Tips for embracing retro features in your home

While certain property features are timeless, others are very time specific and will need to be modernised over time to ensure that the home’s value is not negatively impacted.

Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa explains that there are period features that add value to your home, and then there are features that simply make a home feel dated and in need of updating.

“While the former could mean that buyers are willing to pay more for the home, the latter could lead to buyers making lower offers because they are factoring in the cost to update the home,” he notes.

When properly maintained, Goslett adds that certain period features can make the home more appealing, especially among buyers who are searching for homes with character and history. The key is to know the difference between features that are retro and features that are simply outdated.

To help homeowners embrace some of their home’s retro features, RE/MAX of Southern Africa shares the following tips:

• Hardwood floors

Well-maintained hardwood floors can add immense value to a home. If your property has hardwood floors (perhaps hidden beneath old linoleum tiles), the important thing is to ensure that they are properly restored and are not squeaking underfoot.

• Retro archways

There is a fine line between an arch that adds delightful character to a home and an arch that simply makes the home feel outdated. Often, the distinction comes in how the arch is finished and how the rest of the room is decorated. When it comes to styling, it tends to be all or nothing with an arch. Either seek out a period finish or an ultra-modern finish, but if you do nothing to enhance it, then it is often better to remove the archway.

• Exposed ceiling beams

The trick with this design statement is having tall enough ceilings so that the room doesn’t feel cramped. When the ceiling beams are drawing all the attention, it also tends to be best to keep the rest of the room more neutral by using shades of white on the walls and ceiling boards.

• Clawfoot tub

This retro feature is highly sought-after these days, so make sure to keep yours in good condition if your home already has one of these fitted in any of its bathrooms. The trick is to make sure the rest of the bathroom still feels modern while still embracing the bath’s character. Updating the tiles or possibly just adding new faucets might be enough to breathe new life into a bathroom that feels dated.

“Admittedly, there is a fine line between antique and outdated. There is a niche market for homes that fully embrace outdated features. But, if your home is currently on the market, then you are going to want it to have the broadest buyer appeal possible. If you’re unsure whether your home needs any updating, then enlist the help of a good real estate professional from a reputable brand like RE/MAX who has the relevant experience to know what sells and what doesn’t,” Goslett concludes.