday” projects happen this year.
