Maintaining house value on a budget

Keeping your home up-to-date with modern trends to protect its market value does not have to cost you your kidney.

A home is a significant investment, one which some homeowners need to realise necessitates protecting.

Protecting one’s most significant asset means counteracting its potential decrease in value, which would serve you well when it comes to selling it one day.

The Courier spoke to Salt Rock interior designer Caryn Overton of Dandelion Designs, to not only find out what the latest trends are when it comes to interior design and upgrading your home, but also doing so on a budget that doesn’t break the bank.

“Small, well-thought out improvements can go a long way in refreshing your home’s interior. By focusing on strategic updates, DIY projects and cost-effective changes, you can renovate and refresh your home’s interior on a budget while maintaining its value and appeal,” she said.

Overton points out that indoor arches had made a significant return between 2021 and 2022, with the trend maintaining its appeal this year.

On top of this, sculptural furniture also made a mark, and encompassed plump, rounded sofas, chairs and tables with artistic silhouettes.

She said this trend blurs the lines between furniture and abstract art, introducing a captivating dimension to interior spaces.

White cabinetry and natural stone has been a staple for kitchens and cabinetry for some time, paired with natural flooring, but according to Overton the upcoming year will see a bolder exploration of this material.

“Expect to encounter adventurous use of vivid and boldly patterned stone and tiles,” she predicted, adding that the combination of these would satisfy a desire for uniqueness, colour and texture.

On to the budget side of things, Overton said there were five top factors to keep in mind.

Prioritise: Identify essential areas for spending and allocate resources where they matter most.

Research: Without compromising on quality, source cost-effective materials, fixtures and furnishings.

Longevity: Invest in timeless pieces that will maintain value and style over time.

Trim unnecessary costs: Stay away from non-essential items as this will protect your budget.

Quality control: Ensure that cost-saving measures don’t compromise safety, functionality or design integrity.

For the most impact in terms of home value improvements, Overton advised focusing on kitchens, bathrooms, outdoor spaces such as decks, and curb appeal.

One could also focus on absorbing unused space, turning these into functional areas, or even bringing smart technology into your home.

“These not only enhance the living experience, but also contribute to the long-term value of the property,” she said.

She further advised consulting an interior designer who could offer several valuable benefits.

“Designers bring expertise to maximising budgets, helping to make informed choices on where to invest for the most impact. Not to mention they can help you avoid costly mistakes,” she said.

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