While house shopping, many houses can start to look the same. Or maybe your current house is feeling a bit ho-hum. You want that “Wow” factor in a home. Let’s hear, “Wow, this is beautiful!” Instead of “Oh, that’s nice”. If you find a house with these great statement pieces in place already, fantastic! If not, they can be an easy add on to your new or current house. They can also add value if done the right way. Think about the many possibilities of what a home can be. Here are a few key statement pieces that are sure to add some wow factor to any home.
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1.) Windows
Gorgeous, large windows can add a lot of value. They welcome natural light and character. When added to a small room, windows will open that room right up. Just make sure of the placement – as you will still need to account for where furniture will go.
Windows can be pricey, but don’t cheap out on them. Go for a reputable window specialty company such as Pella or Anderson and buy for value. You want these windows to last a long time, with minimal rust and fading.
Black trim is becoming a more popular choice these days. They look sleek and modern. You can choose to have black on the outer window, with white or wood inside to go with your decor. Black is a nice look – mainly if you are ready to replace all of your windows, otherwise it just won’t look right if they all don’t match.
If you have a room with a view, great windows are a must. The indoor – outdoor feel will add to the whole dynamic of the room and feel spacious and open. Natural sunlight is known to energize and put us in a good mood, so go for it!
2.) Built-Ins
Built-ins are usually shelving that is built into the house, so it is a permanent fixture that is sold with the home. It can be nice to have a special spot that is unlike any other house, where you can put all of your books, knickknacks, pictures, and more. If you are handy, you can make your own! Just make sure you really want them in that certain spot, because they won’t be moving!
Having beautifully done built ins can add so much wow factor to a home. Maybe there are built ins around the fireplace, or as a room divider. Or a wall of shelving in the office/library. Closets with built-ins are great for organization and space saving.
3.) Colored Cabinets
The great thing about painting cabinets, is that they can always be changed! We found that spray paint worked best on our wood cabinets. It gave an instant update to our 50’s kitchen when we bought our house. Everyone is going white right now- but that is a fad that is already fading out. Now everyone wants to brighten up their kitchens, and color can be a bold and powerful statement.
The most popular colors for cabinets are in the gray, blue, and green families. I have seen them done nicely in black, too though – but that can be tricky. When we do our kitchen renovation, we are going with blue cabinets and I’m so excited for it! The key is to keep other colors, such as the back splash and counters lighter, as not to make the room too dark. You want the cabinets to really pop, and walk into the room thinking, “Wow!”.
Nervous about a big color change? Start with the island and see how you like it. This will still add a dash of color and bring some excitement to your kitchen. Or try it out in the bathroom! Thinking of exploring stain instead? Read about paint vs. stain here, and learn about what each has to offer.
4.) Fireplace
An impressive fireplace is always a go-to statement piece. It’s where people gather and enjoy each other’s company. Does the house you just bought have a fireplace? Make sure to get the flue cleaned and ready for use.
There are many great ways to update an older fireplace, while still keeping it functional. White washing and adding a great wood mantel will help. Extending it to the ceiling adds another element of the wow factor. Wrap it in reclaimed wood for a special touch.
Putting a fireplace in? Decide if you’d like to add wood burning or a gas insert. Whatever you decide, the outcome will not only be beautiful, but also warm and cozy! The comfort from a fireplace is like no other. Add a T.V. over it, grab a blanket and relax. Or add some artwork, bring a good book and snuggle in.
5.) Flooring
Looking to add a little something to a small space? Make a statement with a fun tile. If you’re only doing a small area such as an entryway, bathroom or laundry room; go for something fun! Go ahead and pick a pattern or print that goes with your decor. A little something extra will go a long way in terms of style and wow factor.
Wood floors throughout a house are always sought after. Many people are even opting to go for wood floors in their kitchen. We are going to try it out in our kitchen actually. The regular old wood floors are a bit boring though…try going with a wide plank then sanding and staining your wood floors a bit darker for a real treat.
6.) Range Hood
Once you start looking at kitchen upgrades, you will see some amazing range hoods. I bet you didn’t know you needed a beautiful one…but you do! Ok, you don’t need one, but it can be such a wow factor for your kitchen. A microwave over your stove seems so lame once you see what kind of range hoods there are out there.
Custom range hoods come in all kind of beautiful colors and styles. They do range from about $2,000 to $4,000 – so keep that in mind when budgeting. I’m looking into a copper one myself! Keep an open mind and let yourself imagine something fun, but make sure it goes with your kitchen style.
A nice looking chimney range hood can still add a nice statement without the extra cost though! Black cabinets, chimney range hood, beautiful. Love the color scheme with the pop of red and the wooden windows.
Try one, or try them all! These statement pieces can be done in an array of ways to personalize to your style. Add character and beauty to your home – without a huge overhaul. Enjoy them yourself, and feel confident that they are adding value to your home. Make sure to take before and after pics!
7 thoughts on “Make a Statement – Add a Wow Factor to Your Home”
What beautiful homes! Thanks for sharing your tips!
So loving the coloured cabinets and fireplace!
Such great tips! I really need to add some WOW to my home. Perhaps with an accent wall.
This is a great article. Lots of good, common sense advice. I love the blue cabinets with the white walls, fabulous!
Wow, you really know your stuff! I am a big believer in lots of natural light with windows. I would also love to re-do our kitchen, but I think I’ll be waiting a while for that 😉
A fireplace is definitely on my wish list when I move into my new home!
The “Wow” factor is something that I am definitely looking for.
We are planning to move in a bigger apartment soon, and I am really worried about house shopping. Everything out there looks all the same…and I want something cool, different, art…I think that colored cabinets can give a lot of spirit to our new place. Character and beauty, every home needs that.