Heartbeat of the home
What is the most important room in your home? The warring factions of my brain pick different sides in this debate. Being a dad of a young (and growing) family, we crave space for the kids’ toys and paraphernalia, but the property developer in me always keeps an eye on the modifications that will add the most value to my property.
But how can we combine the balance of family living while adding value to our homes? Over the years, our homes have continually evolved with the advent of new technologies and the ever-changing dynamics of modern family life. When I started developing, the demand was for a kitchen-dining space, but now, buyers crave vast, open living areas that can be used for cooking/dining/watching television and relaxing.
Many have opted to extend their homes to accommodate their desired open plan living space but if this isn’t possible in your home, you may consider knocking a wall through to make a larger area in which to house your kitchen/dining/relaxing space. Always consult with a professional when looking to extend or alter your home.
The ideal scenario for many is to have an open plan kitchen with a feature waterfall island and solid marble worktops: chic, classic and timeless kitchen style. Another great reason to have an island is the amount of extra cupboard space it provides. This space is priceless and can be configured to suit the needs of your household.
The truth is that beyond the square footage and location of a home, the best way to add value is through choice of finishes, staging and how space is maximised. Simple touches make a big difference: one key thing is to design lighting around the breaks in the space, which should also flow seamlessly with the furniture.
Items that enhance the staging and functionality are worthy investments. Instant hot water taps are not only a great design piece, but they also make life so much easier. I also choose appliances that run on silent mode, to protect the ambience of the space.
If you really want the ultimate kitchen/dining/living space but lack floor area, a great tip is to create an island that can be connected with the dining table. In the smaller homes we design and build, we often focus on how we can turn the island into a dining space – all in one. This can be cleverly created by a competent joiner and kitchen designer.
While solid marble worktops are timeless and beautiful, those with a young family in tow might want to opt for Corian tops to save crying over spilled red wine or felt tip pen marks (my youngest son’s new favourite new thing to do!) Corian is my go-to worktop as it’s non-porous, hygienic, heat resistant, scratch proof, stain-proof (to an extent) and is a workable material for your kitchen fitter or builder. It also comes in a range of beautiful finishes.
Choose wisely: If you are looking to renovate your kitchen space and have one eye on increasing the value, buyers always look for quality appliance brands and worktops as a benchmark.
Lounge and sleep
Creating a separate living space with an air of peaceful opulence, is often high on the discerning homeowner’s agenda. Statement fireplaces with roaring open fires or wood burning stoves create an instant cosy corner. Wood-effect fires and modern electric options are great for those who don’t have a chimney, with many styles to suit all tastes.
If you have a bay or larger windowsill, it’s time to take full advantage and turn it into the perfect reading spot. Create a beautiful window seat that can be upholstered and have storage within it. A skilled joiner and upholsterer can help you realise your vision.
When night falls, we want to retreat to the five-star luxury of our bedroom, our zen place to decompress and rest. While developing and building homes, I always look to ensure the master bedroom is big enough for a king size bed, while having ample storage space.
To add extra light and the illusion of space in a bedroom, vault the ceiling with Velux windows. Speak to a structural engineer or recommended builder to discuss your options.
* Ollie, who lives near Bolton, is the owner and founder of property development firm Pinnacle Holdings, pinnacleholdings.co.uk.
