Home Improvement Projects That Bring You Joy
If you’ve just moved in, it can seem like the most pressing renovations should be the ones that make your life easier, like swapping outdated counters or enlarging a compact master bath. There are more benefits to renovations than function, however, as seen in a recent study that ranks home improvement projects on a “joy” scale of 1 to 10. Turns out the best luxury renovation projects not only boost return on investment, but homeowner happiness too. Here’s how the top projects stack up: Kitchen OverhaulTurns out a kitchen renovation is by far the most satisfying project for homeowners, with 95 per cent saying that a brand-new kitchen gives them joy as well as function. While it’s no small undertaking, new appliances and a luxury island make the perfect spot to entertain or indulge. Closet RenovationThough it might seem minor compared to some other options for renovations, enhancing a closet with custom drawers, rods or other storage functionalities can pay off big time Full Paint JobBefore you even move in, you might want to tackle a full-scale interior paint job. That’s because 88 percent of homeowners report having a greater desire to spend time in their home after a full-scale paint job. Converting Basement to Living AreaWith most luxury homes, lack of space isn’t exactly an issue. But converting an unused basement into a comfortable den, recreation space or luxury bar has a high return on investment and a joy score of 9.5. Hardwood Flooring RefinishSwapping out a dated floor entirely can certainly breathe new life into a luxury home, but refinishing older wood flooring actually scores even higher on the joy scale. Why? Who knows? But there’s definitely something magical about restoring vintage wood flooring to its former glory.
4 Ways to Make Your Home Feel More Luxurious
Everyone appreciates the simple joy of a luxury hotel: the soft linens, the balcony, the nighttime cityscape. If you’re hoping to create that experience in your own home, it’s entirely within reach. Here are a few options to transform your home into the ultimate luxury experience. Wall SconcesIndoor lighting is one of the subtlest changes you can make to your living space in order to create a blissful ambiance. Science has proven that soft lighting empowers us by providing better sleep habits, more productive days and a mentally healthier state of being. Whether your tastes are classic Mediterranean, stark Scandinavian or rustic chic, you won’t have to search high and low to find a wall sconce that fits with your existing interior aesthetic. An In-Home SpaRather than hurrying to book a last-minute spa appointment after a hectic weekend, invest in a spa space right in your own home. An increasing number of Canadians are opting out of the traditional spa experience and choosing instead to stay home. Unwinding in the comfort of your own space in a softly lit room designed to your exact specifications is the best way to reach peak relaxation. CandlesIs there anything more romantic than candlelight? This gentle, warm lighting is reminiscent of a night out on the town at your favourite rooftop wine bar. It’s attainable every single evening when you come home from work, with the right display of candles. Scent plays a strong role in memory, productivity and relaxation. Choose from an almost endless selection of scented candles to create the perfect mood. A Velvet CouchYou’ve probably seen them all over the pages of design magazines. They’re trendy but timeless, and they instantly add a touch of elegance and class to your home. Whether you prefer a traditional Lyre chesterfield or an Art Deco-inspired sofa, the softness of the velvet will instantly elevate the luxury look of your living room.
How to Design a Passive House
While a passive house might sound odd, it’s actually a term used to describe the most energy-efficient kind of home. It attains this status by meeting a strict set of building standards that save energy, reduce noise pollution and improve air quality—providing the highest level of indoor comfort. The design principles. The five design principles of a passive home include the following: 1) Solar orientation, 2) Airtightness, 3) Insulation and zero thermal bridging, 4) Passive house institute-approved windows, and 5) High-performing ventilation and heat exchange. All of these must be met in order to qualify. Nature is key. To meet this building standard your home’s design and structure must focus on using natural, passive resources like the sun and shade to provide heating and cooling, which removes the need for traditional heat and A/C. This is achieved by using an incredibly high level of airtightness with the insulation design. Forget mold issues. While you might be worried that an airtight home sounds like a serious breeding ground for mold and dampness, the constant low-level ventilation built into the home ensures that any moist air is replaced so temperatures remain the same. And as an added bonus, an airtight home also means bugs have much less opportunity to make their way inside. Make it pretty. There is a common misconception that energy-efficient homes are ugly homes. While there was a time when this was true, today any home can be made into a passive home, and the more you focus on making it beautiful and energy efficient, the more appeal and resale value it will have. Who says you can’t have the best of both worlds? High-end homeowners want the comfort a passive home provides, but they also want a home that looks incredible.
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