Try some of these easy home improvements to bring a new life to your space. These exciting projects usher in style and value, and they leave you feeling accomplished.
Know your renovation budget
Renovating a home may sound daunting, however, there are a variety of easy fixes and updates that instantaneously elevate your space. Something as simple as adding a fresh coat of paint transforms your home’s aesthetic and adds value to your house. In addition, updating an older home’s light fixtures and ceiling fans boosts both the home’s appearance and value.
Flooring
Looking to get rid of that dated carpet? It can be easily pulled up, and any hardwood underneath can be refinished or recoated. If the kitchen floors need an upgrade, there are excellent commercial vinyl options that look like tile and are extremely durable. Vinyl flooring can be a great option in bathrooms where floor heights are an issue. For someone who is handy, laying a vinyl floating floor is doable and not a hard project.
Lighting and fixtures
Good looking light fixtures do not have to be expensive, and they can elevate your home by giving it a fresh, new look. For example, if you’re wanting to elevate your dining space, a chandelier like our Gablecrest looks stunning over dining room tables. Or, if you’re wanting to add a cool breeze to your back porch, the Hunter Weathermax® fans are stylish and come with moisture-resistant motors and all-weather blades. Looking for more lighting or ceiling fan inspiration? Check out our lighting and ceiling fan pages to find a perfect piece for every space.
If you’re wanting to put in new light fixtures or ceiling fans, hire a licensed electrician. Be sure to read through our ceiling fan installation guide for some helpful tips. However, it is important, especially in older homes, to understand the different types of wiring. Overall, you want to make sure the proper boxes are in place for a ceiling fan or lighting fixture.
It is also great to consider different light bulbs, such as LED lighting, when you’re upgrading your home. There are many options on the market regarding the color of light that bulbs put out. They range from 2700K (tends to be yellow) to 5000K (more on the blue side). Or if you’re looking for a light that is great for showcasing paintings, 3000K is ideal. Bulbs are more expensive but last a very long time, and they are more energy efficient than a standard light bulb.
Paint
Adding a new coat of paint is a great start to any home improvement project. Right now, the biggest trend is neutral paints because it works in so many different spaces. For example, neutral paint pairs wonderfully in a room with dark hardwood floors– it makes for a nice contrast! White walls are also a great choice when you want your furniture and artwork to make an impact. Accent walls are a smart option when you want to add a pop of color in a neutral setting. For example, adding removable wallpaper can create a fun background in living rooms or bedrooms.
Freshen up your cabinets
If you’re looking for another painting project, painting your cabinets is another easy home improvement option. Additionally, you can swap out the hardware on older cabinets to achieve a more modern feel. All of these updates allow you to change the whole appearance of the room without replacing the cabinets altogether.
Remember, repainting cabinets requires knowledge of the current finish on the cabinets. Be sure to sand and prime them before finishing them with a high grade of paint. If your budget allows, consider hiring a professional painter.
Update countertops
Updating countertops can change the whole appearance of a kitchen. If budget is a concern, there are inexpensive Formica options that completely transform your kitchen. If your budget allows for more, granite and quartz are both timeless options.
By updating your countertops, you freshen up your entire kitchen’s look – without having to replace all your cabinets.
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