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Once you’ve bought a home, you’ve got to look after that home! But that doesn’t just mean investing in repairs and a bit of yearly maintenance. You need to look into ways to increase the value over time, especially in a market where homes depreciate at a rapid rate. If you want to sell one day, or you just want to keep that option open to you, it’s best to do your research now and make a plan for the future.


And within that, you’re going to want to incorporate some new external features onto your home. These are the kinds that’ll add curb appeal and up that sale price, but they can also add a lot more function and aesthetic to the home you’re living in. If that sounds like a great plan to you, make sure you check out external features like these.


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An Extension


If your home has an extension that’s visible from the exterior of the house, you could add upwards of 10% extra value to your home’s sale price in the future. That’s a big amount of money, especially if you paid over your budget and/or the buying price you really wanted!


And the extension itself can add extra value on top of that, depending on the type of extension you’ve gone for. If it’s an upgrade to an existing room, like adding a dining room to a kitchen, you could add another 5%. On the other hand, if it’s a new room you could add another 10%, and if it’s a full-on conservatory, you could add a whopping extra 20%!


A Driveway Gate


Driveway gates are perfect for adding a bit of external value, thanks to just how much security they add without looking like a pure security feature. They add a bit of elegance and glam to the house as well!


If you’ve got a driveway at the front of your house, get in touch with a driveway gates builder to see if they can fit a gate system. If they can, your home’s value could climb by upwards of 5%!


People love to know they’re going to be living in a house that grants peace of mind over how accessible the entryways are, and that’s going to carry your sale price through to a very healthy sum one day.


A Terrace


Even the backyard can add curb appeal to a home! As such, if you’ve got the space for a terrace, erect one and make proper use of it.


Not only will you have a great garden space to spend time in, but anyone else who comes to view the property in future will see the amount of potential in the backyard too. That’s where real value can be found in your exterior - a bit of landscaping and you could add at least another 20% to your home’s real value.


Want to add some high-value features to your home? Start externally and watch as the price changes.


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While we all start off the new year with personal resolutions, there is something to be said for our homes too. After all, their environment can have an affect on us. From our living lifestyle to our kitchen function to bathroom habits and sound sleeping. There are a lot of ways in which our homes affect our lifestyles. If something in your home isn't working, consider improving it to better your life!

Here are some interior design tips for a living room that fits your style and adds functional yet aesthetic design:


1. Mid-Century Modern with a Pop of Color
• Statement Sofa: A mustard yellow or teal velvet sofa with clean lines and tapered wooden legs.
• Bookcase: A walnut open shelving unit with brass or gold accents, styled with a mix of books, small plants, and decorative objects.
• Area Rug: A geometric rug in neutral tones (gray, white, black) with subtle mustard or teal accents to match the sofa.
• Throw Pillows: Mix solid velvet pillows in mustard/teal with patterned ones, like chevron or abstract designs, that incorporate complementary colors (e.g., gray, white, gold).


2. Bohemian Luxe
• Statement Sofa: A deep emerald green or burnt orange tufted Chesterfield-style sofa.
• Bookcase: Rattan or natural wood shelving with woven baskets, trailing plants, and global-inspired decor (e.g., Moroccan lanterns or handmade pottery).
• Area Rug: A Persian or kilim rug with rich, warm tones (burgundy, rust, navy) to complement the sofa.
• Throw Pillows: Layer with pillows featuring tassels, embroidery, and mixed textures in similar warm tones.


3. Coastal Chic
• Statement Sofa: A light blue or white linen sofa with a relaxed, slipcovered look.
• Bookcase: A white or driftwood-style bookcase filled with coastal decor (seashells, coral, and books in shades of blue and white).
• Area Rug: A jute or sisal rug for texture, layered with a smaller striped blue-and-white rug.
• Throw Pillows: Choose pillows in light blue, beige, and white, with nautical stripes or subtle coastal patterns like waves or fish.


4. Modern Monochrome
• Statement Sofa: A sleek charcoal gray or black leather sofa with metal legs.
• Bookcase: Black matte metal frame with glass or dark wood shelves for a clean, industrial look.
• Area Rug: A black-and-white abstract or patterned rug to add depth and contrast.
• Throw Pillows: Monochrome pillows with bold geometric prints, combining black, white, and touches of metallic silver.


5. Warm Earthy Tones
• Statement Sofa: A terracotta or camel leather sofa with a minimalist silhouette.
• Bookcase: A wood and metal combination bookcase styled with books in neutral and earthy tones, small ceramics, and greenery.
• Area Rug: A Moroccan-style or textured neutral rug in beige, ivory, or taupe.
• Throw Pillows: Soft, cozy pillows in shades of rust, cream, and olive green, with a mix of textures like knits or faux fur.
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Jill Seidner is a Los Angeles based Interior Designer specializing in commercial & residential interior design, design consultations, & online design services. She is active in the design community & also the Los Angeles blogger for the Material Girls Blog. For media kit and blog sponsorship info, click here.

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