Moving House | Great features to add to your new home.

Moving house is such an exciting time (though admittedly it's also a stressful one!), and it gives you a rare opportunity to create your home from a blank canvas. Of course, the majority of people won't be moving into a brand new property, so there's likely to be a certain amount of decoration already there. Perhaps blank canvas isn't the right word, then; rather, I mean that you personally will be able to take a totally fresh look at the kind of home you want - and make it a reality. Here are my top suggestions for people moving home this year.

Wood floors
I love wooden floors - there's just something so sophisticated yet homely about them, isn't there? So, my first tip is to invest in a wood floor - and maybe a rug for any rooms you think could do with an extra smattering of cosiness. What's so great about wood floors, aside from the simple fact that they're aesthetically pleasing, is that they can work well in all kinds of interiors, from traditional to modern.

This is partly because there are so many different looks to choose from. For instance, you can go for a rustic or polished finish, as well as pick from loads of different shades, like dark oak and Canadian maple, which gives a pale but warm appearance.

Interestingly, these days it's also possible to get wooden floors for the bathroom. In the past, this would have been a tricky move, since wood can easily warp with moisture, but now you can get specially treated options that stop this from happening. The Solid Wood Flooring Company, for example, sells pre-oiled strips of wood which, when combined with a rubber double integrated joint, resist water damage.

Photo credit: The Maisonette

Eco-friendly features
If I were buying a new home this year, one thing I'd definitely make an effort to do is ensure the place is eco-friendly. If your budget allows, by all means install things like solar panels - but there are plenty of cheaper options to try as well.

For instance, now is the perfect time to invest in new appliances. Modern dishwashers, washing machines, freezers and such typically use much less energy than their older counterparts, so you could actually save money on your utility bills and cut your carbon footprint simply by upgrading. Energy Efficient Doors are becoming a more popular choice, as they can help you cut down on bills and retain the heat in your home. 

Kitting your home out with energy-saving lightbulbs is another good idea, while if you're keen to see what most of your energy goes towards, you can also fit an energy meter. Basic models simply tell you your output, but to get the most out of them it's worth picking something that details exactly what is being used where.

Photo credit: Archify.

Use the latest design trends
Going back to the look of the home, I'd also recommend checking out the latest design trends to give your abode a little something special this year. There are some fantastic fashions out there, including the use of raw wood to give rooms an earthy feel.

One of my personal favorites, though, is hanging groups of mirrors. What I really like about this is it gives you the chance to be creative and add a pretty, unusual feature to the room but, since it uses mirrors, it also helps the place seem more spacious.