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There's so much you can do when it comes to transforming your home. Whether you use the space all the time or it is a room that is seldom used, there are many ways to inject new life into your home and increase its value simultaneously. However, transforming your own home can seem overwhelming when starting out on this journey, especially if you have no idea where to start.
Fortunately, this list will give you some unique and often overlooked ideas for transforming your home completely. Home renovation is a great way to improve your home, add value, and create a space that reflects who you are. If you're ready to get started, read on for three easy ways to transform your home.
Install New Windows and Doors
Windows and doors are a major way to transform your home's aesthetic and curb appeal. Installing new skylights and windows can also help make your home more eco-friendly, as you will be using more natural light and less electricity.
Of course, this also has the added benefit of making your home look more attractive to potential buyers. If you want to transform your home's exterior by installing new windows or doors, you can choose from a wide range of colors, styles, and finishes. Not only will these new additions help increase the value of your home, but they can also help you feel happier and more comfortable in your space.
Installing sliding windows instead of standard windows can give your home an incredible look and give you the added bonus of being able to open them easily. If you want new windows, then a sliding window replacement is something you should look into for your home.
Add an Outdoor Entertaining Area
Outdoor entertaining spaces are a great way to transform your home. Outdoor entertaining spaces can add a lot of value to your home. This is because buyers often see outdoor spaces as essential qualities in a home.
There are many ways to transform your backyard into an outdoor entertaining area. You can add awnings, hammocks, outdoor fireplaces, or outdoor lighting. Adding one or more of these features will make your outdoor space feel more tailored to you, with the added bonus of increasing your home's value.
Decorate with Plants
Adding plants to your home can give it a new look and make it feel more welcoming. There are many ways to add plants to your home. You can use pots and planters on the floor or put them on shelves or tables. Not only are plants inexpensive, but they also look great and can be used at any time of the year.
Not only will this inject new life into your home, but the plants will also fill it with a lovely scent and make the environment more welcoming. If you are just getting started in the plant world, you should start with a few succulents or cacti that are easy to care for. Not only will decorating with plants increase the value of your home, but it will also add a nice touch of color that you will surely appreciate.
Conclusion
Home renovations can be a fantastic way to inject new life into your space and increase the value of your property. If you're ready to transform your home, these three easy ways to transform your home are a great place to start. On top of being budget-friendly, they are also easy ways to transform your home without major renovations.
Stuck on your own room? I'll design it for you. See my online design services →
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When we think of making a house child-proof, we tend to think in terms of protecting our toddlers or young children from the threats there. But it’s true that even young teenagers may require some protections too, even if they are generally more independent, and are less likely to be in danger of terrible judgement, like playing with the cleaning chemicals under the sink, or sticking cutlery in the power sockets.
That doesn’t mean they’re completely safe from all things at all times. You, as an independent and intelligent adult don’t have that luxury either. For this reason, identifying what these threats could be can help you better ensure your home is a safe place to occupy for people of all ages - but certainly those who may have a lack of adult judgement. For instance, if you have any legally-owned firearms (such as when living in a rural location), or dangerous tools, then taking the time to buy safe installations can ensure only you have access.
Let’s consider, with that kind of mindset, how to ensure your home remains safe for children of all ages:
Stairs, Ramps & Access
It’s essential to make sure your building has appropriate access, especially if you need room to manoeuvre a pushchair or a wheelchair to the front door. Ensuring your stairs are secure, even, and clearly defined will prevent a child from falling down, or small inclines can also prevent those drops. It’s also important to consider where to lock off access, such as making sure all second-floor windows are stuck on ventilation locks only so falling out of them is absolutely prevented. Still - even with that, a close parental eye is key.
The Driveway Area
Driveway areas are simple in their function, most of us know what they’re for and how to use them on our property. But it’s also true to say that for children, they can be quite dangerous - especially if you’re pulling in or out of the property without your child in the car, such as when heading out to grab a few groceries alone. It’s important to encourage your children to stay away from the driveway, to fence off the area from the rest of the garden, and perhaps to place mirrors, reflector lights, and a front gate to limit speed around obscured angles.
Climbable Objects
Children are pretty adept at climbing anything they can - of course, until they’re not. It’s impossible to make everything in your home anti-climb, for instance, as it’s not as if you’re going to place anti-climb paint on the walls, or wire on the top of your furniture. That said, it’s important to consider locking cupboard doors, to pull chairs in when you can, to make certain children are disciplined if climbing, to fill surfaces where appropriate, and to be very observant. Soft surfaces, carpet, and safety gates can also be helpful.
With this advice, you’re sure to make your property safer for your children in the best possible way. Note that even if you don’t have children, your friends might, and so it’s good to keep this in mind.
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Make the Outside World More Accessible
Let the sunshine in can be your mantra when you have a fully functioning patio door. Whether you have an old one that tends to stick or is cumbersome or are in the market for an addition, look for patio doors near me to find inspiration and the best deals.
One of the benefits of a smooth-moving patio door is easy access to your outdoor space. In sunny weather, you can sit outside with your family for an al fresco meal together. On cooler days, try implementing an outdoor heater. Cozy up together with stocking hats, some plush blankets, and your warm beverage of choice.
When you have an easy and available way to access the fresh air, you will take greater advantage of it and enjoy it that much more. While this is not bringing the outdoors inside of your house, per se, it is a means of extending your living space into the great outdoors.
Plant an Indoor Garden
Embrace your green thumb all year long by planting a small container garden indoors. You do not need to sow an entire crop; instead opt for small and easy-to-grow plants. Herbs are some of the most trouble-free plants you can select. If you enjoy cooking, plant herbs you can fully utilize in your culinary exploits. Some ideas include:
Cilantro - Basil (multiple varieties available)
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Chives
- Chamomile
Add a Sunroom
Extending your home to include a sunroom addition is an amazing way to indirectly interact with nature through a visual lens. By design, sunrooms usually encompass more windows than walls. Those windows allow warm sunshine to flow into your home while the sunroom itself lends space to sit and watch nature from a comfortable place.
When adding your sunroom, ensure you place a sliding door at the entrance from your home proper into the sunroom. This allows the area to be closed off if desired, or opened up completely to expand entertainment options.
Furnish your new sunroom with furniture that is both comfortable for lounging as well as entertaining. Ensure the fabrics or finishes are fade-resistant due to the likelihood of constant sun exposure.
Watch this video for one woman’s positive experience after adding a sunroom.
Embrace the Plant Life
Including sleek green snake plants or overflowing spider plants in your interior design scheme will add multiple benefits. Plants are proven to help clean the air inside your home in addition to lightening the mood. The ritual of tending to plants can be as cathartic as your morning coffee ritual.
Use the colors of the plant’s leaves and flowers to complement your current aesthetic, and pot them in containers that are artful and decorative. Create a hanging array of plants or make a living wall. Bring them into every room in your home to add texture and life.
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Enjoy the comforting qualities of nature. Invite the sunshine, fresh air, and beautiful greenery into your home. You will breathe easier and appreciate the serenity of it all. Try enjoying nature a little more both inside and out with these tips today.
Stuck on your own room? I'll design it for you. See my online design services →
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Find the right piece of land:
The first step in constructing an apartment building is to find the perfect piece of land. This may seem like a daunting task, but there are a few things you can keep in mind to help you find the right spot. First, consider the location – you want to be sure that the apartment complex is situated in a safe and desirable neighbourhood. It should also be close to public transit and other amenities like supermarkets and coffee shops.
Once you have found a few potential locations, it’s time to start looking at the actual property itself. Make sure that the land is large enough to accommodate the size of your desired apartment complex and that there are no zoning restrictions that would prohibit you from building on it.
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Draw up the plans:
After you have found the perfect piece of land, it’s time to start drawing up the plans for your apartment complex. This is where you will decide on the number of units you want to include, as well as their layout and design. You will also need to factor in things like parking, storage, and common areas. Once you have finalized the plans, it’s time to submit them for approval from the city.
Hire a Multifamily Construction company:
After your plans have been approved, it’s time to start looking for a Multifamily Construction company. They specialize in constructing apartment buildings and will be able to help you bring your plans to life. This is an important step, as you want to be sure that you are working with a reputable and experienced contractor.
At this point, the construction company will take over and begin working on constructing your apartment complex according to the plans you have drawn up. Depending on the size and scope of the project, this process can take anywhere from several months to a year or more.
Furnish the interior of your apartment building:
Once the exterior of your apartment complex is finished, it’s time to start furnishing the interior. This includes things like flooring, paint, fixtures, and appliances. You will also need to decide on the layout of each unit and how you want to furnish it.
Remember that you will need to purchase enough furniture and appliances for all of the units in your apartment complex. This can be a sizable investment, but it is necessary to make your apartment building move-in ready.
Find buyers or tenants:
The final step in constructing an apartment building is to find buyers or tenants for the units. If you sell the units, you will need to list them on the market and wait for interested buyers. If you are renting out the units, you will need to find tenants and have them sign leases.
In either case, it is important to screen potential buyers or tenants carefully. You want to be sure that they are responsible and will take good care of your property. Once you have found the right buyer or tenant, you can hand over the keys and officially open your apartment complex!
Apartment buildings are an excellent investment, and by following these steps, you can be sure that yours will be successful. With careful planning and execution, constructing an apartment complex can be a smooth and rewarding process.
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While the opportunity to design and build your own home can be exciting, it requires a lot of careful planning and preparation. Many people undertaking self-builds end up making mistakes along the way. While some blunders can be easily fixed, others can be much more disastrous. Below are a few of the mistakes that you definitely don’t want to make when building your own home.
Neglecting a soil survey
A soil survey can help to tell you what type of soil you’re building on so that you know what kind of foundations to lay. If you lay foundations without undertaking a soil survey, you could end up building a home with inadequate foundations, which could lead to all kinds of structural problems in the future. Make sure to skip this task.
Ignoring planning restrictions
When choosing a plot of land to build on, it’s worth also looking into planning restrictions. There may be limits as to how high you can build, where you can put windows or trees that you’re not allowed to remove from the area. It’s important to always get planning permission beforehand and to not construct anything if your plans are rejected - you could be heavily fined and your home could be ordered to be demolished if it goes against local restrictions.
Not insuring your self-build
Self-build insurance can offer compensation if your home is damaged or a worker is accidentally injured during construction. While you’ll hopefully never need to apply for this compensation, it’s useful to have this cover just in case the worst happens. You can compare insurers that provide this cover online.
Choosing the wrong contractors
It’s important that you choose reliable and well-priced contractors. When choosing contractors, consider looking up reviews online and checking that they have an online presence. It could also be worth checking if they are insured and whether they provide a performance bond for construction. Make sure that they also have all the right certification. All of this can prevent you from potentially hiring poor quality contractors.
Taking on too much yourself
If you’ve got some basic handyman skills, you may be considering taking on some of the construction work yourself. This could save you money, plus you can say afterwards that you literally helped build your own home. However, you should be careful of taking on too much work. You will need some helping hands - especially when it comes to handling tasks that may require a licensed professional like electrics or operating a crane. Having some help will also help you to complete construction in good time.
Underestimating the cost
You should have a clear idea of how much your self-build project is going to cost. This should include the cost of acquiring land, seeking planning permission, designing your home, ordering supplies and hiring contractors. On top of all these costs, it’s worth setting aside some extra cash to plan for the unexpected. If there are delays and you need to pay contractors for longer than anticipated, you’ll have the money to pay for them.
Making mid-build changes
It’s important to establish a design and stick with it. If you start trying to change things mid-build, it will throw off your budget, plus contractors may start to get annoyed. This is why it’s important to take time pouring over the design so that you’re happy with every aspect. Get an architect to provide a 3D model and take the time to inspect every detail of it so that you’re 100% happy with it.
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But what, exactly, should you be focusing on? You’re about to find out. In this post, we take a look at some of the easy ways to decorate a rental apartment on a budget. Check them out below.
Give Everything A Fresh Lick Of Paint
Start by giving everything a fresh lick of paint. The easiest option here is to make everything clean and white, though you can try other colors in some special cases.
A new coat of white paint immediately brightens the whole room. Plus, it goes with whatever furniture you have in the apartment (if any). For example, those who apartments in their search are going to usually expect more basic colors (like white) compared to those who want more complex shapes and alcoves (meaning you can paint the walls more unique colors).
Don’t worry about buying expensive rollers or using fancy application techniques. Ultimately, a simple brush will suffice. Most management companies, like Bridlewood Real Estate, would suggest going as neutral as you can to attract the widest array of tenants.
Focus Energy On The Kitchen
Old kitchens can put tenants off and may force you to offer your property at a lower price. But some simple upgrades can change the game entirely. The more expensive that you can make them look, the more positive reactions you will accumulate.
Start by making the kitchen neutral. White, gray or charcoal are all good choices. Then install overlay panel doors on European hinges. If you already have cabinetry, you might want to consider refacing it. You should also consider hanging pendant lighting to enhance the room’s feel.
Cover Up Eyesores
If there are any eyesores in your home, cover them up. Stains on the walls that you can’t remove or ugly radiators in the bedroom can put tenants off and make them feel like “something isn’t right” when they visit your property.
For instance, try making light switches the same color as your walls to make them disappear visually. White on white is the obvious choice here.
You might also want to create radiator covers. Pre-fabbed products are often made of walnut and look very attractive compared to standard metal.
Correct Bad Lighting
Next, you want to ensure that whatever apartment you are selling has good lighting. This means adding both warmth and brightness to spaces to make them look less tired.
To upgrade your property and bring it into the 21st century, try layering lighting. Use a combination of ceiling lights, sconces, and table lamps to create the perfect ambiance. Experiment with using warmer colors to help tenants feel more welcomed.
Add Lots Of Art
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While it might sound strange, adding a lot of art is a great way to encourage tenants to take up residence in your property. And, if you go generic, it’s cheap, too. These days you can get paintings and murals for just a few dollars instead of having to pay sky-high oligarch prices. Place it around all your rooms, including the bedroom.
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Now, though, things have changed. It’s mainstream and something that practically every major media outlet now openly discusses.
Unfortunately, despite the changes in the conversation, the way we live hasn’t adjusted all that much. Homes follow much the same format as they always have.
The good news, though, is that there are a bunch of little things that you can do that really add up over time. Check them out below:
Change The Temperature On Your Thermostat
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One of the first things you can do is change the temperature on your thermostat. For instance, if people are home, set it to 75°F instead of the usual 70°F if you use air conditioning in the summer. Similarly, change your winter temperature from the usual 68°F to 65°F. Small alterations like these can make a tremendous difference to your overall bills.
Rely More On Renewable Energy
Of course, if you have ample renewable energy installed on your property, you may be able to avoid the need to turn down your thermostat at all. Companies like Wayne's Solar are already selling things like solar water heaters and photovoltaic panels that can power electrical heating systems.
The more you rely on renewable energy, the greener your home will become, and the less carbon it will produce.
Recycle What You Can
Unfortunately, you still can’t recycle everything that you use in your home. Recyclers simply can’t process some forms of packaging.
However, you can process most of it, especially if you know where to look. Check your local area to see what electronic items recyclers are willing to take, including things like old computers, TVs, and smartphones.
Use Appliances Intelligently
The amount of energy your appliances consume depends a great deal on how you use them. In some cases, you can avoid the need for them entirely.
For instance, you could try running your washer on cold and see if the results are acceptable. You could also hang more of your clothing out in the sun or avoid the temptation to preheat your oven. If you have an opportunity to use the microwave, do so. Set the water heater to just 120°F instead of higher.
Reduce Water Usage
Water requires energy to pump to your home, which releases CO2 into the atmosphere. It also depletes freshwater in many areas which can have a knock-on effect on local ecosystems.
To reduce how much water you use, take quick showers and not baths. Use low-flow faucets and shower heads. And if you are brushing your teeth, turn off the faucet. Oh, and maybe sign up for American Water because their My Water app will let you monitor your usage so you can keep track and make changes where necessary
Automate The Lights To Turn Off When You Leave The Room
Modern technology has given us something incredible: lights that turn off when you leave the room. These work using a combination of sensors and smart chips. If they detect you’re in the room, they’ll switch on. If you leave the room, they’ll turn off. This way, you never waste electricity on lighting that you don’t use.
Install LED Bulbs
Related to this, you might want to install LED bulbs. These use dramatically less electricity than standard incandescent and they last much longer, too.
There are two ways you can go about this. Either, you can wait for your incandescents to burn out before replacing them. Or you can replace them all immediately and benefit from lower electricity costs.
These days, you can install LED bulbs all over your home. They’re equally beneficial in indoor and outdoor areas.
Use The Same Bag Every Time You Go To The Store
Bags for life usually turn into “bags for the week.” And while they reduce the number of single-use plastic bags around, they still add to the overall quantity of non-biodegradable waste in the environment.
Fortunately, you can simplify your grocery trips by using a single canvas bag made of material that will break down in the ground. Take it with you wherever you go so that you always have a bag available. If you have a car, keep it in the glove box or trunk.
Use Approved Appliances
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Lastly, prioritize buying ENERGY STAR appliances. These are tested by an independent energy rating body that determines their energy efficiency. Some appliances use less than half the amount of electricity as standard versions, and they may last longer, too. But only replace your existing appliance if you absolutely have to. Otherwise, it will wind up in landfill.
Stuck on your own room? I'll design it for you. See my online design services →
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There is nothing wrong with as neutral time if muted tones are your thing, but many of us would love to have a little more color in our lives, and the only reason that we don't is because we don’t know how to add it to the decor in a way that works.
If you are one of those people, and you would love to bring more color into your home, but you don’t know how, below you will find some great, creative ideas that will help you to transform your decor in the most tasteful way possible:
Paint the front door
If you want to make a statement, then why not paint your front door bright pink or orange or maybe even sunflower yellow? It's a great way to increase curb appeal and ensure that you smile every time you come home from a busy day of work or play.
Add a mosaic
Mosaics and color go hand in hand, so if you’re looking for a cool, unique, and creative way to bring more color into your home, why not use this Mozaico discount code to buy some mosaic tiles and create your very own mural in the bathroom, ion the kitchen floor, or anywhere else you like really? It will look amazing.
Paint the interior of your shelves
If it is a simple pop of color that you want, then painting just the inside of your shelving units and bookcases can make a surprisingly dramatic impact with such a small amount of color. Leave the exterior portion natural and the bright blues, purples, or pinks of the shelves' interior will pop and draw the eye in a way that is both eye-catching and surprisingly subtle too.
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Add a flourish of flowers
If you’re looking for something a little less permanent, that you can change as often as you want, flower arrangements are the ideal way to bring more color into your home. Buy a bunch of flowers, learn how to arrange them, and place them in pretty vases around your home for pops of brilliant pink, yellow and orange that will draw the eye, make your home skill amazing, and add a touch of class too. Need something more permanent> dry the flowers and run them into a boquet that will last for years to come.
Paint a mural
If you’re looking for something, big, bold, and in your face, why not paint a mural on one of your walls? Use masking tape to create a simple geometric design, or if you’re really going for it, an actual scene from life, whether it be of a couple kissing, an animal frolicking, or anything you like, and carefully paint the lines to create your own unique, long-lasting piece of permanent wall art. It’s not for everyone, but sometimes you have to go big to make your home your own.
Color can transform your home and the creative decor ideas above will undoubtedly help you to bring more color into your life, so what are you waiting for?
Stuck on your own room? I'll design it for you. See my online design services →
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1) The Layout Of Your Kitchen Is Important
The layout of your kitchen is essential for two reasons. First, you need to make sure that your kitchen is functional. This means that everything should be within reach and that there is plenty of counter space. Second, your kitchen layout can affect the room's overall look and feel. You want to make sure that the room's flow makes sense and looks good!
Some things to consider when planning the layout of your kitchen include:
- The location of your appliances
- The amount of counter space you need
- How much storage do you need
- The traffic flow in the room
If possible, create a "work triangle" in your kitchen. This means having your refrigerator, sink, and stove in a triangular layout. This will make your kitchen more efficient to work in!
Photo by Mark McCammon
2) Consider The Appliances You Need
When it comes to appliances, you need to think about both function and style. First, consider the appliances you absolutely need in your kitchen. Make a list of must-have appliances, and then take a look at what else you might want to include. Then, start thinking about how those appliances will fit into your overall design. For example, if you're looking for a sleek and modern kitchen, you might want to consider hiding some of your appliances behind cabinet doors.
You also need to consider cleaning when selecting your appliances, as some may be harder to clean than others. For example, kitchen exhaust cleaning can be difficult if you don't have the right equipment in place. Consider how often you'll need to clean each appliance and select accordingly.
3) Get The Right Sink
Your sink is one of the essential elements in your kitchen, so you must ensure you get the right one for your needs. For example, you might opt for a double sink if you have a large family. On the other hand, if you entertain often, you might choose a sink that is big enough to accommodate all of your guests. You should also consider the height of your sink and ensure it is comfortable for you.
Another important consideration is the type of material that your sink is made out of. Stainless steel is a popular choice because it is durable and easy to clean. However, many other materials are also available, such as granite, composite, and even ceramic. Before making your final decision, talk to a professional to see which option would be best for your kitchen.
In conclusion, following these tips will help you design the perfect kitchen for your needs. Be sure to think about the appliances you need, the type of sink you want, and the overall layout of your kitchen before making any final decisions. With a little bit of planning, you can create a kitchen that is both stylish and functional.
Planning a kitchen update? I'll design it for you. See my online design services →
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A home is somewhere that should make you feel joyful and put you at ease. You may like where you live and thought your home was nice when you bought it but are now having mixed emotions and second thoughts about it all.
If this is your situation then it may be time to make a change so you can fall back in love with your property and love where you live. Here are four tips for creating a more beautiful and elegant home that will improve its appearance so you can feel more satisfied with your property and start to focus on all the positives.
1. Hang Curtains
Dress up your windows as one way to create a more beautiful and elegant home to enjoy. Start by washing all your windows and then be prepared to replace old window treatments. Not only add blinds but then hang curtains in certain areas. It’s a great way to add color, texture, and warmth to your home. Be sure to hang the curtains high so that it appears as if you have taller ceilings than you do and so your home looks more elegant and luxurious.
2. Rip Out Old CarpetYour floors also play a significant role in the overall look and feel of your home. Create a more beautiful and elegant interior by ripping out any old carpets. Instead, consider options such as hardwood flooring that will instantly make your home more beautiful and look more expensive. They are not only easy to clean but will enhance the look of your home and add value to your property. If you want to add more comfort or warmth to these spaces with new floors then place down some colorful and cozy area rugs.
3. Focus on the EntrywayIf you want to create a more beautiful and elegant home to enjoy then focus your efforts on improving the entryway or foyer. It’s the opportunity to make your home look spectacular from the minute you step foot in it and a chance to impress those entering your property. Some ways to spruce up your entryway are to enhance the light fixture with something more eye-catching, offer a place to sit, and create a wall display. Also, put out fresh flowers, hang a mirror, and paint the walls a neutral and welcoming color. Remember to make updates on the exterior entryway as well such as hanging flowers and painting the front door.
4. Choose Calm ColorsYou can make your home look and feel luxurious with the right colors. Choose calming and soothing colors that make you feel peaceful and less stressed. If you do want to add bold colors then do so in areas such as a small bathroom, a dining room, or paint an accent wall. However, if you want to create a more beautiful and elegant home overall then think about going with a neutral and lighter palette that is attractive and soothing. It will also be a good choice if you decide to sell your home one day in the future since many homebuyers will appreciate neutral walls and a brighter space.
