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5 Simple Ways To Add Value To Your Home

Interior designer Christo Koegelenberg shares his easy tips to update the look of and get the most from your home

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By Amy Saunders | September 11, 2018 | Interiors

Located in the popular suburb of Green Point, Romney Park is an idyllic luxury residence that boasts panoramic sea views and top-notch décor and design features.

The Romney Park project’s interior designer, Christo Koegelenberg has shared a few tips for improvements to help you get the most out of your property.

‘You don’t have to break the bank when it comes to improvements to your home that add value.’

‘Making some small but clever changes to your property can make a substantial difference to the price of your residence,’ said Koegelenberg. Read more below.

 

 Upgrade the kitchen and bathroom

‘Upgrading your kitchen need not be an expensive overhaul, and small changes can go a long way,’ says Koegelenberg. If your kitchen has your stock-standard Formica, for example, replace it with granite tops to instantly give a much better look and feel.

‘At Romney Park Luxury Apartments, I changed the colour of the cabinets and used bespoke crystal doorknobs, a luxurious update that was also cost-effective.’

In the bathroom, make sure the grouting is all clean and in good repair and think about swapping out your old taps for a contemporary mixer to give it a new look. ‘Tiles don’t always need to be replaced, but a good tile paint can be a huge improvement,’ said Koegelenberg.

 

Create more light

Being clever with lighting can make your home look a lot larger. Koegelenberg suggests creating additional light by hanging a large mirror directly opposite the biggest window in the room, which will instantly help brighten up the space.

You can also use curtains of a lighter-colour that will allow sunshine to spread throughout the room. Adding a floor lamp to a room will also help with upward light in those dark corners that natural light cannot reach.

Romney Park’s luxury apartments feature glass sliding doors and large windows which allow large amounts of natural light into the space. The light with a mixture of sheer and neutral-coloured curtains were used to create a bright room even on winter days.

 

Go green

Energy consumption is a growing concern in South Africa, so making your home more energy efficient will go a long way to adding value. Ensure that all light bulbs are LED and put timers on any outside lights so they are only used when necessary.

In an average household, the geyser accounts for 40-60% of the monthly electricity bill. If a solar geyser isn’t an option, invest in a geyser blanket to clad the water cylinder and hot water pipes. And install a timer to ensure the geyser is only switched on when it’s needed.

Water usage is also something we need to watch in South Africa. Ensure all taps are leak free and install water-efficient showerheads.

 

Floors and walls must be pristine

‘First impressions count, and if your walls aren’t looking great, it can give the impression that the house is shabby in other places too,’ Koegelenberg said.

Make sure there are no chips, mould or bubbling from damp.

The same goes for the floors. Replace any chipped tiles, and ensure carpets are clean and in good condition. Wood laminate is a cost-effective option for areas of the floor that need attention.

Make a statement

One wall painted a statement colour such as deep red or a beautiful chandelier taking centre stage can make a room look elegant without costing a fortune. Use a few statement colours to make your home look luxurious.

‘I created a luxurious feel at Romney Park Luxury Apartments by using interesting wallpapers that gave the rooms a unique look and a touch of style,’ says Koegelenberg.

Images:

Natalie Sternberg