This is Part Two of our series on recommendations for property renovations.
Bedrooms
• Pick a style – bedrooms are often the most neglected, design wise, though you probably spend more hours in this room than any other in the house! Do you want something romantic, modern, cottage? Think of a nice theme and start running from there.
• Lighting – again, give yourself lots of options. You’ll want bright lights in the changing or make up area of the room, but be sure to have something warm and romantic. Also be sure to put lights and electric sockets on both sides of the bed
• Organize – clothes are an obvious space consumer, but also it’s good to have wraparound ceiling shelves for book and high cabinets for suitcases, etc. Don’t forget all the space under your bed which is also a great utilization of space if you’re in a smaller house or condo
• Ditch the TV cabinet – the need for a TV cabinet has become less and less since the advent of wall mounted TVs and with many people now streaming from their computer, thereby negating the need for DVD players, etc. Unless you really need it, get rid of it as it’s a big space killer
Living Room
• This really is the focal point of your house when guests are over, so if you’re going to make a statement, this is the place to do it.
• Splurge on light fixtures and electric/switch plate covers – this sounds a bit strange, but sometimes it really makes a difference. Get some cool light switch and electrical socket plate covers. They’re all still pretty cheap and can really make your place look sharp. Same with light fixtures – get some pretty sharp ones for the living area – even a dozen of them will make the room look great.
• Crown moulding and baseboards? More stylish, modern houses are moving away from these at the moment. Personally, I’m not a fan of crown moulding, though if you have kids, tile or wooden baseboards are definitely good to have.
• Install ceiling/wall speakers – even if you aren’t going to put in a home theatre system yourself, the next buyer may want to, so run the wire while you easily can.
• Blinds vs Curtains – I’m amazed at how few people use blinds here in Thiland. They’re so much lighter and more modern, and typically cheaper as well. Curtains with blackouts may be better for bedrooms, but consider blinds in the rest of the house/condo.
