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15 Affordable Upgrades That Boost a Home’s Form and Function
October 3, 2017
15 Affordable Upgrades That Boost a Home’s Form and Function
Bigger isn't always better, at least not when it comes to your property. Sometimes it's the smaller things in life that give you the most value. Whether you're selling or renovating, here are 15 affordable upgrades that will automatically improve your home's setup.
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Add Area Rugs
1/15Add Area Rugs
1/15Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
Area rugs are a great way to add warmth to a modern space, and can go a long way in hiding tired or outdated floors. (And come in at a fraction of the cost of new hardwood floors.)Property Brothers - Buying and Selling15 Affordable Upgrades That Boost a Home’s Form and FunctionAdd Area Rugs
PHOTO 1 of 15READ LESS -Area rugs are a great way to add warmth to a modern space, and can go a long way in hiding tired or outdated floors. (And come in at a fraction of the cost of new hardwood floors.)Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
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Gives Your Stairs a Fresh Look
2/15Gives Your Stairs a Fresh Look
2/15Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
Replacing hardwood on winding stairs is an expensive undertaking; opt for a runner instead to hide the usual wear and tear. Bonus points: If you have young kids in your home, they're less likely to slip running up and down stairs with a runner.Property Brothers - Buying and Selling15 Affordable Upgrades That Boost a Home’s Form and FunctionGives Your Stairs a Fresh Look
PHOTO 2 of 15READ LESS -Replacing hardwood on winding stairs is an expensive undertaking; opt for a runner instead to hide the usual wear and tear. Bonus points: If you have young kids in your home, they're less likely to slip running up and down stairs with a runner.Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
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Size-Appropriate Furniture
3/15Size-Appropriate Furniture
3/15Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
Rather than bog down a smaller space with large sectionals or clunky furniture, select smaller pieces that complement and work within the measurements you've got. Two smaller arm chairs or ottomans provide just as much seating as a love seat but keep the room open and clear.Property Brothers - Buying and Selling15 Affordable Upgrades That Boost a Home’s Form and FunctionSize-Appropriate Furniture
PHOTO 3 of 15READ LESS -Rather than bog down a smaller space with large sectionals or clunky furniture, select smaller pieces that complement and work within the measurements you've got. Two smaller arm chairs or ottomans provide just as much seating as a love seat but keep the room open and clear.Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
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Add a Kitchen Island
4/15Add a Kitchen Island
4/15Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
Islands or peninsulas automatically add more counter space and function to a kitchen; but they don't have to be permanent. A unit on wheels can be just as handy at creating extra storage and counter space, and can be easily moved around the kitchen as needed.Property Brothers - Buying and Selling15 Affordable Upgrades That Boost a Home’s Form and FunctionAdd a Kitchen Island
PHOTO 4 of 15READ LESS -Islands or peninsulas automatically add more counter space and function to a kitchen; but they don't have to be permanent. A unit on wheels can be just as handy at creating extra storage and counter space, and can be easily moved around the kitchen as needed.Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
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Upgraded Sinks and Faucets
5/15Upgraded Sinks and Faucets
5/15Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
New faucets won't break the bank but they'll give any kitchen or bathroom an updated and custom feel. Ditto for new hardware on cabinets and drawers.Property Brothers - Buying and Selling15 Affordable Upgrades That Boost a Home’s Form and FunctionUpgraded Sinks and Faucets
PHOTO 5 of 15READ LESS -New faucets won't break the bank but they'll give any kitchen or bathroom an updated and custom feel. Ditto for new hardware on cabinets and drawers.Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
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Upgraded Appliances
6/15Upgraded Appliances
6/15Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
Stainless steel appliances seem to be the standard these days, and not just because they're visually appealing. Replacing old units and investing in energy efficient models may ultimately save you money down the road (but takes a bigger investment up front).Property Brothers - Buying and Selling15 Affordable Upgrades That Boost a Home’s Form and FunctionUpgraded Appliances
PHOTO 6 of 15READ LESS -Stainless steel appliances seem to be the standard these days, and not just because they're visually appealing. Replacing old units and investing in energy efficient models may ultimately save you money down the road (but takes a bigger investment up front).Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
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Extended Cabinets
7/15Extended Cabinets
7/15Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
Extending cabinets and shelving up to the ceiling extends the sense of height in a kitchen, while providing the perfect space to display decorative pieces that don't get used on a regular basis.Property Brothers - Buying and Selling15 Affordable Upgrades That Boost a Home’s Form and FunctionExtended Cabinets
PHOTO 7 of 15READ LESS -Extending cabinets and shelving up to the ceiling extends the sense of height in a kitchen, while providing the perfect space to display decorative pieces that don't get used on a regular basis.Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
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Custom Finishes
8/15Custom Finishes
8/15Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
Get creative with a custom-made bench in a small kitchen nook. A small, circular table and two decorative chairs transform the bench into a dreamy eat-in breakfast area.Property Brothers - Buying and Selling15 Affordable Upgrades That Boost a Home’s Form and FunctionCustom Finishes
PHOTO 8 of 15READ LESS -Get creative with a custom-made bench in a small kitchen nook. A small, circular table and two decorative chairs transform the bench into a dreamy eat-in breakfast area.Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
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Contrasting Colours
9/15Contrasting Colours
9/15Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
Mismatched furniture that complements a space is a great way to add character without breaking the bank, especially if you shop sales and second-hand stores.Property Brothers - Buying and Selling15 Affordable Upgrades That Boost a Home’s Form and FunctionContrasting Colours
PHOTO 9 of 15READ LESS -Mismatched furniture that complements a space is a great way to add character without breaking the bank, especially if you shop sales and second-hand stores.Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
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Updated Light Fixtures
10/15Updated Light Fixtures
10/15Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
Updated and modern light fixtures go a long way in helping to define a room and give any space that extra "wow" factor.Property Brothers - Buying and Selling15 Affordable Upgrades That Boost a Home’s Form and FunctionUpdated Light Fixtures
PHOTO 10 of 15READ LESS -Updated and modern light fixtures go a long way in helping to define a room and give any space that extra "wow" factor.Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
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Use Corners Creatively
11/15Use Corners Creatively
11/15Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
An awkward corner doesn't need to be left bare – a small serving tray in a dining room or a table for drinks helps bring life to an area while adding even more functionality.Property Brothers - Buying and Selling15 Affordable Upgrades That Boost a Home’s Form and FunctionUse Corners Creatively
PHOTO 11 of 15READ LESS -An awkward corner doesn't need to be left bare – a small serving tray in a dining room or a table for drinks helps bring life to an area while adding even more functionality.Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
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Add Warmth to a Basement
12/15Add Warmth to a Basement
12/15Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
Transform the look and feel of a bare basement with loads of warm colours and textures (like an autumn palette of orange and yellow, and lots of plush pillows and throws). By revitalizing your lower level as a cozy retreat, you'll more than double your home's living space.Property Brothers - Buying and Selling15 Affordable Upgrades That Boost a Home’s Form and FunctionAdd Warmth to a Basement
PHOTO 12 of 15READ LESS -Transform the look and feel of a bare basement with loads of warm colours and textures (like an autumn palette of orange and yellow, and lots of plush pillows and throws). By revitalizing your lower level as a cozy retreat, you'll more than double your home's living space.Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
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Upgraded Doors
13/15Upgraded Doors
13/15Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
Separating rooms with sliding doors is an inventive way to define two different spaces without sacrificing square footage.Property Brothers - Buying and Selling15 Affordable Upgrades That Boost a Home’s Form and FunctionUpgraded Doors
PHOTO 13 of 15READ LESS -Separating rooms with sliding doors is an inventive way to define two different spaces without sacrificing square footage.Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
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A Creative Office Setup
14/15A Creative Office Setup
14/15Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
No room for a home office? No problem. Transform a landing or an awkward nook into a work-friendly area with a stylish desk and chair.Property Brothers - Buying and Selling15 Affordable Upgrades That Boost a Home’s Form and FunctionA Creative Office Setup
PHOTO 14 of 15READ LESS -No room for a home office? No problem. Transform a landing or an awkward nook into a work-friendly area with a stylish desk and chair.Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
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A Kid-Friendly Space
15/15A Kid-Friendly Space
15/15Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
If you have kids, find a way to give them their own separate area to go nuts in. It will help the rest of your home feel clean and less cluttered, providing you with a little shred of sanity before your coffee kicks.Property Brothers - Buying and Selling15 Affordable Upgrades That Boost a Home’s Form and FunctionA Kid-Friendly Space
PHOTO 15 of 15READ LESS -If you have kids, find a way to give them their own separate area to go nuts in. It will help the rest of your home feel clean and less cluttered, providing you with a little shred of sanity before your coffee kicks.Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
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