But renovation can also be a very costly enterprise. The average cost of a full-home renovation project can run close to $200,000. Not everyone has that kind of cash to splash, particularly for a home you’re trying to sell.

The good news is that you can add serious value to your home without even picking up a hammer.

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If you want to boost your home’s value but don’t want to break the bank, there are some remarkably simple ways to get started.

1. Work on your kerb appeal

First impressions are incredibly important. A 2012 Texas Tech University study found that good kerb appeal could boost a home’s value by 17%.

Start by putting yourself in a potential buyer’s shoes. As you approach your home from the street, what are your impressions? Is the landscaping tidy and inviting, and does it showcase the front of your home or just serve to obscure it? Does the front of the home itself look appealing?

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Good kerb appeal can add measurable value to your home, while poor kerb appeal can scare potential buyers away before they even set foot inside. A fresh coat of paint, some new door hardware and a bit of landscaping won’t set you back much, but they’ll have a serious impact on your home’s saleability.

2. Tidy things up

No matter how nicely constructed your home may be, a dirty house will make a poor impression on potential buyers. Think back to your renting days and the dreaded end-of-lease inspections. That’s the standard of cleanliness you want to strive for.

Even the neatest amongst us can overlook a few nooks and crannies when we’re cleaning. If you’re hosting an open home, it’s worth paying the money to have your house cleaned professionally. You may not notice a few bits of grime, but a potential buyer might.

3. Get rid of the clutter

This may sound a little redundant after the previous tip, but de-cluttering is about more than general cleanliness. It’s about creating an open, flowing space for potential buyers.

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Have a look at the layout of your home and the way you have your furniture arranged. Is it hard to navigate through the rooms? Do they feel cramped and claustrophobic? You want buyers to be able to walk through your home with ease, and for the rooms to feel open and spacious. Getting rid of or rearranging some pieces of furniture can greatly improve the flow of your home, and a few well-placed mirrors can make rooms feel larger than they are.

4. Keep it light

Make sure your home looks bright and open. Open up the shades and shutters to let in as much natural light as you can. If you don’t get a lot of natural light, consider opting for some brighter bulbs in your fixtures to give the illusion of more natural light.

Keeping your home light goes beyond just your windows and fixtures, though. It also includes your design choices. The goal in showing your home is to create an environment that potential buyers can picture themselves in. Choosing more neutral colours will better allow buyers to imagine their own furniture and belongings in the home.

5. Make it cosy

Add the finishing touches with some accessories. These little details make your home warm and inviting. Small touches like coffee table books, artwork, flowers or candles can make your house feel like a home.

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This article is written by Adam Smith, Home Loans Editor at Finder.

The post 5 ways to add value without renovating appeared first on Designbx.

Pendant lights are an elegant way to achieve an enjoyable decorative experience. This lighting should be the focal point and fit properly into the space in terms of shape, size and style. Pendant lights come in a wide variety of designs, elegantly hanging above a kitchen table or taking center stage in the dining room. Check out our favourite samples and some useful tips for you.

Kitchen

Pendants in the kitchen area are mood-setters. Consider a pendant with a light diffuser, or use semi-opaque bulbs. Pendants should hang 12-20 inches below an 8-foot ceiling. For each additional foot of ceiling height, add 3 inches. For example, for a 9-foot ceiling, the pendant should hang 15-23 inches below. Pendants should be hung over work surfaces at a height that doesn’t block views across the kitchen.

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Dining Room

A dining room pendant lighting gives atmosphere. The light should flatter the décor and make the best of it. It will take center stage and it must be updated and beautiful. It’s the perfect opportunity be bold and dare with colour and shape.

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Living Room

Pendant lights can make a room feel cozy, romantic or energetic with the twist or hit of a switch. The main light, should be set in such a way as not to create too much shadow. Use more than one pendant to divide the light and enhance a pleasant atmosphere.

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Home office

With more and more people opting to work from home nowadays, there are a few integral things to consider when creating the layout – including your pendant lighting options. Hung from the ceiling, they can provide light just where you want it: on the desk and your paperwork, not on your screen.

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30th October 2015 | The Designbx Team | Interiors- Pendant Perfection

The post Home lighting: Pendant Perfection appeared first on Designbx.