With the global home improvement market valued at £605 million, homeowners are continually looking for ways to transform their property. Everyone wants a functional, sustainable space, but how can this be achieved? Start by keeping an eye out for all the current home design trends. The post-pandemic landscape has changed how we use our homes: focus has shifted from optimising spaces for remote work to creating a livable, cosy environment.Other global events, like climate change, have created a surge in demand for energy-efficient modifications. With a growing desire to reduce energy bills and enhance property value, Project Solar has put together a comprehensive guide for home improvement.We’ll focus on topics like: 

• The commonly forgotten things to think about before picking up your tools. 
• The latest innovative ideas to improve your space and give it a new lease of life.
• How to add value to your home by focussing on what really makes a difference to prospective buyers. 
• How to make your home more energy efficient. 

How do I make my house more energy efficient?

With the right tools and budgeting, upgrading your interior design can be easy. But changing how you run your property requires paying attention to your energy consumption. With the net zero 2050 goal on everyone’s mind, more and more people are putting energy efficiency at the top of the home to-do list. It’s clear in 2023 that investing in renewable energy can yield long-lasting benefits. For example, if you ever decide to sell your home, installing solar panels can improve your home’s energy performance certificate (EPC): this may be attractive to other climate-conscious buyers and give your home a unique market selling point. Plus, once they’re fitted by accredited installers, your solar panels are extremely low-maintenance. They’ll function well in warm and cold weather, sunny and rainy days, generating green energy whilst fully protected by a lifetime warranty. So, if you want to take your home improvement journey one step further, join the eco-revolution by getting in touch with Project Solar. 

Make preparations

The first mistake in any home improvement project is a lack of planning. Processes will go much smoother if you know exactly what you want to achieve and have the tools to do it. Start by creating an organised list of easy, small tasks that won’t take long to complete. You can even take this general maintenance one step further by checking your home’s exterior (drains or gutters) for signs of water permeation. If your home is prone to dampness or mould, take care of this before decorating. Then, you should decide which jobs you’ll be responsible for and which you’ll need to leave to the professionals. Do detailed research into local tradespeople and source high-quality materials if you plan to do any of your own carpentry or joinery work. 

How can I decorate my home interior?

Once you’ve made the necessary arrangements, it’s time for the fun part! Designing the perfect home involves several important aesthetic and practical considerations. What do you want the ‘feel’ of your home to be? Warm and cosy, or bright and energetic? Then, there’s the issue of zoning: do you want to divide your living room or kitchen into separate areas or create a wide, open space? These are just a handful of the choices you’ll have to make as the leader of your own home improvement project.  

Living Room 

The living room is all about quality time: it’s where friends and family come together to enjoy TVs, movies and music. So, why not arrange your furniture in a way that encourages conversation? 

• Incorporate additional seating into your living room with two chairs positioned sideways (facing each other). Your lounge will become a more inviting, interesting place. Another tip for preventing monotony is creating a cohesive colour palette.

• Carry complementary shades throughout your living room, selecting wall paint, furniture, throw pillows, and artwork that feels harmonious with the rest of your lounge. 

• Lastly, if you want to add the illusion of greater space, add a mirror! Strategically placing one facing a window with natural light or behind a large piece of furniture can make the area feel larger.

Kitchen

The nature of kitchens is generally more practical, so they tend to show wear and tear quicker. If you’re looking to renovate a tired kitchen without replacing it entirely, there are plenty of jobs you can do on a small budget.  

• You could begin by repainting your cabinetry walls a timeless colour. Popular options include bright white, dusty blue and emerald green. To create a more focused change, paint specific cabinets in complementing (or contrasting!) colours! 

• Be eclectic or classic with your design; it’s all a matter of personal preference. Once the paint has dried, you can switch out your cabinet hardware. Matching the finish of your cupboard handles, rails, or even taps is a cost-effective, subtle way to enhance your decor. 

Bedrooms 

Bedrooms are many people’s personal sanctuary. It’s where we sleep and relax, so it makes sense that it should be one of the most comfortable rooms in the home. 

• A mess-free environment is essential for a peaceful environment, and you can start your renovation on the right foot with a total decluttering. An organised space promotes calmness, plus you’ll have more room to add additional pieces of furniture or decoration. 

• To add depth to your bedroom, it’s all about textures! Layering soft throw blankets, plush rugs, smooth satin sheets, or textured wall hangings can make everything more interesting to look at. 

• You could switch up your window dressing to dramatically change the feel of your room. Floor-length curtains can make small windows appear larger, and sheer curtains are great for maintaining privacy while filtering through natural light. 

The Future of Renewable Energy

Improving your home is a long-term investment in comfort and quality. By upgrading your home, inside and out, you can get more out of your property, and this is especially true when it comes to solar panels. So, if you’re ready to take the next step in your green property improvement journey, get in touch with Project Solar.