When making a change to our home, whether it is a minor alteration or a major renovation, we do it in the hope of it lasting as long as possible. No-one wants to revisit a cracked and peeling coat of paint after a matter of months. Equally aggravating is a both outmoded and outdated carpet. With the help of this guide however, you should be able to dodge such errors and make changes that are built to stand the test of time.
Trends change over time
If you want to maximise how far your money will go, as well as the lifespan of your interior décor changes, there are two vitally important things to remember. The first is to remember that what is in vogue at that present moment will not remain in vogue forever. Anyone who has had the misfortune of encountering a 70s décor in this day and age, will whole-heartedly agree that statement. Don’t become the fossils that have stuck religiously to the garish décor of a bygone era.
Taste is subjective, and subject to change
A very similar comparison can be made with the concept of personal taste. Art has always been subjective, and will remain to be so, and interior décor is no different – ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.’ For that reason, it is important to remember that everyone does not necessarily share your, no doubt, excellent taste. And even if you remain resolute in your decision to decorate according to your own tastes, it is certainly worth keeping in mind that tastes change too.
The importance of surfaces
Regardless of subjective tastes and trends, there is an undoubtedly objective science to picking the right surfaces in your home, especially when it comes to longevity. One of the most short-lived aspects of any home, are the carpets, with an average lifespan of 8-10 years. So easily sullied and quick to lose vibrancy of colour are carpets that you are far better off instead opting for laminate flooring. With an average lifespan of 25 years plus, laminate flooring has its anti-scratch and stain qualities to thank for its ability to retain its original gloss for decades. Its durability does not come at the price of its visual appeal however, with eerily accurate natural stone and exotic hardwood replications available.
The same logic is applicable to kitchen countertops. While typical countertop surfaces suffer from certain fragilities, quartz countertops are close to invulnerable. Completely non-porous and anti-microbial, it is the perfect surface for preparing food, and it is more than well-equipped to deal with spills.
Creating an exterior that can last for decades
Painting the exterior of your home can be a tricky undertaking – mountains and mountains of paint, dry and warm weather conditions, and a great deal of effort, are all prerequisites. With such a challenging undertaking, you want to be 100% certain of not only the colour, but the quality of the paint itself. That’s where weatherproof exterior coatings come in. A quality exterior coating can battle rain, wind, sleet and snow to last 25 years and beyond.
