How To Bring Your Home Into The 21st Century
Homes have evolved quite rapidly in the last two decades. They are more tech-heavy and also more eco-friendly. Several previous decor trends that were once popular are also now officially retired. Have you been keeping up with these changes? Or is your home out of touch? If you think your home is stuck in the past, here are just a few upgrades that you can make to bring your home into the 21st Century.
Embrace smart tech
Adding some smart home tech could be one way to modernize your home. This is technology that you can control and monitor using devices such as your smartphone. Simple examples of smart tech include portable smart speakers and smart TVs. More elaborate forms of smart home tech include smart surround sound systems, smart lighting, smart HVAC and smart locks/alarms on doors. Consider the ways in which you could benefit the most from smart tech.
Install solar panels
Energy providers are charging more and more. Meanwhile, we’re all being urged to reduce our carbon footprints to fend off climate change. A solution to both these problems that is becoming more common in households is installing solar panels. Solar panels can save you money on your bills and help save the planet by harvesting energy from the sun. Installation can be quite expensive, but they’ll pay off in the long run. Take the time to compare solar plans to find the best deal.
Upgrade ancient appliances
Are you clinging onto appliances that you bought before the turn of the millennium? On top of looking dated, these appliances are likely consuming huge amounts of energy. Modern appliances are much more energy efficient. You could also find that modern appliances are quieter and a lot easier to maintain.
Switch to LED bulbs
If you’re still using old incandescent bulbs in your home, it’s time to switch them to LEDs. While LED bulbs may cost more to buy, they are longer-lasting and use much less energy to provide the same amount (if not greater amount of) illumination. LED bulbs are available in various shapes, including vintage style bulbs for those that want to maintain a retro look.
Update these dated décor features…
There are some old features in homes that are worth preserving. This includes period structural features like original timber windows and original fireplaces that serve as a piece of history. Meanwhile, certain furniture and ornaments may have a vintage or antique appeal. These are the features that don’t need updating. However, there could be other features within your home that simply look dated and don’t have any retro appeal. These features will only serve to bring down the value of your home and make your home less attractive to guests. Some of the features worth getting rid of include:
- Popcorn ceilings
- Heavy floral curtains
- Pre-2000s wallpaper
- Linoleum flooring
- Original glass block walls
- Worn, stained carpets
- Rickety steel bedframes
- Chunky televisions and computer monitors
- Separate hot and cold faucets (instead of mixer faucets)
- ‘Live laugh love’ signs and wall decals
