MINNEAPOLIS — Husband and wife duo Brad and Heather Fox were thrust into the public eye with their own HGTV Show, 'Stay or Sell,' but the couple has been buying, selling, renovating and designing homes in the Twin Cities for years.
So, we picked their brains for some do-it-yourself ideas to spruce up your house, whether you're treating yourself or getting your home ready for a spring sale.
Both agree the best way to give your home a fresh look is with new paint, and Heather feels it’s a DIY everyone can do.
“Paint is completely transformative. I think it is the best and easiest and most inexpensive way to just completely transform your space," she says.
Brad chimes in with some ideas. “White trim is always hot, it always works, light cool grey toned walls. It’s a formula that always works for resale.”
Somebody once said, “You’re not selling your house; you’re selling your kitchen,” and currently that couldn’t be more true. Brad believes the kitchen is the center of the room and any dollars you have are most importantly spent in that area.
“Everyone loves an open concept, so therefore your kitchen has to be great looking and it has to function really well.”
Heather remembers a kitchen they recently transformed without doing any structural changes. “We didn’t take any of the cabinets out, we just painted. We changed the countertops, we did a new backsplash, but we just painted and changed the hardware. It looked like an entirely new house.”
Bathrooms are also a showcase room. Brad and Heather recommend keeping it neutral and clutter free and creating a new look with accessories, like artwork and towels.
According to the couple, brushed gold or matte black for hardware and faucets is a huge trend right now. Heather’s personal rule is any metal she uses must be seen within the space three times.
“So, your hardware, then maybe bring it in in a light fixture. The other thing doesn’t have to be a permanent item, it can be a little tchotchke you set up on the counter or a picture frame. Just make sure that it feels cohesive.”
If your you plan to stay in your house, make sure your DIY projects create a space you love. If you’re planning to sell, it’s important to distance yourself from personalizing the space. Have fun with trends and work on making the space feel new and modern. "Just really simplify and neutralize the space because it is no longer yours it’s for the new buyer.”
If the day comes to sell, the two have a couple of staging tips.
“Clean up the space. Get some new throw pillows, blankets, maybe some art. Floor space is huge. Open up the floor space, it just makes the room feel bigger."