The exterior of your home is the first thing people notice when they visit or drive by. In Lansing, Michigan, the average home price has risen significantly over the past few years. Recent statistics indicate that the average home in Lansing now sells for around $144,770. However, housing in Lansing is still 18% less than the national average. Consequently, homeowners are keen on increasing their property value.

One effective way to achieve this is by enhancing the exterior of their homes. While exterior upgrades can be quite costly, the benefits of updating a home’s exterior often outweigh the costs. Apart from boosting curb appeal, these updates can offer homeowners a fresh perspective and have a considerable increase in their home’s value as well. This guide will cover all the changes you can make to revitalize your home’s exterior.

Ideas to Revamp Your Home’s Exterior

Here is a list of some of the best minor and major renovations you can invest in to enhance your home’s curb appeal.

1. Replacing the Roof

The roof isn’t just a functional element of a home; it’s also a major part of its visual appeal. When roofs show signs of aging, like missing shingles or discoloration, they can decrease a home’s value. On average, a new roof can cost $7,250 and $12,375 in Lansing. While it may seem costly, a new roof can

have many added benefits, such as an increase in home value, a decrease in utility bills, and a better exterior. You can look up the keyword  roof replacement experts near me to find a list of qualified professionals in your area. This will help you get quotes, compare services, and choose the best fit for your needs.

2. Update the Front Door

The front door is more than just an entry point to your home, it sets the tone for the entire house. A worn-out door can be off-putting, while a vibrant, stylish one can make a great first impression. If your door is old, it might also be letting in drafts, which can affect your home’s energy efficiency. Lansing homeowners can choose from various materials, ranging from sturdy wood to modern fiberglass. A fresh coat of paint in a trendy color can also make a big difference.

3. Install New Windows

Windows plays a pivotal role in a home’s aesthetic and energy efficiency. Old windows might not seal properly, leading to heat loss in the winter and cool air escaping in the summer. For those in Lansing looking to revamp their exteriors, updating windows should be high on the list. Modern designs like bay, picture, or casement windows can not only improve the look of a home but also enhance its insulation properties. Moreover, they allow more natural light to pour in, brightening up living spaces.

4. Refresh the Paint

Nothing revitalizes a home’s exterior like a fresh coat of paint. Over time, paint can chip, fade, or peel, making the house look older than it really is. By selecting a modern color palette that complements the architectural style of the house, homeowners can give their properties a contemporary facelift. When choosing paint, it’s essential to pick a durable, weather-resistant option. This ensures the color stays vibrant and protects the home’s exterior from the elements.

5. Incorporate Landscaping

Landscaping is about more than just planting a few flowers. A well-thought-out landscape design can enhance a home’s visual appeal and create a welcoming environment. By adding a mix of flowering plants, shrubs, and trees, homeowners can bring color and life to their yards. Regular lawn maintenance or considering more sustainable options can further elevate the property’s exterior. Remember, a well-maintained garden speaks volumes about the care given to the entire property.

6. Upgrade the Driveway

The driveway is often one of the first things people see when they approach a home. If it’s cracked or stained, it can detract from the overall appearance. There are several materials homeowners can choose for their driveways, with concrete, asphalt, and pavers being the most popular. Each offers its own benefits. For instance, pavers come in various styles and colors, allowing for a customized look. A well-maintained driveway not only looks good but also offers a smooth surface for vehicles and pedestrians.

7. Add Exterior Lighting

A well-lit home is inviting. Good exterior lighting can highlight a home’s best features and provide safety by illuminating pathways. Homeowners have many lighting options to choose from. Pathway lights can guide visitors to the front door, while porch lights create a welcoming ambiance. Accent lights can also showcase architectural details or landscaping features. Beyond aesthetics, having good outdoor lighting can deter potential intruders, adding a layer of security to the property.

8. Install or Update the Siding

Siding serves a dual purpose. It protects a home from the elements and defines its look. Over time, siding can fade, crack, or get damaged. When this happens, updating or replacing it can give the home a fresh appearance. Many siding options are available, ranging from vinyl and wood to brick and stucco. Each has its own unique look and benefits. Vinyl, for example, is durable and requires little maintenance. Brick, on the other hand, offers a timeless appeal. Choosing the right siding can rejuvenate a home’s exterior and ensure it remains protected from weather-related wear and tear.

9. Incorporate Architectural Details

Small details can make a big difference. Think about adding shutters to windows or trim around the front door. These elements don’t just add to the home’s aesthetic appeal; they showcase the homeowner’s attention to detail. Molding, especially around windows and doors, can elevate the look without a hefty price tag. Even something as simple as updated house numbers can make a difference. The key is to select details that match the home’s overall style and enhance its unique features.

Conclusion

Revamping a home’s exterior is more than just a cosmetic endeavor. Each upgrade, whether big or small, adds value to the property and enhances the living experience for its residents. For homeowners in Lansing and beyond, investing in the exterior of the home is a step towards creating a space that reflects personal style and offers comfort. By considering changes like updating the driveway, adding lighting, renovating outdoor spaces, updating siding, and incorporating architectural details, homeowners can transform their properties into the homes of their dreams. Remember, a well-maintained exterior not only speaks of pride in homeownership but also sets a positive tone for the entire neighborhood.

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Creating a comfortable and relaxing bedroom retreat is an important endeavor that requires thoughtfulness and effort, but the payoff is immense. A luxurious bedroom provides a sanctuary from the stresses of everyday life and allows you to rest, recharge, and pamper yourself. Putting in the time to upgrade your sleeping space is well worth it when you can sink into plush bedding, wake up refreshed, and enjoy a peaceful oasis. With some planning and upgrades, you can transform your bedroom into a spa-like retreat. 

1. Add Plush Bedding 

Now that you have treated yourself to a dreamy, comfortable mattress, take things to the next level by dressing it in the softest, plushest bedding you can find. Look for sheet sets boasting high thread counts, down or down-alternative comforters that provide just the right amount of cozy warmth, and pillows designed to properly support your head and neck no matter what position you sleep in. Consider splurging on silk or satin sheets that will feel ultra-luxurious against your skin as you drift off to sleep. During the colder winter months, layer on extra plush blankets like wool throws or faux fur for additional coziness. The right bedding has the power to transport you into a cocoon of soft comfort and warmth. 

2. Invest in a High-Quality Mattress

The foundation for any good bedroom is a comfortable, supportive mattress. Don’t settle for an old, sagging mattress that leaves you tossing and turning throughout the night. Instead, take the time to thoroughly research the different mattress options available. Among the high-end options, consider looking into the lux estate collection, renowned for its unparalleled comfort and support. These mattresses provide ample back support and relieve pressure points on your body. Memory foam and latex mattresses are great options that conform to your body’s natural contours, resulting in less pain and stiffness when you wake up in the morning. Treating yourself to a luxurious, high-quality mattress is one of the best investments you can make to improve your overall sleep quality exponentially. 

3. Control Lighting with Lamps and Dimmer Switches

The lighting in your bedroom goes a long way in setting the overall ambiance and mood. Install dimmer switches throughout your bedroom so you can easily control the brightness and create a calming, spa-like environment designed to promote relaxation. Place lamps with soft, warm light bulbs on both nightstands and your dresser to provide a gentle glow when you want softer lighting. Programmable or smart light bulbs allow you to change the color and brightness to suit your mood. Experiment with different lighting schemes to find what works best to create the most relaxing effects. Having control over your bedroom’s lighting transforms the space into a serene, peaceful oasis. 

4. Incorporate Greenery and Fresh Flowers

One of the simplest ways to instantly liven up your bedroom and create a peaceful atmosphere is to bring elements of nature indoors. Place potted plants like aloe, ferns or succulents on top of your dresser and windowsill where they can bring vibrancy to the space. The fresh oxygen produced by live plants has been shown to promote deeper, more restful sleep. You can also buy fresh floral bouquets featuring blooms like peonies or roses and display them on your nightstand or dresser in a vase. The sweet scents and soft colors of fresh flowers have a calming influence that makes your bedroom feel more like a relaxing retreat. Incorporating greenery and blooms is an easy way to add life and tranquility to your bedroom environment. 

5. Use Essential Oil Diffusers

Essential oil diffusers provide a host of aromatherapy benefits that can help you relax and sleep better. Add a few drops of calming essential oils like lavender, chamomile, cedarwood or clary sage to the diffuser’s water reservoir and let the soothing scents permeate your bedroom all night long. The light, fragrant mist will make your bedroom feel like a relaxing spa. You can also directly apply a couple of drops of certain essential oils to your pillowcases and sheets before bed. As you move around at night, the oils will naturally diffuse, and you’ll inhale the calming fragrances. Essential oils like lavender and chamomile promote relaxation, relieve stress and anxiety, and can help lull you into a deep, peaceful sleep. Using an essential oil diffuser is an excellent way to transform your bedroom into a tranquil sanctuary ideal for unwinding at the end of each day. 

6. Soundproof Your Space 

Minimizing outside noise from traffic, neighbors, pets, etc., allows you to rest undisturbed and peacefully throughout the night. There are several effective ways to soundproof your bedroom space. Start by sealing any air leaks around windows and under doors that can let in noise. Install thick, blackout curtains on windows which can absorb sound. Area rugs on the floor can help dampen noises from below, as can wall hangings and tapestries. For the most noise reduction, consider investing in double-paned windows and solid core doors to prevent noise transfer from outside your bedroom. You can also create soothing ambient background noise with a sound machine or quiet music to mask unwanted sounds. A well-soundproofed bedroom provides the quiet tranquility needed for deep, uninterrupted slumber all night long.  

7. Adjust the Temperature

The ideal bedroom temperature for getting deep, high-quality sleep is around 65°F (18°C). This moderately cool environment helps decrease your core body temperature, which initiates your body’s natural sleep cues and allows you to fall asleep faster. Use a programmable thermostat to keep your bedroom consistently around 65 degrees during your sleep hours. Make sure your ceiling fan is in good working order and set to a low speed to gently circulate and cool air. Have some extra blankets on hand in case you get chilly in the night. Finding and maintaining the optimal cool temperature sets the stage for truly restful, rejuvenating sleep and is an essential consideration for your bedroom retreat. 

8. Clear Away Clutter 

An organized, clutter-free bedroom immediately provides a sense of peace and tranquility the moment you walk in. Make it a habit to regularly remove piles of clothes, random knickknacks, chargers and electronics, and any other items that create a chaotic, messy environment. Install storage solutions like bins, baskets, drawers and closet organizers to neatly contain your belongings. Having a clean, clutter-free bedroom allows your mind to fully decompress and relax, while clutter can contribute to stress. Taking the time to declutter your space clears away visual noise and brings a new level of zen and harmony to your personal sanctuary. 

Conclusion 

Creating a peaceful bedroom retreat requires intentional upgrades and tweaks to transform your space into a luxurious oasis. Invest in a supportive mattress, soft bedding, calming lighting and soothing accents like plants and essential oils. Control noise, temperature and clutter for optimal relaxation. Your bedroom should provide a quiet, comfortable environment where you can relax and recharge. The effort to upgrade your personal sanctuary pays off tremendously when you have a space that promotes deep rest and renewal. Make your bedroom a spa-like retreat that you look forward to retreating to each night. 

Roscoe, IL, is a nice, intimate suburb with only about 11,000 residents. So, there’s a high chance that word will get around quickly. Now, unless you want the rest of the homeowners in your area to discuss how unkempt your house looks, you’d want to make an effort to improve its curb appeal.

The best part is that this effort won’t just make your house look pretty. Roscoe’s housing market is highly competitive. An average three-bedroom house gets sold for over $240K and barely stays on the market for a month. Yes, it’s a seller’s market. So, if you’re planning to sell your home in the near future, it’s time you start making amends to the exterior now. Like it or not, a buyer really cares how your home looks on the outside.

So, what can you do? Let’s find out.

1. Replace the Siding

Your house’s siding isn’t only an aesthetic element; it’s also functional. It improves insulation and protects your property from the elements. Sadly, over time, it may face a few issues.

· Weathering and pest infestations can cause cracks and holes

· Humidity can cause mold growth

· Excess UV exposure can dull the color

· High winds can loosen the shingles

Most homeowners neglect these issues, assuming it’ll take a lot of money and time to fix them. However, if you do it right and work with a local siding replacement company, you’ll be able to get the job done within your budget.

The experts will also be able to help you with selecting the right type of siding material. Factor in your location’s weather, the costs, and the maintenance required to make an informed decision.

2. Keep Your Garden in Order

Roscoe is a fantastic spot for gardening enthusiasts. The climate allows for plants to thrive, and the pleasantly warm summer days are perfect for you to enjoy time relaxing in your front yard. Use this to your advantage to easily boost your home’s curb appeal.

Mow the lawn regularly, trim the hedges and shrubs, pull out weeds, and water the plants.

You can also plant some native flowers to add more color and vibrancy to your garden. Blazing Star, Butterfly Weed, and Wild Columbine will all look nice. Or how about some fruits and vegetables?

And, of course, keep your garden clean and well-maintained.

If you don’t have a green thumb or simply can’t make time for it, get a professional landscaping service provider on board.

3. Enhance the Front Door

We might not realize it, but sometimes it’s the littlest of things that can have the greatest impact. In this case, it’s your home’s front door. That large plank of wood can really turn things around for your home’s exterior presentation.

Try painting it in a new color, but be sure to pick a shade that compliments the rest of your house. For example, if your siding is light blue, a black front door would work really well. You can also install new hardware. Think of a modern door knocker in matte black or brushed bronze, paired with a sleek handle and matching lock.

You can also add a touch of your personality by hanging a handmade wreath or rolling out a welcome mat that has a catchy message.

4. Get New Windows

When was the last time you gave your windows a good wash? Been a while, right? Well, we aren’t surprised; windows don’t usually get the TLC they deserve. Dust streaks, spiderwebs, water stains, and cracks all affect your house’s curb appeal, and that last point might even be responsible for causing a spike in your energy bills.

So, get your windows replaced before you put up the ‘for sale’ sign. Choose from a variety of styles like single or double-hung, casement, bay, or garden windows. You can also opt for energy-efficient options like Low-E glass and Argon gas-filled panes. These will help in keeping your home comfortable while also reducing your carbon footprint.

While you’re at it, pay some attention to the window treatments, too. You can go for simple yet elegant curtains or trendy blinds and shades, depending on your personal style.

5. Work on the Lighting

Never underestimate the power of lighting. It can highlight the architectural standpoints of your home, enhance security at night, and create a serene vibe when done right. You just have to know how to use it well.

For walkways and driveways, use some low-voltage LED lights. Ground lighting, brick wall lights, and bollards will all do a great job. They’ll illuminate the path and subtly draw attention to your home’s exterior.

Wall-mounted porch lights are ideal for adding a warm glow, while spotlights can accentuate certain features like trees and fountains.

If you want to add a touch of whimsy, install lanterns, drape string lights, or DIY some mason jar candle holders to hang from your trees.

6. Resurface the Driveway

If you think no one notices the annoying potholes and alligator cracks in your driveway, you’re wrong! They call attention to themselves, especially when someone drives over them, sending a message that you don’t really care about taking care of your home.

But you can fix this problem without breaking the bank. Resurface your driveway to give it a smooth and polished look. You’ll also avoid any incidents of tripping or falling over these eyesores in the future.

If asphalt isn’t your thing, go for gravel, concrete, brick pavers, or natural stone. Which one you pick depends on your home’s architecture and your budget. For example, brick pavers will look great with traditional homes, while modern homes can sport a concrete or gravel driveway. If you go for gravel, you can enhance your drive’s aesthetics and functionality by opting for a distinguished driveway with a gravelrings gravel grid system.

The Final Word

Your home’s exterior is what gives people the first impression of your property. It can make or break a deal, so investing time and effort into it is essential.

Use these tips to make sure your home stands out from the rest on the market and attracts potential buyers with its stunning exterior. Make them fall in love at first sight!

However, we don’t recommend undertaking all of these projects at once. Plan out your budget and prioritize which areas need the most attention. This way, you won’t feel overwhelmed, and your home’s curb appeal will continue to improve over time. Remember, a little goes a long way!

Winter is just around the corner, so it’s the perfect time to update your home with the latest

trends and colour palettes to elevate your space for the darker months ahead. In winter, we

like to create a warmer, inviting environment to feel protected from the harsher weather

outside, making our living spaces a cosy oasis. Let’s take a look at the most recommended

colour trends to implement into your home this new season that will transform your space

from earth-toned bedding sets, neutral wall art and jewel-toned wallpapers.

Jewel Tones

It’s the season for jewel tones. Deep emerald greens, amethyst purples, and sapphire blues

are stealing the spotlight this winter, gaining a lot of attraction from interior designers. Not

only do these tones add a touch of sophistication and richness, but they also give off the

sense of warmth and ambience we search for in the winter months. You can consider

incorporating these jewel tones in various ways, including accent walls, velvet sofas, and

decorative accessories like throws and candles.

If you want to use jewel tones more subtly, you can introduce them in small yet impactful

ways. This could be a modern sapphire vase to house your flowers, a set of emerald green

cushions to make your neutral sofa pop or a deep amethyst rug to set apart a section of

the room. Opting for smaller elements with jewel tones gives you the opportunity to easily

swap them out for other items as and when seasons and trends change, allowing you to

refresh your home effortlessly.

Monochromatic

A colour palette that never goes out of style is monochromatic. This has always and will

continue to be a popular choice for many interior designers and homeowners alike due to

its simplicity and timelessness. This style involves choosing a singular base colour, such as

a classic staple grey and building other elements of the room with variations of this shade.

For example, you could have deep grey throw pillows, light grey flooring, and a charcoal

accent wall. Adding these variations of one colour into a room creates a chic and cohesive look that can be easily added to or changed when you want a little switch up. Their simplicity and elegance make them one of the optimal choices for a winter aesthetic. Earthy Tones Incorporate some natural, earthy tones into your home for winter if you want to create a sense of connection with the great outdoors, bringing the autumnal winter vibes inside. Warm browns, muted greens, dusky blues and burnt oranges will make your home feel like a welcoming, cosy, warm retreat the second you walk through your front door. Bring a grounding, organic look to your home with wooden furniture, knitted rugs and throws, as well as a selection of indoor plants. Soft Pastels While most often, pastels are associated with springtime and summertime, they have now found their way into the homes of many for winter interiors, too. These pastel tones offer a calming, tranquil atmosphere, often much needed in colder, darker months. Brighten up your space with soft blush pinks, pale lavenders and gentle blue and greens with the likes of wallpapers for accent walls, colourful scatter cushions and fun bedspreads. Another option you can take if you like having pastel tones in your come is combining them with neutral earthy tones. These colours can work particularly well together in bedrooms and living rooms to unwind after a long day out in the cold. Neutrals Finally, we have neutrals, a timeless colour scheme that has never gone out of style. Whether you have a modern chic home, a vintage home, an industrial home or love the Scandinavian look, neutral tones will work for you. This winter, warm neutrals like creamy whites, deep greys and soft beiges are all the hype. The hues create a calming atmosphere, providing a blissful, clean, simple backdrop that you can add to and accessorise in almost any way. These colours can be used for bigger, bulky pieces of furniture, they can be painted on the wall, or they can be accent pieces of artwork. If you have a fear of your home looking too monotonous, try adding an array of pops of colour with small pieces that work cohesively with the neutral wall art you have. Whether you opt for elegant jewel tones, calming bright pastels, or soothing earthy neutrals,

the key is to balance the colours while ensuring your home reflects your personality and style. Adding these winter interior design colour trends to your property this season will not only keep your house stylish, but also create a welcoming setting you can’t wait to return to after a long day out in the winter chill.

Are you fed up with the modern theme in most people’s homes? Do you want your home décor to look a bit more retro?

This is a quirky and fun way to design your home, allowing you to experiment with different colors, different accessories, and different items to really pull the vintage vibe together.

Unsure of where to start? Here are some interesting design ideas to help get your creative juices flowing.

The Flooring

Starting with the flooring, it has to be either carpets with rugs or tiles. Usually, the tiles are made of a lighter stone, like Quorn stone, to add brightness to the space that they are in. If you are laying carpets, opt for cream or pale colors. Try not to match the walls with the carpets, as this can overly saturate a room,

Color Scheme When you think of a vintage home, you aren’t going to think of the greys, dark reds, and vibrant teals that are seen in many homes designed to look modern. Indeed, the color scheme is paler and is a bit more pastel. So, if you want to make your living room look more vintage or retro, choose your favorite color and then find the pastel version of it. Same for all the other rooms in the house! There are no real bold colors in a vintage home, except maybe the dresses.

Antique Furniture

Truly vintage furniture can cost a fortune, and if you don’t have a fortune to spend decorating your home, it can feel very hard to get a true vintage vibe going.

However, there are some online retailers that specialize in making furniture from set decades, such as the 1920s onwards, so you can choose newly made furniture that has a vintage vibe. If you have a car, it can be worth driving around to antique stores to assess the furniture that they have available, as it can save you a fortune in shipping costs!

White Goods

Of course, what would a vintage home be without a traditional fridge, oven, and even bathroom appliances?

If you have the money to splash, here is one area where you can really up the vintage theme. Aim to look for kitchen items and bathroom items that are either based on 1950s or other vintage period furniture or opt to redesign modern pieces to fit that mold. The latter is trickier and only really recommended for those who have more than a few years of practicing DIY, as you will want the appliances to work, too! If you are having a gas oven fitted, make sure that it passes all of the required safety checks before cooking food in it!

Wall Art

OK, so vintage wall art is not going to be made from metal and look like it belongs in the Tate Modern.

In most homes that have a vintage vibe, the artwork on the walls is classic posters or even classic art pieces. Think of the 1950s posters that were advertising things like pancakes in a café or even famous brands of washing powder. Have these framed, and you’ve got yourself a nice piece of vintage wall art!

These have the advantage of being found in reprint form online for relatively low prices, so you don’t need to spend a great deal of money here!