It’s no secret that California has some of the most impressive houses in the world, but you don’t have to be a millionaire to make your home unique.
House prices are high, and many Californians are looking to renovate instead of relocate. Whether you’re looking to freshen up your space or are hoping to sell, here are 10 ways to make your home stand out.
1. Try Some Copper
Copper or brass sinks, door handles and light fixtures can be a stylish way to warm up your home. Use these accents to stand out against an otherwise neutral palette or mix and match with nickel, iron or another metal of your choice to create more dimension.
Aside from its looks, copper also has some fantastic natural properties. Studies have found copper to be antimicrobial and antifungal, adding a bonus health boost to your home.
It’s a classic choice that is far from a trend — our ancestors used copper thousands of years ago — and can be used anywhere in your home.
2. Tile Your Walls
Do you want to add some fun color and texture to your room but don’t have enough space for new furniture or decor? Add some tile to your walls.
Wall tiles can be a fun and inexpensive way to liven up a room. Go for a neutral, textured look or add bright colors to an otherwise dull area. The possibilities are endless.
One thing to note before installing this unique wall covering is that wall tiles go on differently than floor tiles — gravity can affect things when you install tiles vertically. Thankfully, there are plenty of guides for making your project look seamless.
There are also stick-on tiles for anyone who wants to try it out first or just have a less permanent solution.
3. Get a Smart Toilet
Install a smart toilet if you want to guarantee your friends will talk about your home. Starting prices are more reasonable than ever before, and you can get a commode to fit your preferences and wow your guests. You can choose from options that feature:
- Bidets
- Seat warmers
- Automatic dryers
- Bluetooth speakers
- Accent lights
- Deodorizers
- Self-cleaning features
- Automatic rising seats
4. Install Heated Floors
It’s not the first thing visitors would think of when they come to California, but when the sun goes down and it gets chilly, heated floors make you feel like you’re walking across warm sand.
Temperatures can get into the 40s in San Diego, so heated floors are a unique feature that all your late-night guests will appreciate during the winter.
Whether you choose an electric or hydronic heating system, your guests won’t even see what’s making their feet warm and toasty, but they’re sure to notice.
5. Add Wooden Roof Shingles
Replacing your roof with wooden shingles is a great way to add uniqueness & character to your home. Wood adds warmth, class, and it complements California’s vast array of flora.
A wooden roof is also a great energy saver by being an excellent insulator that can naturally keep your home warmer or cooler.
Materials like cedar are eco-friendly, sustainable, and are resistant to insects, UV rays, and moisture: perfect for Cali’s sunny climate.
6. Choose Wood Siding
Another way to add wood to your exterior is to use wooden siding. There are various options.
- Cedar siding starts with a warm tone and will weather to a silvery appearance.
- Pine, spruce and fir will brighten up your home with a light brown
- Redwood stays a rich red longer than cedar and weathers to a gray
Combine patterns or stains to give dimension to your home that will catch the eye of passersby.
7. Build an Alfresco Fireplace
Liven up your outdoor gathering space with a fireplace. Create a cozy feel while you enjoy California evenings with friends and family.
There are many options and styles to complement your patio and landscaping. Choose a tall and majestic fireplace attached to your home’s exterior or a small and straightforward feature at the end of your deck.
Whether brick, stone or clay, you can customize your outdoor fireplace to be uniquely yours.
8. Create a Driveway Garden
What if you don’t have a lot of room for landscaping? Add a fun, unique twist to your driveway by adding your plants of choice.
It may sound crazy, but putting a garden bed in between and around your driveway can add a taste of nature to your home.
If you don’t have much of a yard, adding a garden area to your driveway could improve your health by boosting your mood and encouraging you to get outside.
Adding drought-resistant plants like lavender and sage can help your driveway look lovely all year.
9. Use Under-Stair Storage
Who says you must get rid of things to have a clear space? Try installing unique, under-stair drawers.
The drawers can pull out from underneath each step on the staircase and can store almost anything. You can install them in closed-in staircases by removing the siding or faces of each step and adding the drawers or storage area.
You could even add a room underneath your stairs for storage or as a hidden play place. Add toys and a tent for a special space just for your kiddos.
Your guests will be in awe when you retrieve items from your secret treasure trove.
10. Go for a Hidden Door Bookcase
Do you have a room that you like to keep out of guests’ view or just want a cool new entry option? Try replacing your door with a bookcase.
You could DIY your handle to look like a book, but it doesn’t have to be as complicated as one of your mystery novels described. Many home stores sell doors that look like a bookshelf. Add whatever you desire to the door, seamlessly blending into your wall.
Keep it to yourself or shock your guests by using this door to lead to a private office, home theater or family room.
Make Your Home Uniquely Yours
All the design options in the Golden State can be overwhelming, but you can make your home stand out by making renovation choices that fit your family’s style and budget. It costs surprisingly little to give your home a twist that will breathe new life into your living space.
There are several ways to make your home unique, whether adding texture to a wall or giving your house some stylish insulation.
