Making the Most of Home Surroundings

With declined home prices and a stagnated real estate market, many homeowners are resigned to the fact that they may be hunkering down in their existing homes for a while. Instead of indulging in the mentality of feeling stuck, how can this challenge become an opportunity to “love the one you’re with” as Stephen Stills of Crosby, Stills and Nash would say? How can we make the most of home surroundings and how does that translate for you and your homestead?

Perhaps it’s time for that dream addition, complete with kitchen and great room, to add a gathering space, accommodate a growing family or enhance flow for entertaining.

It could mean it’s time to take advantage of unused space by finishing off a basement area for a play room, exercise suite, home office or media room, complete with projection TV and gaming center for the family.

Sometimes enhancing décor can add that necessary pop to freshen up living spaces, such as new floor coverings, a revitalizing coat of paint, countertop upgrades, cabinet re-finishing or some tile accents.

Maybe it means investigating aging-in-place options such as bathroom solutions, lifts and remodeling adjustments to comfortably extend the stay in your home.

Keeping up your current property can become a priority as well, in anticipation of a more positive housing market. Maintaining mechanicals, heating and air conditioning, plumbing, electric, roofing, waterproofing, windows and insulation can make your nest more comfortable now and situate your home in a more favorable position for potential buyers when the time is right.

If you are ready to make the most of home surroundings, The Old House New House Home Show is the place to be. Catch the spark of creative inspiration from award-winning contractors, skilled architects, innovative remodelers, interior designers, professional painters, landscapers, custom cabinet makers and accomplished craftsmen. These specialized experts have the tools to transform, expand, update and customize your home environment. We hope your visit to The Old House New House Home Show provides you with ideas to optimize home living, sweeten your surroundings and make the most of your home.

Laura McNamara has been collaborating on The Old House New House Home Show since 1992. When she is not working, she is living The Old House New House dream, improving, beautifying, re-habbing and restoring her 1938 west-suburban fixer upper with her family and plenty of help from the experts.