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Now that you're in your new place, you may want to make some changes. That can mean
anything from minor redecorating to major remodeling. If you're renting, you obviously
won't be ripping out walls, but with your landlord's permission you can still do a decor
makeover.
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Makeover ideas
When painting, your choices are no longer limited to flat, semi-gloss and gloss. Creating the
look that says "you" can be as simple as a trip to your local home improvement store for
both the tools and the instructions for rag, sponge, splatter, faux, and texture painting.
Consider stencil painting. If you can stay within the lines, you can easily and inexpensively
add a touch of interest or pizzazz to any room. Stencil templates available at craft stores
and home-improvement centers let you paint a flower border in your great room, add stars
to your child's ceiling, or "hang" fruit in the kitchen. There are styles to match almost any
decor or theme.
Try a wallpaper border. Easier to apply than it sounds, a wallpaper border expands your
options. Your home improvement store may even sell a kit containing the necessary tools.
Add even more appeal by applying it above or below decorative molding or with
complementary wallpaper.
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Hot remodeling projects
If you're a property owner ready to swing a hammer, you'll want to choose projects that
give you the most return on your investment, appeal to the widest base of buyers, and
increase your enjoyment of your home.
Both highly desired and economically rewarding, kitchen and bathroom remodels provide
the best return on investment. Return at sale time can be as much as 80 to 90% of the
original investment. Features such as well-designed storage and task lighting in a kitchen
appeal to the widest base of buyers and are probably your best investment. But before you
open your wallet, ask a real estate agent to help you determine what projects and features
will reap the most reward, considering your home and the area.
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A Computer in the Kitchen? As computers continue to become more central in our lives, a
popular kitchen add-on is a computer desk. Located in a nook or concealed behind folding
doors just off the kitchen, the kitchen computer is accessible by the whole family. Between
stirring the spaghetti sauce and buttering the garlic bread, adult cooks can help kids with
homework or print out that 3-bean salad recipe.
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Great Living Areas. The family is "in" . . .and so is spending more time together. Once-
separate living spaces are blending into what is called the great room - a multifunctional hub
of family activity.
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Amenities for the aging. Consider adding features such as grab bars in bathrooms, slip-
resistant surfaces or flooring on stairs, steps, and porches, and lower counters and sinks (to
accommodate wheelchairs). Although these universal features may not significantly increase
your home's dollar value, they will enhance its appeal to the aging and retirees.
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