Annual Homes & Design Issue
By Lindsey Clute
In home design, it’s often the smallest, most intentional details that transform a house into something truly memorable. These thoughtful enhancements not only elevate a space’s aesthetic but can also add meaningful value – both for daily enjoyment and future resale potential. Here, local experts share their favorite finishing touches to consider for crafting a home that stands out in both style and substance.
Wendy BeatyIncreasing a space’s value can come in many forms. I’d start by enhancing your outdoor living area, which can include installing a fully equipped kitchen and dining space, or can be kept simple by adding a pizza oven to add excitement to your summer barbecues. Inside the home, a scullery kitchen feels elevated while also remaining multifunctional. I use it to hide appliances, such as the coffee maker and toaster, and to prepare our weeknight meals. It also functions as a “work room” for hosting and can act as a beverage center, the caterer’s workspace, or an easy place for guests to drop off their dishes. Or, for a lower-effort upgrade, you can convert the space under your stairs into a wine cellar. Not only does it provide necessary storage, but it is always a fun surprise for guests and never fails to impress!
Sommer DinglerFinal touches can significantly enhance a home’s value and appeal. The kitchen, often the heart of the home, benefits from warm, natural elements – open shelving made of real wood and a large wooden dining table help create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. In bathrooms, updating light fixtures and adding small, stylish shelves can give each space a unique, personal feel while avoiding a cookie-cutter look. Outdoors, fresh mulch made from locally sourced organic material not only boosts curb appeal but also supports sustainability by reusing tree waste. If large trees obstruct the home’s view, consider trimming or professionally removing them to open up the space and create a more inviting first impression. These thoughtful details, while subtle, reflect care and character – helping a home stand out to both guests and potential buyers.
Josh GunterBeauty, as they say, lies in the eye of the beholder. So also, in many ways, does value. Oftentimes, a buyer’s willingness to pay top dollar for a home will be heavily influenced by their perception of the home’s features, especially the finishes. Starting from the outside in, a great value add will always be a well-designed landscaping package with plants that are moderately developed. This gives substance and character to the home’s exterior façade. Moving inside, another big focal point for investment should be the kitchen. Choosing things like all-wood cabinets with quality hardware, natural stone countertops like quartzite, and above-average appliances will go a long way to adding value to the home. Finally, smart home features like camera systems, smart thermostats, CAT-6 wiring, and automated lighting are low-cost but highly attractive value adds.
Don OscaiWhen building for clients, we always look to maximize the value of their home. Each one of our builds is created using the highest quality materials. A well-insulated and sturdy structure provides a great foundation for building a valuable home. Other things like kitchen upgrades, nice finishes, as well as outdoor living spaces, result in a well-tailored, high-end home while also adding square footage to the living spaces. Finish the home off with some beautiful landscaping and you have a gorgeous, high-quality home to live in that will provide a great return when/if you decide to move.
Rich KernsOutdoor Lighting Perspectives of Chattanooga
One often overlooked way to increase a home’s value is through thoughtfully designed outdoor lighting. Outdoor lighting can significantly enhance both the appearance and functionality of a property. Pathway lights improve safety and guide guests to the entrance. Uplighting can subtly highlight architectural features and landscaping, while string or bistro lights can help define outdoor living areas, making them more inviting and usable after dark. These elements work together to boost curb appeal, improve security, and create a welcoming first impression – all of which resonate with today’s buyers. Unlike larger projects, outdoor lighting is a relatively low-cost upgrade with a high visual impact. When done well, it helps a home feel more complete and thoughtfully maintained, which can tip the scales in a competitive housing market.
Noah SteinWhen it comes to A/V, a few touches can be key. I would say whole-home audio is one of the most desirable upgrades. These systems use in-ceiling or in-wall speakers to provide built-in, high-quality audio that can be easily managed through smartphones, giving homeowners complete control over their environment. Pairing whole-home audio with a whole-home integration system takes A/V upgrades a step further by tying everything together under one intuitive system. Being able to control lighting, audio, video, and even security from a single interface via a smartphone, tablet, or wall-mounted panel is quickly becoming the standard. Finally, a well-planned Wi-Fi network can be a subtle but significant selling point – especially now when everything depends on digital performance.
