Don't Move, Improve! How to Step Back and Assess Your Home
Step back and see your house with fresh eyes so you can achieve a true transformation without moving house
Have you ever decided to list your house for sale then all of a sudden started to see your home with fresh eyes? You may start to notice all the things you’ve happily lived with for years: the grout in the bathroom is dirty, the gutters need replacing and the concrete driveway is falling apart. It’s the reason so many people do up their house for sale then wish they could stay living there themselves – but you don’t have to move to start afresh, you can do some simple improvements instead.
Street appeal
Head outside, stand on the other side of your street and look back at your house. What is the first thing you notice? What do you like and what needs improving? Are there any simple fix-ups you could do to increase your street appeal? Consider what could you do for minimal investment and maximum impact.
Head outside, stand on the other side of your street and look back at your house. What is the first thing you notice? What do you like and what needs improving? Are there any simple fix-ups you could do to increase your street appeal? Consider what could you do for minimal investment and maximum impact.
Front door
Walk up to where your front door is and stand there for a little while. Have a look around and try to see your front door with fresh eyes. Does it need a few plants flanking your entrance? Is it easy for guests to find your doorbell and is the area welcoming? Do you need to clear cobwebs, weed your front garden or paint the door with a fresh colour?
Pro Panel: Secrets to Choosing a New Front Door
Walk up to where your front door is and stand there for a little while. Have a look around and try to see your front door with fresh eyes. Does it need a few plants flanking your entrance? Is it easy for guests to find your doorbell and is the area welcoming? Do you need to clear cobwebs, weed your front garden or paint the door with a fresh colour?
Pro Panel: Secrets to Choosing a New Front Door
Walls and artwork
What you have on your walls will be practically invisible to you – you’ve likely become so used to any artworks on display that you no longer ‘see’ them. So take a slow walk through your house and try to see your walls with fresh eyes.
What you have on your walls will be practically invisible to you – you’ve likely become so used to any artworks on display that you no longer ‘see’ them. So take a slow walk through your house and try to see your walls with fresh eyes.
Remove any photos or artworks you no longer love. Straighten those you do. Are there walls that need a wipe down from muddy finger prints?
Do you have family photos or artwork that you’ve been meaning to hang but haven’t gotten around to yet? Spend 10 minutes giving your walls a bit of love – you’ll be so glad you did.
Do you have family photos or artwork that you’ve been meaning to hang but haven’t gotten around to yet? Spend 10 minutes giving your walls a bit of love – you’ll be so glad you did.
Furniture
I love helping my clients see their furniture with fresh eyes. Most homes I go into have pieces of furniture that are superfluous, but until I point it out many clients had not noticed. It’s often a coffee table, bookshelf or sofa. So as you wander through your house, be realistic about any pieces you can let go of so you can enjoy the space in your home.
I love helping my clients see their furniture with fresh eyes. Most homes I go into have pieces of furniture that are superfluous, but until I point it out many clients had not noticed. It’s often a coffee table, bookshelf or sofa. So as you wander through your house, be realistic about any pieces you can let go of so you can enjoy the space in your home.
Do you need to rearrange your furniture so your rooms flow better? Many people go decades with their furniture in exactly the same places, so get creative and see if there’s a new way you could arrange your home’s furnishings.
The Golden Rules of Proportion: Decor Laws You Need to Know
The Golden Rules of Proportion: Decor Laws You Need to Know
Garden and backyard
This step is to literally stop and smell the roses. I want you to take a slow walk around your backyard, seeing everything with fresh eyes. Look at your fences, gardens, paths, gates and any toys in your backyard. What can you declutter with the purpose of making your garden or backyard more enjoyable to be in?
This step is to literally stop and smell the roses. I want you to take a slow walk around your backyard, seeing everything with fresh eyes. Look at your fences, gardens, paths, gates and any toys in your backyard. What can you declutter with the purpose of making your garden or backyard more enjoyable to be in?
Are there old or broken garden pieces that can be recycled? Has your trampoline seen better days or do you have flat basketballs in your garden beds? A slow walk around the garden will help you see your outdoor space as though you’re viewing it for the first time.
Outdoor Fix-Ups: Improving Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor Fix-Ups: Improving Outdoor Lighting
Once you’ve seen your home with fresh eyes, don’t be overwhelmed with everything that needs doing, just tackle the small jobs first and enjoy the difference that even a few improvements will make.
Your turn
Tell us your tips for seeing your home with fresh eyes in the Comments below and share this story with the people you live with. And while you’re at it, like this story, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Need some expert advice to devise a home-organisation system? Find a professional organiser in your area who can guide you
Your turn
Tell us your tips for seeing your home with fresh eyes in the Comments below and share this story with the people you live with. And while you’re at it, like this story, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Need some expert advice to devise a home-organisation system? Find a professional organiser in your area who can guide you
As a professional organiser I help people see their homes with fresh eyes so they can make intentional decisions about what to keep and what to let go of. Seeing your home with fresh eyes is actually quite simple, and the improvements you make can change its entire feel.
Need a fresh new vibe for your home? Find an interior designer or decorator near you on Houzz to give your home a makeover