When left unchanged for many years, a once stylish home can unwittingly become a ‘time-capsule’ of tastes from bygone decades! This can happen so gradually that you don’t even notice.
If you’ve just realised that it’s time to bring your home into the 21st century, you may be wondering how to go about this task. As luck would have it, we’ve curated a list of 10 of our favourite ways to modernise just about any home. With just a little know-how and a savvy investment here and there, even the most dated dwelling can be transformed into a thoroughly modern palace!
Want to know how? Let’s get started then …
Table of Contents
Equip Your Home with Smart Technology
Kitting out your home with smart technology can be accomplished on a relatively modest budget. Voice-activated smart speakers have oodles of useful features such as wirelessly controlling your lighting, TV, playlists and even online shopping. Smart doorbells can be paired with other smart devices and notify you when your shopping arrives, or whenever someone walks onto your property.
Replace Your Old Windows
Drab, dated windows can make any property look worn and tired and if you want to rejuvenate your home, you should seriously consider having them replaced. Contact your local window company and discuss the various styles and designs available. Today’s leading window companies offer an excellent selection, together with a high level of customisation. Whether you live in a rural, period or contemporary property, you’re sure to find something to suit your style and budget.
Another key benefit of modern windows is their superior energy efficiency. Modern double and triple-glazed windows are highly effective in preventing heat loss, which can help you make savings on your energy bills!
Change up Your Window Dressings
On a related note, if your current curtain decor is placing your home in a time warp, you should think about investing in something more contemporary. Roman, Roller or Vision blinds are all popular choices – as are silk and linen curtains.
Let There be Light(ing)
Smarten up your abode with a few well-placed lamps and ceiling lights. LED ceiling lamps and lights can add panache to your kitchen, hallway, bedroom and bedroom. Don’t forget, you can also configure your new lighting setup to work with your smart speakers!
Replace (or Repaint) Your Kitchen Cabinets
There are two options when it comes to dealing with worn out kitchen cabinets. The first is to roll your sleeves up and treat them to a fresh coat of paint. If their overall condition isn’t too shabby, this may do the trick. The second, of course is to rip them out and replace them with something more befitting of a 2020’s home.
Wood-stained kitchen cabinets are still popular – and when it comes to colour, if you opt for a cool tone such as white, gray or blue, you shouldn’t go far wrong.
Get Smart and Save Space with Under Stair Storage
Modern home design is all about making optimal use of the space you have available. For instance, if your home has a staircase, the empty space underneath can be used to add shelves, drawers or a storage cupboard, which can be used to neatly store books, shoes, coats, toys – and just about anything that would normally clutter your home. With all this newfound storage space, it should be so much easier to keep your home clutter free!
Upgrade Your Bathroom
There’s plenty of tech on the market for upgrading your bathroom. Waterproof bluetooth speakers allow users to enjoy their favourite music or podcasts whilst having a soak in the bath. Smart scales, such as the Fitbit Aria Air allow users to track their weight and BMI over time and monitor trends. The device can also be paired with the Fitbit app.
Open Your Mind to Open Plan Living
Once upon a time, houses seemed to be built to include as many rooms as possible. However, changing up your home’s layout and removing a few unnecessary walls could make a world of difference when it comes to light and space. Open plan homes have captured the public’s imagination in recent years. However, before you begin breaking down walls, it’s important to ensure that your proposed project will spare your home’s structural integrity!
Out with the Old …
This next project costs virtually nothing and can make a real difference to your home. It just requires a little old-fashioned hard work. Stock up on bin bags and bag up any items in your home that are dated, broken or no longer in use. You may be surprised by just how much clutter you’ve accumulated over the years. Be ruthless and bin anything that you no longer need.
Put in the work and you’ll reap the rewards. Simply getting rid of any outmoded junk can make any home appear much more spacious … and yes, modern!
Build a Garden Office
2020 was a successful test case for home working and as such, many homeowners have recently invested in garden offices. The concept is simple – a comfortable, distraction-free workspace, away from the hustle and bustle of a busy family home. Although this is a considered investment (having a garden office built typically costs £5-20k), if you spend a lot of time working from home, it could be well worth the price of admission.
Thanks for Reading and Happy Modernising
We hope you enjoyed our article and now have plenty of inspiration for how to future-proof your home. No matter what gadgets and features you decide to add, we wish you the very best of luck with your modernisation efforts!