3 Great Ways to Make Your New House Comfortable for the Whole Family

Have you just moved into a new house, or are planning to do so in the near future? As soon as you move in, you’ll naturally want to put your own stamp on the place and make everything perfect for your family. Here are three great improvement projects that will maximize your family's comfort in your new home.

1. Upgrade Your Outdoor Space

Enhancing your landscaping and adding outdoor living features is an important part of the complete architectural design process as you renovate your new home to fit your family’s lifestyle. Consulting with professional designers will help you create a private, lush yard that will become your family’s go-to location for fun and relaxation. Begin the update by creating privacy in your yard – an attractive fence, paired with dense hedges or climbing vines will create a living wall that will block unsightly sounds or views and keep your yard secure.

Adding fun features to your outdoor space depends upon your budget and the area you have available in your yard. A simple patio is something can become a comfortable outdoor living space with the addition of durable furniture and lighting. Solar-powered lanterns and string lights will give the area a warm and cozy glow after the sun goes down. If you have an expanded budget and expansive space, consider installing a pool with an adjoining spa, an outdoor kitchen or even a fire pit area to encourage your family to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors.

2. Remodel the Kitchen

Every kitchen gets a lot of use – whether you’re preparing a simple breakfast or you’re cooking for a large gathering of your closest friends, a functional kitchen is essential for every family home. This is a project that can go over budget very, very quickly, and that’s why it’s important to be strategic about what you choose to improve.

Start your remodel with the elements of your kitchen that you’ll use the most – the appliances. Replacing your old appliances with energy-efficient options is a great way to improve the functionality of your kitchen. As an added bonus, you’ll also enjoy a great monthly savings in your energy bills. You can also consider making cosmetic upgrades to elevate the style of your cooking and eating space. If countertop replacement is in the budget, quartz or limestone countertops are excellent alternatives to the ubiquitous granite. Updating the lighting will also give your kitchen a unique touch. Place LED strips below the countertops and right above the toe-kick for an interesting effect. As always, make design decisions that mesh well with the overall style of your home.

3. Improve or Add Bathrooms

If your new home doesn’t have enough bathrooms to accommodate each member of the family, as well as your guests, there are a few ways you can add a bathroom even if you don’t have a lot of extra space. Unused closets, pantries or laundry rooms with some unused space are perfect candidates for a half bathroom conversion. In some cases, you may even be able to fit a shower in your new bathroom.

You’ll want to start the project by hiring a professional plumber to divert plumbing lines where you’ll need them. Don’t worry if you only have a small space to use, such as a closet – there are space-saving techniques that can make a tiny bathroom totally usable. Design a layout that places the sink on the same wall as the toilet to conserve floor space. Another great space-saving option utilizes the corners of the room. You can place the toilet in the corner of the new bathroom to improve the clearance for the door swing. Alternatively, pair a corner toilet with a toilet sink, then use a pocket door for maximum space conservation. If you’re enhancing the use of your laundry room by turning it into a half bath, place the toilet in a nook and add privacy by installing a pocket door.

The right home improvements can enhance your everyday living environment, surrounding yourself with beauty and comfort. By following these tips – and getting a little creative, too – you’ll turn your new house into your family’s true forever home.