Make the most of what you already have

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It’s ‘disheartening’ to see people ‘finally fall in love’ with their home before selling, says Home Network’s Kortney Wilson

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If you’re a fan of home improvement shows, you’ve likely watched countless homeowners fall in love with their homes after tackling a makeover in preparation to sell. But why wait to discover your home’s “untapped potential”?

“As a realtor in Nashville for the past 15 years, I’ve seen time and time again that homeowners are willing to make changes to improve their home’s value, design, flow and functionality, but only when it’s time to sell,” says TV personality Kortney Wilson of Life Is Messy with Kortney and Kenny on the Home Network.

“It’s always been disheartening to watch people finally fall in love with their homes right before handing them over to someone else. The truth is, many of us live in homes with untapped potential and it’s easy to put off making changes, waiting for the ‘dream house’ that we think will solve all of our problems. However, that dream home may never come or it may take longer to find than we expect.”

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‘DESIGNED TO STAY’

She shared that message at the National Home Show on Saturday, March 8 in a presentation entitled, ‘Designed to Stay, Styled to Sell: Loving Your Home Now & Later.’ The theme of Wilson’s presentation was closely tied to the focus of her new show, which follows she and Kevin Brain as they work with families facing unique life changes that are putting a strain on both their relationships and their homes. Together they tackle messy, chaotic households by creating custom design solutions designed to bring families together.

Wilson encourages homeowners to shift their mindset from ‘someday’ to ‘now.’

“By designing and improving your home not just for its current function but with future resale value in mind, you can create a space that you love now while also setting it up to sell later. Maximizing your home’s potential today doesn’t just improve your immediate living situation, it also ensures you’re making smart, strategic decisions that will pay off when you do decide to sell.”

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Just how do you achieve that? “The key is finding a balance between making your home functional and beautiful for your family while keeping in mind the broader market appeal for when it’s time to sell. This approach doesn’t mean you have to wait for the perfect home to arrive; it means making the most of what you already have,” Wilson says.

NEXT CHAPTER

“By creating a home that is both enjoyable to live in and thoughtfully designed for future buyers, you can enjoy your space to the fullest now while also preparing it for the next chapter. This shift can be the difference between feeling overwhelmed by ongoing projects and living in a space that truly works for you and your family, today and in the future.”

Wilson’s tips include decluttering and simplifying your space, defining your personal style, adding colour in ways that feel fresh and unique – “not just painting walls but using colour in unexpected ways” – and arranging furniture to make your home feel balanced and functional.

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Let’s break some of those tips down:

• Define your personal style by creating a style board. “Use popular mood boards like Pinterest to gather images of colours, textures and rooms that you like,” Wilson says. “The goal is to create a visual collection of things that appeal to you and then you should look for patterns in your selections. Are you drawn to minimalist styles? Bold prints? Neutral colours? This will help you identify the core elements of your style.”
• Add colour in unexpected ways. “I love colour, but you don’t need to go overboard and turn your entire house into a rainbow,” she says. “Start small with accessories to ease your way in. If you’re ready for a bolder move, wallpaper is a great next step. And if you’re ready for a more major level of commitment, colourful tiles can still make a big impact and elevate your space to the next level.”
• Make your home feel balanced and functional. “First and foremost, make sure you have a clear focal point in the room. If you walk in and your eyes don’t automatically land on one, it’s time to create one,” says Wilson.

“Modern technology is here to help. There are plenty of (artificial intelligence) apps that can help you visualize your space, provide inspiration and even assist in arranging your furniture to create the perfect flow. Also, purchasing items in the right scale is crucial. For example, don’t go too large with artwork in a small space or too small with your sofa. I often see people squeeze in oversized sofas, which can really disrupt the flow of the room.”

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