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With the economy still stagnant and home values still declining, instead of moving around, the new trend is to redesign old rooms or change floor plans to improve them. This can give a home a fresh new feel without the expensive cost of moving in or adding a new addition.
Everyone needs more space in their closet! The small spare bedrooms next to the master suite are being converted into dramatic large walk-in closets. This is easily created by adding a door to the shared wall and adding hardwood shelves and cabinets finished with luxury cabinet accessories to the free room. The wardrobe doors in the guest room are removed and wooden shelves or sideboards are inserted to add more space to the closet. Large three-way mirrors, plush armchairs and ottomans are added to complete the dressing room and give it a luxurious feel.
Another common use for that additional bedroom is to create a living room for the master suite. The shared wall between the master and spare bedrooms is removed and finished with trim work. A high-backed daybed and chairs with matching coffee tables add to the living room along with plush drapes, accent pillows, and rugs that match the master bedroom accessories.
On the main floor, the laundry room can be converted to a mud room complete with a bench, hooks, and cubbies to keep everything neatly organized. So where did the laundry go? Most of the time, the laundry room is moved to the basement and updated with built-in cabinets and granite countertops.
Solariums and three-season rooms are restructured with better windows and insulation and converted into family rooms or game rooms. In fact, I had a friend who added underfloor heating floors finished with bamboo wood. The room was decorated with a dark suede sectional sofa, dark wood coffee table, and black bar table with chairs, with candles and low-wattage floor lamps to give it an intimate feel.
Other rooms, such as dining rooms or living rooms, are redesigned in the home office. Walls between dining rooms, living rooms, and / or family rooms are removed and combined to create large, spacious spaces with built-in shelves and cabinets to make sink bars or bookcases.
With the effects of a downward spiraling economy, more homeowners are choosing to redesign and upgrade rooms to give their home a bold new look.
