Most of us don't think about hardware around the home unless we are looking for a nail or a screw to hang something on a wall.
Truth is, home hardware is all around us but most of it is so boring that we never give it a second look.
Upgrading the hardware in your home may not seem like much.
However, according to recent articles in national publications, the places where home hardware is most prominent - kitchens and bathrooms - also are places where renovations and improvements will provide the most resale value.
So paying attention to hardware and fixtures could be that extra flourish of detail that clinches a home sale.
Start by upgrading the handles on drawers in the kitchen and bathroom.
Then you go all the way and change the handles on any piece of furniture with a drawer or cabinet.
Try bronze or brushed stainless steel for bathroom and kitchen handles.
Opt for long and rectangular, which fits most people's hands better, rather than traditional round pulls.
At the same time, upgrading door handles also gets people's attention.
Try to find handles that are easy to turn without becoming too institutional.
More and more people are becoming aware that all of us are "differently abled" at times, and anything that helps our ease of movement is greatly appreciated.
Rather than keeping towels in cabinets, install stainless steel racks in both bathroom and kitchen.
Racks in the kitchen probably will have to be shorter than those in the bathroom, but make the best use of whatever space is available.
Using stainless steel racks means that they won't tarnish or otherwise discolor, and they provide a focal point to display some of your prettiest linens.
Light fixtures and lighting are another "hardware" area that deserves upgrades periodically.
Overhead lighting fixtures in kitchen and bathroom should be extra-safe because of the moisture involved in both areas, but that doesn't mean they have to be boring.
Consult with your local lighting shop or interior design specialist about some interesting lighting for your bathroom and kitchen.
And by all means, if you have any doubt at all about your ability to change the fixtures, hire an electrician! The money you spend for his or her services will be much less than the cost of any damages you might cause through ignorance or inexperience.
While they are not strictly hardware, the tiles in kitchen and bathroom are another upgrade that pays big dividends.
A good option is to replace outmoded wallpaper in kitchen and bathroom with tile.
Again, this is probably the kind of job that requires an expert, but don't let that stop you if your budget can afford it.
Don't be shy about trading out the boring old traditional styles for something trendier, like bright ethnic designs.
After all, if you can't take some heat in the kitchen ...
Finally, what about those old aluminum blinds on the windows? Isn't it about time those Venetians passed into history? Definitely replace old-style blinds or traditional curtains with new styles, such as wood horizontals or acrylic verticals.
You just might see your home in a whole new light! While you are at it, don't forget area rugs for the floors.
They add color and texture to any room they are placed in and tie in all the other decor elements in the room.