When we’re looking at homes to buy, we are attracted by more than good flow and a practical layout. We can be seduced by the unusual, especially if it’s something we’ve thought about but not got around to doing.
Whether you’re selling your home or simply want to enjoy it more, there are some changes you can make to create a more appealing home.
In this article, I give you some ideas that will satisfy your yearning for the unconventional. These additions to your home can add personality and make your home stand out.
1. Fire pit: First up, I have to stress that a fire pit is fabulous in winter. We don’t want all that heat in summer and end up starting a bushfire. However, when it’s chilly, a fire pit can be a great gathering point for the family, whether you’re trying to toast marshmallows or you’re enjoying a glass of wine and good conversation.
2. Wine fridge: You might think an ordinary fridge would work fine for your wine collection. However, wine fridges have benefits for your wine you might not be aware of. A good wine fridge will keep wine at a consistent, cooler temperature (usually between 12°C and 18°C) compared to a regular refrigerator, which helps prevent spoilage and preserve the flavour. Your wine fridge will control humidity and maintain it at about 70%. These days with so many screw top bottles, this isn’t such an issue but if you’re a purist and want only cork, you can be assured your corks won’t shrink and let air in to the bottle. Your wine fridge often has UV-protected glass or opaque doors to shield the wine from damaging light. As well, they’re designed to minimise vibration. The best reasons of all, though, are they look great and you’ll always have wine on hand at the correct temperature.
3. Backyard cinema: Movie nights under the stars? Yes, please! You can set up a projector and screen, comfy seating, and a snacks table for a truly immersive experience. String lights or fairy lights can add ambience. However, remember your neighbours and perhaps use your outdoor cinema with headphones. Check out Silent Sounds for headphones.
4. Kickboard storage drawers: Most of us have wasted space under kitchen cabinets. Yes, the recessed kickboards reduce bulk but they could also be used as drawer space to keep items like cling wrap and foil you don’t need to access every day.
5. Indoor-outdoor swimming pool: A friend of ours built an indoor-outdoor pool in his home in Canberra back in the 1970s. When we visited, the pool was a huge talking point. From a tiled pool and family room, we could enter the pool, swim under the glass wall and out into the fresh air. In winter, an acrylic cover made the room secure.
Other additions to add interest to your home
Kitchen herb garden wall
Those of us who aspire to be better cooks would love to walk out the back door to pick fresh herbs…just as you might if you lived in Italy or France. Check out Bunnings and you’ll find a range of vertical garden options for your home. With a vertical herb garden you get two benefits: it looks and smells great and can add some zest to your cooking.
Stained glass windows or skylights
Imagine the kaleidoscope of colours you could enjoy.
Bi-fold doors or sliding glass doors
Get that indoor/outdoor feel when you install doors that open directly to your back yard.
Skylight
Many older homes are quite dark in places. A carefully placed skylight will flood the space with light.
Need advice on selling your Gloucester region property?
As a proud local, I’m here to guide you through the process of selling your home. I specialise in lifestyle, rural and residential properties. I’ve done it myself and helped many families over my career. So give me a call; I’m here to help.