9 Cost-Effective Ways to Make your House Sophisticated (Woo more buyers!)

Making your home more sophisticated can be less of a challenge than you might think.

In fact, you don’t have to splash out for expensive furnishings or furniture. Instead, with a little bit of planning, there are some quick ways to make your home a little more sophisticated than the rest, without blowing your budget.

The lights

Source: http://secondhandstillgrand.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/lovely-things-luscious-lampshades.html

Lighting has a huge part to play in the mood you set in your home. Bearing this in mind, small things you can try should allow you to bring a more sophisticated air to the interior. Try a new lampshade in certain rooms, for example. This often changes a room instantly. Or you could buy a new lamp for a corner of a room, and make it into a reading corner. Both these ideas are inexpensive and both will allow you to transform the way a room looks.

The softer aspects

Soft furnishings had a bit of a bad rap a couple of decades ago, where they were very much the ‘in thing’, and mocked for it. But, far from a joke, a good eye for cushions can really help lift a home. Experiment with the cushions you display on a sofa, for example, and you should find that the end result is less costly than updating the sofa itself. The best part is that you can literally have hundreds of updated designs and choices at your disposal.

Go open

It has often been said, and in many places, that having an open plan home is a modern, sophisticated approach to decor. But most people don’t aim for this because of the cost involved in knocking walls through and rebuilding. It doesn’t have to be this drastic, and it can be quite affordable to add more ‘open spaces’ to your living areas.

One good idea is to think about getting rid of excessively bulky furniture, or just rearranging furniture so everything seems more spacious. Or focus on the mirrors you have in your home. Position these so that they bring more reflection and more light to your interior.

The windows

People often neglect their windows. It’s easy to throw up a standard pair of curtains in the hope that it will do the job. But putting time and effort into finding window dressing that really adds a little sophistication to the room is well worth it. Whatever you do, try to resist the urge to leave a window empty. This is no longer a good look, and could end up making your living space even more dated. Dress it up, and enjoy it.

In the bathroom

Source: http://vintageindustrialstyle.com/vintage-bathroom-decor-melt-heart/

Believe it or not, updating a bathroom can be one of the quickest ways to bring a sophisticated feel to the home.

And it’s easy to see why, with an abundance of sleek, subtle touches that can be introduced to any bathroom space with a perfectly affordable price bracket on most items. From a sleek new towel rail to a lovely new mirror, there are plenty of ways in which you can create real sophistication and glamour.  A great idea comes from the Stonemasons in Glasgow - renovate just a single wall with stone.

Try the above ways to bring that touch of class to your home. We think you’ll find that it’s usually quite cost-effective, and easy to do.

On the down low

One of the newest and most intriguing methods used by a number of home experts is the use of low furniture. Once you understand what it it is, it all makes perfect sense. By using low furniture (as in height) in a room, you compensate for low ceilings. This is easiest to do with sofas, for example, but it should be possible with other units, especially units such as cabinets. Give it a go, and try to experiment. You should find it a lot easier to bring light and space into a room.

Another great way to bring a touch of character and uniqueness to your home is to purchase an antique or two, and then display prominently. We don't mean in the entrance hall necessarily, just at key points in the building so that they become the focus of attention. This can lead to lots of admiration, but also a real sense of style. And antiques don't have to be expensive. A high quality antique can often be purchased for a reasonable price, and they appreciate in value too.

A sofa can make all the difference

The humble sofa isn't something that needs to be expensive. You can buy a high quality one for a large amount of money, or even a reasonably priced one. With both options, it's the way you use them that makes the big difference.

Consider the position of the sofa carefully, because a switch-over can transform a room and give it a whole new feel. And if it’s a new look you’re after, don't discount the value in finding a whole new set of cushions and throws that can update the look. And if things really need a change, rather than buy a new sofa, have it reupholstered.

The ceiling has it

One tip that most people on the planet (we think) aren’t aware of is this one. Take a look at the kitchen ceiling for moment. There’s a way to paint it to add light and even space to the room. Try painting it a little lighter than the walls. For example, go a little paler and whiter than whatever colour you have on the walls and you’ll see an immediate difference.

Straw rug

Our final tip looks at the humble straw rug. This is making a huge comeback and that’s because it is so simple and subtle.

A straw rug (any colour and design by the way) does a couple of things. It keeps everything low-key, while at the same time making a statement that is stylish and bright. It's well worth buying one and getting it into your key living spaces. It transforms a room.

The above tips are easy to implement. And you’ll enjoy seeing how they transform a living space. Once all is done you'll be ready to enjoy your newly upgraded home, or you'll be perfectly positioned to sell it.

If selling is your ultimate aim and you'd prefer to avoid making these upgrades, our service could be a great solution. We can make a formal offer within 2-3 days to buy your house. If you accept, we can complete the purchase in as little as 2-3 weeks. If you think this might be a fit, read more about selling your house quickly here. You may not get as much money as if you were to add value to your home then sell it via a traditional sale, but remember that the average home sale can take up to 7 months. If this sounds like a long, arduous path, our service could be a great alternative for you.