Most of us dream of being a homeowner. Buying a house or an apartment is a major achievement, but there are downsides. When you sign a contract, you quickly realize that running a household involves spending money and working through a to-do list that seems to be endless. When you upgrade your home, it’s natural to want to check both the style and substance boxes. You want your home to look incredible and to create a welcoming, relaxing ambiance, but you also want to protect your investment and enhance functionality. Here are some modifications that offer the best of both worlds.

Windows and doors

Replacing old, worn, damaged or unsightly windows and doors is an excellent decision if you’re keen to add curb appeal and value and enhance security and protection against the elements. If your windows or doors have seen better days, upgrading them offers a wealth of benefits. Your home will be more secure, and if you choose the best impact windows, you can also minimize the risk of damage caused by storms and extreme weather. It’s also a great idea to enhance the external aesthetics of your home. Not only will you get that warm and fuzzy feeling when you get back from the office and see your home in all its glory but you’ll also make the property more saleable. New windows and doors are also more energy-efficient, which will save you money and help you to reduce your carbon footprint.

Open plan living

Open plan living is incredibly popular. Knocking down walls, opening up rooms and changing the layout of kitchens, dining rooms and living rooms creates new living areas that look fabulous while maximizing usable space. You can design functional, practical rooms that look amazing and add value. One of the best things about open plan living is that you can use your home for multiple activities. Consider a large, bright kitchen-diner. In this space, you can work, hang out with friends and family, watch TV, cozy up with a book, listen to music, host dinner parties and brunches or cook up a storm.

Storage

A lack of storage impacts the way your home looks and functions. If you’ve got stuff everywhere, your rooms will look cramped and small and your eyes will be drawn to piles of clutter, no matter how chic the couch or cool the wall art. Investing in innovative storage solutions is a brilliant way to free up space, declutter, make tidying a breeze and enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home. Look for options that suit the style and vibe of your home and make the most of the space you have available. You could opt for a high-shine TV unit with hidden shelving or cupboard space for a contemporary urban loft apartment or open wall units and floating shelves for a living room or home office with a minimalist, Scandinavian theme.

Garden rooms

If you’re lucky enough to have outdoor space, have you thought about adding a garden room? Garden rooms are hugely versatile and they offer an array of options. You can use your garden room to create more living space or set up a home gym, an office, a bar or a studio. As working from home becomes more common, garden rooms are in-demand. Adding an extra room outside could boost the value of your home significantly and make your property more appealing to buyers when you come to sell.

Homeowners want their homes to look great, but they also have to work on a practical level. If you’re looking to check both boxes, why not consider these upgrades?