Whether you’re selling your property soon or taking a prudent interest in maximizing its equity, you may be keen on making value-adding improvements: DIY fixes like touching up paint or major professional overhauls like renovating your kitchen. But before you act, first consider which updates could offer appealing returns on your investment.
The unfortunate truth is that not all household projects will boost resale value, even if they enhance your curb appeal, modernize your home’s styling, or boost your daily quality of life. The key is to focus on making the upgrades that today’s homebuyers truly yearn for. This guide is packed with some of the top undertakings that can help you maximize value. That way, you can both enjoy the fruits of your labor and even earn some money back when you sell.
A strong first impression is crucial to property value, and your front entry is one of the first things buyers will notice. Upgrading to a new steel front door is a cost-effective swap that can deliver a gratifying 100 percent return, according to the National Association of REALTORS®’ 2025 Remodeling Impact Report. This means you could very well recoup every dollar spent while improving your household security and energy efficiency. But don’t stop there. You can also update the surrounding features by installing a new porch light, painting your trim, and peppering in some potted plants. These quick curb appeal boosts will add major impact without involving major renovations.
If the structure’s exterior is showing its age, updating the walls can dramatically improve both cosmetics and value. Consider installing vinyl or fiber-cement siding, two popular options that consistently rank high for cost recovery, landing at 97 and 114 percent, respectively, per a Journal of Light Construction (JLC) report. These options are as stylish as they are durable, adding curb appeal while protecting against moisture damage and weather-related wear and tear.
Meanwhile, one of the best updates you can make may be one of the most overlooked. Installing a new garage door significantly improves your home’s appearance from the street, and it can also recoup a surprising amount of its cost when it’s time to sell. According to the JLC, homeowners typically can see a whopping 268 percent ROI by replacing this feature. To maximize buyer appeal and value, select a door that complements your home’s architecture and features modern touches like insulated panels and smart door openers.
You don’t have to gut your kitchen to make it look and feel buyer-ready. In fact, making low-cost upgrades, such as replacing the cabinet fronts, swapping out their hardware, and upgrading appliances, can often yield a better return than conducting a full overhaul. These improvements can yield around 60 and 113 percent ROI per the JLC, depending on the materials used and the visual quality of the results. What type of kitchen will make buyers do a double take? Look to craft a clean-looking, function-forward space with neutral finishes and quality materials. To achieve such an ambience, focus on making the cosmetic updates that will bring your space up to date without blowing your budget.
As with the kitchen, conducting a full bath remodel may not always be necessary, as it likely won’t recoup a significant portion of the costs. To maximize your ROI in these spaces, plan for midrange upgrades focused on key features like the vanity, toilet, and tub. Enhance these elements, and you can make them feel more modern and functional while also recouping up to 80 percent of the costs. For bonus value, replace any worn tile or grout as well.
This may not be the most glamorous project, but adding new insulation in the attic (or replacing the current coating) is a stellar performer in terms of ROI, often rewarding the full investment amount. It’s also a relatively inexpensive upgrade that offers ample long-term benefits, particularly in regions that experience extremely high or low temperatures. This can help improve energy efficiency, reduce your utility bills, and appeal to cost-saving and eco-conscious buyers alike.
One of the most reliable ways to boost your home’s value is also thankfully one of the most affordable. Brushing on fresh coats of paint in neutral colors inside and out can instantly brighten up your spaces, creating a clean, modern, and move-in-ready look. Even better, these upgrades offer an average ROI of 107 percent, per Angi. Prioritize covering any bold color choices first, then shift to focus on touching up high-traffic areas like the living room, kitchen, and hallway, where signs of damage like scuff marks frequently appear.
While each of these updates tends to offer appealing returns, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for every American home. Before starting any household projects, especially high-cost ones, consider factors unique to you and your property, including your timeline, budget, and local market conditions. You might even benefit from sharing your priorities with a real estate agent or contractor.
With a little forethought and planning, you can execute the projects with the greatest impact—work that could pay you dividends. After all, even if you aren’t selling now, investing in greater homebuyer allure can pay off once that day comes.
As we step into a new season, comforting vibes may be all around us, from the shorter, cooler days to the leaves in gentle breezes. Why not embrace autumn with some warm and gratifying comfort foods? This pair of recipes from The Phone Eats First cookbook makes home meal prep easy, delicious, and perfectly heartwarming.
A zesty and vibrant sauce alongside pillowy potatoes elevates chicken to irresistible levels.
A restaurant favorite becomes easier to eat than ever thanks to a snackable, buttery bread base.
Recipes from The Phone Eats First by Allyson Reedy. Rizzoli International 2025. Photography by Chelsea Chorpenning.
You’ve probably heard of Marry Me Chicken—how could you not, as the creamy, sautéed chicken dish was Google’s most searched recipe in 2022. But have you heard of what I’m dubbing Just Hang Out and Be Respectful and Leave at a Reasonable Time Chicken? Because that might be even better than that ball-and-chain bird, especially since this chicken involves kicky lemon pepper seasoning, lemon juice, and gnocchi. Sure, @sara.haven’s chicken dish could inspire someone to put a ring on it (if that’s what you’re looking for), but it’s also great as a just-for-some-companionship meal while we get through this weird time, you know?
Serves 4
There are two things social media loves: a good mash-up and French onion soup (just make it into something other than soup). You’ve surely heard of the viral French onion pasta (worth the hype), but have you tried French onion soup toasts? If so, TikTok thanks you for giving them all your data, but if you haven’t, @saucedupfoods has your new favorite way of eating caramelized alliums.
Besides being an impressive, delicious appetizer, this recipe also costs under twelve dollars to make, and that’s if you didn’t find your little hunk of Gruyère on sale. It takes all of those sweet, silky flavors from slowly simmered onions and thrusts them upon beautifully crunchy bread. It could very well be the future of French onion anything-but-soup.
MAKES 12 TOASTS; SERVES 4
Colors play a crucial role in interior design, influencing not just the aesthetics but also the mood and feel of a space. While some create a sense of calm, others add energy and vibrancy, with a single hue—whether used as a dominant shade or a subtle accent—having the power to completely transform a room. And perhaps the most impactful of all may be red in any form, as evidenced by the “unexpected red theory.” Gaining attention in recent years, this approach suggests that even the most neutral spaces can benefit from a pop of warmth.
Much of modern interior design has turned toward minimalism, embracing simplicity and clean lines. However, the unexpected red theory brings a fresh approach to the table, proclaiming that for a room to be fully complete, it needs to have a red element somewhere in it. Though this may be a newer trend in decorating, it’s been seen in other areas long before. Think of the famous Christian Louboutin red-bottom shoes or the ever-popular red lipstick. Just as these aspects round out an outfit, a hint of the hue in each space of your home can bring them all together.
But why does it work? For one, red is a color that naturally draws the eye. Having one of the longest wavelengths in the visible spectrum, it is one of the most noticeable colors to the human brain. That’s the reason stop signs are bright red: It makes them hard to miss. Also consider how often you see it in marketing. Call-to-action buttons and limited-time offers are frequently splashed with it to capture consumers’ attention, and a vast number of high-profile companies, including Netflix and Coca-Cola, center it in their branding.
From a psychological standpoint, red has many different emotional associations, including passion, anger, love, and power. When we see it, we may experience a subtle mood boost or feel more confident. In turn, a small dose of red in an otherwise neutral space can add vibrancy and energy to the overarching design.
Red also has deep roots in cultural symbolism. In Eastern cultures, it’s long been associated with luck, celebration, and prosperity. Western art and literature have used red to represent everything from desire to courage. These layered meanings can add depth to your design choices, making the use of red feel intentional and grounded in something larger than aesthetic appeal.
A top benefit of the unexpected red theory is that it can work with virtually any style, from modern Victorian to midcentury modern to farmhouse, since it’s meant to enhance the design rather than overtake it. However, there are a few factors to keep in mind to ensure a successful incorporation.
Start small
Rather than opting for a full transformation right away, look for subtle ways to introduce the color. Imagine a scarlet vase on your mantel, a framed piece of art with crimson strokes, or a book featuring red details placed on your coffee table. These little touches can give you a sense of how the color plays in a room. Even a red candle or a terra-cotta planter can help bridge color gaps and add cohesion. You might also consider incorporating seasonal decor: a bowl of apples in autumn or a red wreath for the holidays.
Focus on accent pieces
Another great way to incorporate red is through your textiles. For instance, you could drape a maroon blanket over a cream-colored sofa or get a rug with ruby threading for your dining room. Patterned curtains with red accents can also make a room feel more dynamic, adding instant warmth without overpowering the existing aesthetic. Accent pillows are another flexible option. You can easily rotate them with the seasons or switch them out when you’re ready for a change. Consider red-hued throws in plush fabrics like velvet or wool to introduce both warmth and texture.
Try a splash of paint
If you’re feeling daring, you can always turn to red paint. Add a fresh coat to your barstools or nightstands. Or cover the insides of your bookshelves in a vibrant hue for a pleasant surprise upon closer inspection. Shades of burgundy work wonderfully in bathrooms and bedrooms, adding a bit of drama, enlivening the spaces, and creating a moody atmosphere. Your options are virtually limitless; it simply depends on how much of a statement you’re trying to make. For example, tomato red or cherry tones can energize kitchens and home offices, promoting creativity and alertness. If you’re hesitant, start with smaller surfaces such as picture frames, cabinet interiors, or even baseboards to experiment without a major commitment.
Carefully select the shade
Whatever your approach, keep in mind that the shade of red you choose can heavily influence the overall outcome. A deep wine will create a sense of richness and sophistication, while a bright vermillion can feel playful and bold. And muted, earthy reds like rust and brick can introduce warmth in a more subdued way, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer a softer approach to color.
To pick a tone, consider the type of room (a dining room, for instance, will demand a different vibe than a kid’s room), your goals for incorporating the color into the space, and what option will work best with the rest of your design. It could also be helpful to pick up a few different paint samples you can use to test the look of various hues against different elements in your home before committing to one. Observe how the light in your space changes throughout the day, and how that affects the perception of each red you’re testing.
Ultimately, the unexpected red theory is about breaking decor convention in a way that feels both intentional and effortless. By introducing surprising touches of red, you can give your spaces added layers of depth and interest that elevate each one. When used thoughtfully, red doesn’t just make a visual statement; it transforms the feeling of a room entirely.
Cutting-edge technology is often associated with workplace productivity or entertainment at your fingertips. However, some innovative products are designed specifically for home convenience, taking security, chores, comfort, and other household essentials off your plate. Get ready to fall in love with these four exceptional advanced home gadgets, each of which links satisfying style with industry-leading capabilities so you can elevate your home experience and simplify your daily life.
Just what do your four-legged friends get up to when you’re away? Whether they tend to dig in the trash, rifle through your pantry, or plot their escape, you can continue surveilling them with the help of this smart gadget. As one of the top-selling devices of its kind, alongside the version designed toward feline needs, the Furbo 360° Dog Camera offers you a host of pet-parenting perks. These include a controllable camera that automatically tracks pets, noise alerts sent straight to your smartphone—one of the many features of the compatible Furbo Dog Nanny app—and the ability to speak to your pet remotely to calm (or discipline) them.
You can even dispense treats with the push of a button to reward good behavior or draw their attention. Additionally, the device can store recent video clips in 1080p full HD video through the Furbo cloud service, with the length depending on your plan. Once you set up the smart and ultradurable Furbo 360° Dog Camera, you can easily keep tabs on your pugs and poodles alike.
Forget hiding a spare key under a garden gnome. This product allows you to control your exterior doorways from anywhere you have a smartphone or tablet. You can program it to stay locked within certain hours, grant temporary access to trusted users, and even unlock automatically when you approach your entryway by sensing your device nearby.
The August Home Wi-Fi Smart Lock is easy to install too: Simply attach the cylindrical device to your front door’s existing deadbolt. Integration with the compatible app is also seamless and intuitive, and no home hub is required. But if you so choose, you can pair it with Amazon Alexa, the Google Assistant, and the Apple HomeKit for voice-enabled commands like “Check that my patio door is locked.”
Few people enjoy sweeping their floors, so let a handy little robot do the dirty work for you. New and improved versions of these devices have even greater suction power than ever, and many of them are versatile enough to thoroughly clean thick carpets and flat, gentle surfaces alike. Look for a model that boasts eliminating a high percentage of floor debris, and consider options with other premium features, such as a roller mop apparatus and self-emptying dustpan.
Who knew that a broom would be better with Wi-Fi? It turns out the top robot vacuum brands did. This technology comes in surprisingly handy, enabling you to utilize voice assistants like Google to order your machine to start cleaning. Once they do so, they will utilize sensor technology to map every room and clean them thoroughly. Such a suite of features is sure to slash your household chore time, meaning it may very well sweep you off your feet.
Is your budget or home layout incompatible with installing central air ducts? Could certain areas of your home (such as home gyms and unfinished garages) use an extra-frigid breeze? If any of these apply, then this device will have you covered and cooled. The LG BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner is a window unit available in several sizes that needs no ductwork and boasts competitive pricing. But this is no simple portable A/C; it’s intelligent enough for you to manage the temperature and fan speed with a scheduling system akin to a smart thermostat. Simply download the LG SmartThinQ app to set up these features.
The unit is also compatible with some smart home assistance for the ease of vocal controls. Picture it: on a particularly hot day, you can simply call on the Wi-Fi-enabled machine to cool you down instantly. But if you’re more comfortable using an on-unit or remote control, then you have these options as well for chilling out.
