Home trends that need to end How to add value to your home via the right renovations

James MacSmith 02 DEC 2019

You have to read the market right if you want to add value to your home Picture

Murray Fredericks

Itrsquos time to buck those (eye-roll) home trends that just arenrsquot trendy and instead move to add

something to your home that will actually add value

Thatrsquos the message from Andrew Winter star of TV shows Love It or List It and Selling

Houses Australia as he sifts through the contemporary changes in modern home design

The former real estate agent and Gold Logie nominee has been at the coalface of change in

the property realm while filming the latest series of the Foxtelrsquos hit Love It or List It And

there are some trends out there he really likes and well there are some that he doesnrsquot

This is what he believes will and what wonrsquot add value to your home

What will and what wonrsquot add value to your home Picture Murray Fredericks

WHAT DOESNrsquoT ADD VALUE

The butlerrsquos pantry

ldquoIrsquom not quite sure why but the butlerrsquos pantry has come into voguerdquo Mr Winter said

ldquoItrsquos not market-led itrsquos design-led Itrsquos a concept thing Itrsquos somewhere to put your dirty

dishes stack other things to do your messy prep and keep things out of the way when are

entertainingrdquo

However he feels the space could be put to better use

The butlerrsquos pantry hellip forget about it

ldquoDo you really want to be hidden over there when you are entertaining or cooking for the

familyrdquo Mr Winter asks

ldquoWhere therersquos a lack of natural light you can use that space instead for a second fridge or

even overflow storage That makes more sense

ldquoOr even open that area up for something that is aesthetically pleasing and useful

ldquoAn alternative is the corner pantry which is something we all had as kids but you donrsquot see

anymore They can be great for storagerdquo

Can the media room unless you own a mansion

The media room

Media rooms have traditionally been something of a mansion trophy room for those who

could afford them But like the butlerrsquos pantry they too have crept into the property

mainstream

ldquoCan we please just stop with the media roomrdquo Mr Winter pleads

ldquoUnless you have a mansion itrsquos not a good idea Itrsquos a dated feature and it doesnrsquot add value

to your home Yoursquore better off having that living area or that second living room that can be

put to better use

ldquoIf you have toddlers they can play and all their toys can be stored there out of the way Or if

you have teenagers they can go there and be on their own away from parentsrdquo

Now for the renovations or refurbs that can add value to your home

Andrew Winter the star of Love It or List It and Selling Houses Australia

Picture Eric Milliken

WHAT DOES ADD VALUE

A skylight

These are not the skylights that you used to know mdash the ones that could fog up when it was

cold or wet The ones that might let the rain in during the bigger storms The ones that could

crack under rain hail or shine

No the modern sky light has ushered us into a whole new perhaps Blade Runner-style of

existence

ldquoThe sky light was a feature in Australian homes from the lsquo60s through to the lsquo00s but the

ones you can buy now are very differentrdquo Mr Winter said

ldquoYou can buy intelligent skylights now and also hybridsrdquo

The higher ceilings in modern properties and technology have opened up more possibilities

for skylights Intelligent skylights allow for both low and high angled light to be absorbed

that results in more light at any time of the day Hybrids are ideal for situation where

traditional skylights are impossible to install or not appropriate

ldquoThese new skylights can light up dull areas and you can see the sky We are starting to see it

used a lot in designrdquo Mr Winter said

Todayrsquos skylights are something else Picture Supplied

A second ensuite

This is a design change or addition that can add to the quality of your lifestyle andor put

more money in your pocket

ldquoDesigns are incorporating more four bedroom (homes) these daysrdquo Mr Winter said

ldquoWith the second bed with an ensuite that has access to the living area Itrsquos like a second

master suite you could have for a relative a guest even a lodger Itrsquos a self-contained space

it adds value to the home and can give you an income It can be lucrative If you are

renovating it adds great potential in lots of areas

ldquoIn a coastal town for example with holidays it gives you options and again adds value to

the homerdquo

The right bathroom can add significant value to your home

Urbane principal and founder George Nikos a sellerrsquos agent who specialises in Sydneyrsquos

inner west has seen first hand the impact updated bathrooms can have upon sales in

metropolitan areas

ldquoMost people think itrsquos the kitchen that can add value to the home but in most cases it is the

bathroomrdquo he said

ldquoA renovated bathroom or a second bathroom is one of the best ways to add value to a

home And these days there is so much you can do with a bathroom It adds value but it can

also help to create a better style of living for you and your familyrdquo

The time is right to get yourself a three-storey home

Three-storey houses

ldquoAs an ex-Brit I am used to seeing three-storey houses and now we are starting to see more of

it here in Australiardquo Mr Winter said

ldquoIf you are on a sub 400 sq m block and you donrsquot want to use the whole block for example

itrsquos an option to go up depending of course on zoning

ldquoAnd wersquore seeing it in more in urban and central areasrdquo

Love It or List It airs on the Lifestyle Channel and will be available to stream On Demand

on Foxtel

01 DEC 2019

Out-there apartment a hit with bold buyers

The butlerrsquos pantry hellip forget about it

ldquoDo you really want to be hidden over there when you are entertaining or cooking for the

familyrdquo Mr Winter asks

ldquoWhere therersquos a lack of natural light you can use that space instead for a second fridge or

even overflow storage That makes more sense

ldquoOr even open that area up for something that is aesthetically pleasing and useful

ldquoAn alternative is the corner pantry which is something we all had as kids but you donrsquot see

anymore They can be great for storagerdquo

Can the media room unless you own a mansion

The media room

Media rooms have traditionally been something of a mansion trophy room for those who

could afford them But like the butlerrsquos pantry they too have crept into the property

mainstream

ldquoCan we please just stop with the media roomrdquo Mr Winter pleads

ldquoUnless you have a mansion itrsquos not a good idea Itrsquos a dated feature and it doesnrsquot add value

to your home Yoursquore better off having that living area or that second living room that can be

put to better use

ldquoIf you have toddlers they can play and all their toys can be stored there out of the way Or if

you have teenagers they can go there and be on their own away from parentsrdquo

Now for the renovations or refurbs that can add value to your home

Andrew Winter the star of Love It or List It and Selling Houses Australia

Picture Eric Milliken

WHAT DOES ADD VALUE

A skylight

These are not the skylights that you used to know mdash the ones that could fog up when it was

cold or wet The ones that might let the rain in during the bigger storms The ones that could

crack under rain hail or shine

No the modern sky light has ushered us into a whole new perhaps Blade Runner-style of

existence

ldquoThe sky light was a feature in Australian homes from the lsquo60s through to the lsquo00s but the

ones you can buy now are very differentrdquo Mr Winter said

ldquoYou can buy intelligent skylights now and also hybridsrdquo

The higher ceilings in modern properties and technology have opened up more possibilities

for skylights Intelligent skylights allow for both low and high angled light to be absorbed

that results in more light at any time of the day Hybrids are ideal for situation where

traditional skylights are impossible to install or not appropriate

ldquoThese new skylights can light up dull areas and you can see the sky We are starting to see it

used a lot in designrdquo Mr Winter said

Todayrsquos skylights are something else Picture Supplied

A second ensuite

This is a design change or addition that can add to the quality of your lifestyle andor put

more money in your pocket

ldquoDesigns are incorporating more four bedroom (homes) these daysrdquo Mr Winter said

ldquoWith the second bed with an ensuite that has access to the living area Itrsquos like a second

master suite you could have for a relative a guest even a lodger Itrsquos a self-contained space

it adds value to the home and can give you an income It can be lucrative If you are

renovating it adds great potential in lots of areas

ldquoIn a coastal town for example with holidays it gives you options and again adds value to

the homerdquo

The right bathroom can add significant value to your home

Urbane principal and founder George Nikos a sellerrsquos agent who specialises in Sydneyrsquos

inner west has seen first hand the impact updated bathrooms can have upon sales in

metropolitan areas

ldquoMost people think itrsquos the kitchen that can add value to the home but in most cases it is the

bathroomrdquo he said

ldquoA renovated bathroom or a second bathroom is one of the best ways to add value to a

home And these days there is so much you can do with a bathroom It adds value but it can

also help to create a better style of living for you and your familyrdquo

The time is right to get yourself a three-storey home

Three-storey houses

ldquoAs an ex-Brit I am used to seeing three-storey houses and now we are starting to see more of

it here in Australiardquo Mr Winter said

ldquoIf you are on a sub 400 sq m block and you donrsquot want to use the whole block for example

itrsquos an option to go up depending of course on zoning

ldquoAnd wersquore seeing it in more in urban and central areasrdquo

Love It or List It airs on the Lifestyle Channel and will be available to stream On Demand

on Foxtel

01 DEC 2019

Out-there apartment a hit with bold buyers

Can the media room unless you own a mansion

The media room

Media rooms have traditionally been something of a mansion trophy room for those who

could afford them But like the butlerrsquos pantry they too have crept into the property

mainstream

ldquoCan we please just stop with the media roomrdquo Mr Winter pleads

ldquoUnless you have a mansion itrsquos not a good idea Itrsquos a dated feature and it doesnrsquot add value

to your home Yoursquore better off having that living area or that second living room that can be

put to better use

ldquoIf you have toddlers they can play and all their toys can be stored there out of the way Or if

you have teenagers they can go there and be on their own away from parentsrdquo

Now for the renovations or refurbs that can add value to your home

Andrew Winter the star of Love It or List It and Selling Houses Australia

Picture Eric Milliken

WHAT DOES ADD VALUE

A skylight

These are not the skylights that you used to know mdash the ones that could fog up when it was

cold or wet The ones that might let the rain in during the bigger storms The ones that could

crack under rain hail or shine

No the modern sky light has ushered us into a whole new perhaps Blade Runner-style of

existence

ldquoThe sky light was a feature in Australian homes from the lsquo60s through to the lsquo00s but the

ones you can buy now are very differentrdquo Mr Winter said

ldquoYou can buy intelligent skylights now and also hybridsrdquo

The higher ceilings in modern properties and technology have opened up more possibilities

for skylights Intelligent skylights allow for both low and high angled light to be absorbed

that results in more light at any time of the day Hybrids are ideal for situation where

traditional skylights are impossible to install or not appropriate

ldquoThese new skylights can light up dull areas and you can see the sky We are starting to see it

used a lot in designrdquo Mr Winter said

Todayrsquos skylights are something else Picture Supplied

A second ensuite

This is a design change or addition that can add to the quality of your lifestyle andor put

more money in your pocket

ldquoDesigns are incorporating more four bedroom (homes) these daysrdquo Mr Winter said

ldquoWith the second bed with an ensuite that has access to the living area Itrsquos like a second

master suite you could have for a relative a guest even a lodger Itrsquos a self-contained space

it adds value to the home and can give you an income It can be lucrative If you are

renovating it adds great potential in lots of areas

ldquoIn a coastal town for example with holidays it gives you options and again adds value to

the homerdquo

The right bathroom can add significant value to your home

Urbane principal and founder George Nikos a sellerrsquos agent who specialises in Sydneyrsquos

inner west has seen first hand the impact updated bathrooms can have upon sales in

metropolitan areas

ldquoMost people think itrsquos the kitchen that can add value to the home but in most cases it is the

bathroomrdquo he said

ldquoA renovated bathroom or a second bathroom is one of the best ways to add value to a

home And these days there is so much you can do with a bathroom It adds value but it can

also help to create a better style of living for you and your familyrdquo

The time is right to get yourself a three-storey home

Three-storey houses

ldquoAs an ex-Brit I am used to seeing three-storey houses and now we are starting to see more of

it here in Australiardquo Mr Winter said

ldquoIf you are on a sub 400 sq m block and you donrsquot want to use the whole block for example

itrsquos an option to go up depending of course on zoning

ldquoAnd wersquore seeing it in more in urban and central areasrdquo

Love It or List It airs on the Lifestyle Channel and will be available to stream On Demand

on Foxtel

01 DEC 2019

Out-there apartment a hit with bold buyers

Andrew Winter the star of Love It or List It and Selling Houses Australia

Picture Eric Milliken

WHAT DOES ADD VALUE

A skylight

These are not the skylights that you used to know mdash the ones that could fog up when it was

cold or wet The ones that might let the rain in during the bigger storms The ones that could

crack under rain hail or shine

No the modern sky light has ushered us into a whole new perhaps Blade Runner-style of

existence

ldquoThe sky light was a feature in Australian homes from the lsquo60s through to the lsquo00s but the

ones you can buy now are very differentrdquo Mr Winter said

ldquoYou can buy intelligent skylights now and also hybridsrdquo

The higher ceilings in modern properties and technology have opened up more possibilities

for skylights Intelligent skylights allow for both low and high angled light to be absorbed

that results in more light at any time of the day Hybrids are ideal for situation where

traditional skylights are impossible to install or not appropriate

ldquoThese new skylights can light up dull areas and you can see the sky We are starting to see it

used a lot in designrdquo Mr Winter said

Todayrsquos skylights are something else Picture Supplied

A second ensuite

This is a design change or addition that can add to the quality of your lifestyle andor put

more money in your pocket

ldquoDesigns are incorporating more four bedroom (homes) these daysrdquo Mr Winter said

ldquoWith the second bed with an ensuite that has access to the living area Itrsquos like a second

master suite you could have for a relative a guest even a lodger Itrsquos a self-contained space

it adds value to the home and can give you an income It can be lucrative If you are

renovating it adds great potential in lots of areas

ldquoIn a coastal town for example with holidays it gives you options and again adds value to

the homerdquo

The right bathroom can add significant value to your home

Urbane principal and founder George Nikos a sellerrsquos agent who specialises in Sydneyrsquos

inner west has seen first hand the impact updated bathrooms can have upon sales in

metropolitan areas

ldquoMost people think itrsquos the kitchen that can add value to the home but in most cases it is the

bathroomrdquo he said

ldquoA renovated bathroom or a second bathroom is one of the best ways to add value to a

home And these days there is so much you can do with a bathroom It adds value but it can

also help to create a better style of living for you and your familyrdquo

The time is right to get yourself a three-storey home

Three-storey houses

ldquoAs an ex-Brit I am used to seeing three-storey houses and now we are starting to see more of

it here in Australiardquo Mr Winter said

ldquoIf you are on a sub 400 sq m block and you donrsquot want to use the whole block for example

itrsquos an option to go up depending of course on zoning

ldquoAnd wersquore seeing it in more in urban and central areasrdquo

Love It or List It airs on the Lifestyle Channel and will be available to stream On Demand

on Foxtel

01 DEC 2019

Out-there apartment a hit with bold buyers

Todayrsquos skylights are something else Picture Supplied

A second ensuite

This is a design change or addition that can add to the quality of your lifestyle andor put

more money in your pocket

ldquoDesigns are incorporating more four bedroom (homes) these daysrdquo Mr Winter said

ldquoWith the second bed with an ensuite that has access to the living area Itrsquos like a second

master suite you could have for a relative a guest even a lodger Itrsquos a self-contained space

it adds value to the home and can give you an income It can be lucrative If you are

renovating it adds great potential in lots of areas

ldquoIn a coastal town for example with holidays it gives you options and again adds value to

the homerdquo

The right bathroom can add significant value to your home

Urbane principal and founder George Nikos a sellerrsquos agent who specialises in Sydneyrsquos

inner west has seen first hand the impact updated bathrooms can have upon sales in

metropolitan areas

ldquoMost people think itrsquos the kitchen that can add value to the home but in most cases it is the

bathroomrdquo he said

ldquoA renovated bathroom or a second bathroom is one of the best ways to add value to a

home And these days there is so much you can do with a bathroom It adds value but it can

also help to create a better style of living for you and your familyrdquo

The time is right to get yourself a three-storey home

Three-storey houses

ldquoAs an ex-Brit I am used to seeing three-storey houses and now we are starting to see more of

it here in Australiardquo Mr Winter said

ldquoIf you are on a sub 400 sq m block and you donrsquot want to use the whole block for example

itrsquos an option to go up depending of course on zoning

ldquoAnd wersquore seeing it in more in urban and central areasrdquo

Love It or List It airs on the Lifestyle Channel and will be available to stream On Demand

on Foxtel

01 DEC 2019

Out-there apartment a hit with bold buyers

The right bathroom can add significant value to your home

Urbane principal and founder George Nikos a sellerrsquos agent who specialises in Sydneyrsquos

inner west has seen first hand the impact updated bathrooms can have upon sales in

metropolitan areas

ldquoMost people think itrsquos the kitchen that can add value to the home but in most cases it is the

bathroomrdquo he said

ldquoA renovated bathroom or a second bathroom is one of the best ways to add value to a

home And these days there is so much you can do with a bathroom It adds value but it can

also help to create a better style of living for you and your familyrdquo

The time is right to get yourself a three-storey home

Three-storey houses

ldquoAs an ex-Brit I am used to seeing three-storey houses and now we are starting to see more of

it here in Australiardquo Mr Winter said

ldquoIf you are on a sub 400 sq m block and you donrsquot want to use the whole block for example

itrsquos an option to go up depending of course on zoning

ldquoAnd wersquore seeing it in more in urban and central areasrdquo

Love It or List It airs on the Lifestyle Channel and will be available to stream On Demand

on Foxtel

01 DEC 2019

Out-there apartment a hit with bold buyers

ldquoA renovated bathroom or a second bathroom is one of the best ways to add value to a

home And these days there is so much you can do with a bathroom It adds value but it can

also help to create a better style of living for you and your familyrdquo

The time is right to get yourself a three-storey home

Three-storey houses

ldquoAs an ex-Brit I am used to seeing three-storey houses and now we are starting to see more of

it here in Australiardquo Mr Winter said

ldquoIf you are on a sub 400 sq m block and you donrsquot want to use the whole block for example

itrsquos an option to go up depending of course on zoning

ldquoAnd wersquore seeing it in more in urban and central areasrdquo

Love It or List It airs on the Lifestyle Channel and will be available to stream On Demand

on Foxtel

01 DEC 2019

Out-there apartment a hit with bold buyers