HOME DESIGN: Is it wise to invest money in your home during these economic times? Part 2/3

I feel really encouraged after reading the comments from our readers in the first portion of this post. The comments definitely reflect the reality of our industry and where we are now as a society.

Here is the second part of the entry.

Iván Meade - Does colour play an important part when buyers are viewing your home?

Brenda Russell - Absolutely. Human beings have colour vision and they respond to the colours around them. The colours in a room can make you happy, uncomfortable, relaxed or jumpy as well as making the room seem larger or smaller or open or closed.

Roger Jones - Definitely - certain colours can be completely off-putting to a prospective buyer while others create an environment in which the buyer can envision their own lifestyle.

Tony Joe - Yes. Bold colours can often lead to distraction from the other positive attributes of the home so selecting a palate which is current and tasteful yet neutral are important. Remember to play for a large audience, not a small one.

Before & After Wilson Penthouse – Meade Design Group

Iván Meade - What is the most popular architectural and interior design styles in homes right now?

Brenda Russell - Eco - consciousness. Modular. Interiors are clean lined and uncluttered. On the other hand, there are places like Oak Bay where there are still a great many traditional style homes with comfy and inviting interiors.

Roger Jones - Clean, uncluttered lines and quality finishes and fixtures are always in style - the richness of dark wood (flooring and cabinetry) continues to be popular.

Tony Joe - Angular surfaces, glass elements in back splashes and counters, industrial themed lighting and plumbing fixtures. Owners and builders are incorporating more and more sustainable green aspects to homes today.

Before & After Shoal Point – Meade Design Group

Iván Meade - Do you think they will have longevity?

Brenda Russell - Well, the Buddhists say that nothing lasts so in the larger philosophical sense I guess that is the way of all things but Traditional is called that for a reason and the planet is demanding that we pay attention to the environment so I think they are here to stay. As for interior designs, comfort, simplicity and style always dictate. Luckily just how to do that seems to know no bounds in terms of creativity so we can always spruce up the cave.

Roger Jones - With the trends toward more streamlined living spaces and greater quality, well organized and uncluttered interior spaces will stand the test of time. As far as flooring and other materials, we should continue to see all kinds of great new sustainable products for the home which are both good for the environment and help to promote a healthy home environment.

Tony Joe - Since there appears to be some degree of ‘retro’ in texture and shapes, I believe so. It’s amazing how the architectural designs and construction of the 80s and early 90s have not aged well at all.

Before & After Meade Design Group Studio

Iván Meade - When is it the right decision to improve rather than move and vice versa? Whether it be adding square footage, the ability to rent space or just changing materials.

Brenda Russell - There is no formula unless you are a developer or something. For regular citizens a home is a very complex emotional center as well as often being the largest asset and liability a person has. As a home it gives you safety and security and warmth and comfort and history. Dealing with it takes money and a bank and business thinking. Living in it takes love.

Roger Jones - A home owner basically must consider what investment is required in order to make the necessary improvements to the property and then determine realistically whether the end result will justify that investment. Will the home be worth the sum of the current market value plus renovation costs? Are you able to increase the usable living space of the home by enough to warrant an addition or significant renovation? Does the rest of the neighbourhood justify the type of improvements being considered?

Tony Joe - Location here is key. Oftentimes a move cannot replicate a fantastic location so renovation in such cases is beneficial. Just be careful not to improve beyond what can be sustained in the immediate vicinity.
Increasing square footage is traditionally the only true way to add value to a home.