Dear Jean and Richard, our master plan is to use our current home as a stepping stone to the next, and we want to know what interior improvements we can make that will increase its value. From your perspective, what are some key upgrades that offer a lot of bang for the buck? Josephine and Sophie, West Asheville

Jean: Hi J&S, the first answer is Paint. And the second is Paint. Seriously, nothing can show such a dramatic improvement to a home as a fresh coat of paint over tired or careworn surfaces, especially if you make good color choices.

Richard: Well, Jean is right of course, but it’s the “good color choices” part that is the key to success. So here’s a tip: be consistent in your color values throughout the home. The entire house doesn’t have to be the same color—in fact, I would recommend that it isn’t—but the colors should feel as though they harmonize in tint or shade. Having said that, keep all of trim simple—you rarely go wrong with white.

Jean: Maybe next in line would be light fixtures. They too should have some consistency, and complement interior features. For example, if a room has a dominant brick or stone wall, make sure your choice of lighting hardware has some heft or scale. On the other hand, if the room is simple or intimate, don’t overwhelm it with a three-tiered iron chandelier.

Richard: What about that three-tiered chandelier in your bathroom? Isn’t that a little over the top?
Jean. Maybe, but it’s my bathroom. And it goes nicely with the crystal trash can.
Richard: OK, now it makes sense. Speaking of bathrooms, they’re a good place to invest in upgrades, especially if the floor is a dated vinyl or the fixtures are pitted. Scrap the old vanity, which may contain mold, and replace those little low toilets with more efficient and comfortable chair-height models.

Jean: Refinish the floors. Put your dollars in a good grade of carpet or contract a hardwood refinisher. And though they’re not part of the interior, do the same with a porch or deck—use a solid color stain to repaint the surface, and replace any deck lumber that has seen better days.

Richard: Consider upgrading the main doors—especially entrance doors—and install full-glass storm doors over them. Not only will they provide a classy first impression, they will help insulate your home.

Jean: Use wallpaper sparingly—perhaps in smaller rooms such as a bathroom or foyer, but do NOT use borders. Unless you’re actually trying to make your home look like a time capsule, skip the borders and if anything, add crown molding. The absolute worst is a wallpaper border above or below a chair rail.

Richard: I’ll bet you have borders in your bathroom with the chandelier and crystal trash can. Come on, admit it. Since you border on obsessive over borders, what happens if they come back in style and you don’t have any in your bathroom?

Jean: My bathroom has amazing antique reproduction wallpaper.

Richard: Oh that reminds me. If the house has “antiques” for kitchen appliances, new ones are a good investment. Just like the light fixtures, choose a consistent style. Some people tell us they think stainless is out, but it’s not in or out, it’s just a choice. If you haven’t shopped for appliances lately, be prepared for some confusion. There are a lot of great new features offered these days. One serious suggestion—if you’re buying a dishwasher, choose one with a stainless steel interior. Like I wish Jean could be.