Just as it is now common for individuals to have several careers during their working lives, consumers are also likely to own several homes in that same period. New homes may be purchased for a new job, a better school system, and proximity to relatives or purely as a financial investment. Consumers who are venturing into a remodeling project today want not only design that will add aesthetic value, but also increase equity in their home.

Remodels and designs must trend towards a broader and more sophisticated audience given the current resale mentality of buyers. The selection of materials, colors and textures needs to reflect a safer, more neutral palette. A well-selected monochromatic scheme does not necessarily need to translate as a boring or dull design scenario. When you are considering custom cabinetry for audio and visual equipment, for example, I suggest design possibilities that can be flexible, as well as somewhat generic in sizing for the cabinet interiors. A prospective buyer knowing their own personal audio and visual systems will fit into existing custom cabinetry will be a real plus at the time of sale. It can also enable you to upgrade and modify your systems with the ever-changing technology. By creating timeless and functional design with built-ins, you have more flexibility in changing your design theme if need be.

Kitchens and bathrooms, along with master bedrooms, are rooms that typically engage emotional reactions for buyers. These rooms are still the spaces that can impress or deter a prospective buyer during the decision-making process. I always caution clients, however, of over designing these rooms in relationship to the current value of the home. The idea is to upgrade a property by encouraging quality products, but remodeling in step with the current neighborhood styles and scale of comparable homes.

Homes with insufficient and antiquated lighting systems can show smaller and also create negative, uninviting pockets of darkness. Recessed lighting, properly spaced and designed, can create a range of moods throughout the home. Setting up a lighting plan, selecting bulbs and trim styles and other important details are key in bringing out the home's architecture and unique interior design elements. To create specialty lighting, install miniature recessed lights in bay window soffits and niches to highlight areas of interest. Decorative sconces positioned carefully in bathrooms, hallways and entryways can be an elegant additional layer of light to complete the lighting plan.

From my work as a designer on HGTV's show Curb Appeal, I know how important the front entrance is to a successful remodel. Creating a welcoming, well-designed entrance is key. After seeing the home from the street, a buyer will notice the front door and porch. Doors are now available in a multitude of designs and finishes; wood metal and glass make for dramatic parings. Just be sure that the door you select is in keeping with the architecture of your home. For an elegant finished product, hardware for doors and cabinets are similar to high-end jewelry, with only your imagination as a limit to the potential.