Change is constant. When it comes to our homes, we are constantly trying to change a part of our decor for a better look. It can be that door with loose hinges,a rusty nail, broken switchboards, an unused room – our home improvement sojourn is a never-ending one. Sometimes, it becomes a necessity, courtesy vastu and weather demands.
Home renovations are an opportunity to plan ahead and accommodate the needs of everyone in the family and give a makeover to the same old space - possibly, within a reasonable budget. But, don’t worry, renovation doesn’t have to mean big changes and stripping the house down to its foundation.
A simple change in windows and doors could improve the home decor and at the same time, prove beneficial by way of reduction of noise, dust and termite, better ventilation, and make the space energy-efficient and rainproof.
Such innovative measures can easily fall within one’sbudget and prove to be very effective. How about adding a false ceiling to your living room, for a new look? If you are
planning to take on such a project on your own, do take the help of the Internet, interior decor magazines and experts.
Upgrading the interiors of your home calls for the proper choice of furniture, paint, shade, blinds, lighting and artifacts. Yes, it is a continuos process. More so for a living room, where guests are received and entertained.
Take the simple route
It’s not necessary that every item you bring in has to be expensive, imported or branded. Sometimes, a simple but elegant looking item can work wonders. For instance, a recycled item may not be really fancy, but could fit in with the other ites, if chosen with care.
We live in a nation of mind-boggling diversity and culture. So, exploit that factor and bring in folk-inspired colour schemes, regional artifacts and ethnic elements in your home. Believe me when I say shopping for traditional accessories gives one utmost pleasure, while encouraging the local craftsmen and handicrafts.
When it comes to renovating the bedrooms and kids’ rooms, you could invest in some bright, pleasing colours, curtains, bed sheets, coupled with soft lighting.Those who have basement space could always find better ways of using it more usefully. It could be turned into a playroom for the kids, a place to relax or even a library, home theatre or party hall. One needs to visualise the space according to the needs. Painting and flooring should be appropriate for the space.
Energy efficiency is another area where innovation could help reduce the cost through better selection of equipments, with proper insulation and lighting. Those who are concerned with security and
safety can enhance these through provision of smoke detector, burglar alarm, secure doors and windows, and fire-fighting
equipments such as a fire extinguisher.
Kitchen renovation would help in
making the kitchen safe, clean and bright. Proper flooring would enhance safety that helps in easy cleaning, too. Kitchen table and cupboards should be suitably
positioned for easy operation. Domestic equipments such as mixer grinder,
microwave and refrigerator should be
energy-efficient, safe and convenient to use, and easy to clean. Lighting in the kitchen should be appropriate without glare or shadows. Focus on getting in
maximum natural light; have a skylight
installed to help you out.
Bathrooms need adequate attention, too. Make these spaces bright with extra lights, safe with appropriate flooring of unpolished marble, granite or tiles that are skid-proof. For a green touch, you can
invest in some solar heating and lighting here. Sinks, toilets, shower and taps should be chosen with care. These should be easy to operate and maintain.
An outdoor garden as well as a roof
garden could be made lovely and attractive with appropriate choice of plants.
Automatic sprinklers and drip watering for pots are useful, as they demand little
maintenance. It’s a good idea to go in for
solar outdoor lighting.
These are just some ideas to help you get started on that long-pending renovation. Start small; have the big picture in your mind, though. Once you get started on your own journey, ideas will start flowing and changes will happen. You can
create more beautiful spaces at home.