Do you ever stare at a room in your home, envisioning what you would like to change, but don’t know where to start? Home improvement projects are daunting. They can become time consuming, a money monster, or it’s out of your skillset to create DIY spaces like you see on Instagram and Pinterest. Sometimes all your space needs a simple refresh. For that, we’ve created easy solutions for home improvement projects for major impact with minimal effort.
1. Create Character
Paint isn’t the only way to add interest to your walls. Add board and batten, modern paneling, shiplap, wallpaper, etc. to add depth, texture and overall character. The internet is a never ending resource of DIY tutorials to create a truly custom looking project for a low investment and a day or two of work. Don’t forget your fifth wall – the ceiling! – when adding character. Sheets of bead board can cover popcorn ceiling and add interest that will tilt heads back in awe. Install charm through thicker base boards and crown molding. We are loving all the imaginative creations across Pinterest and Instagram using simple lumber and wood found at your everyday home improvement store. Be creative. The worst that can happen is that you take it down and have a bonfire later with friends.
2. Light Up Your World
Lighting is impactful in a space for the light it gives off and the design it contributes to the room. Lighting can also be one of the most overlooked design facets because we get used to not looking at lighting when it’s above eye line. There is a world wide web loaded with low cost, high style light fixtures to replace those dreaded “boob lights” and outdated track lighting. For a temporary fix, bring new life to a light fixture by carefully spray painting the base or mount to give it a new finish or replace the shade for something more modern.
3. Hardware with Style
Did your home come with uninspiring builder standard hardware? Hardware is an under-30-minute improvement that can change the whole look of a piece of furniture, a kitchen or bathroom. Have you ever acquired a dresser or desk from a friend or family member because it was inexpensive/free and simply served a purpose, but wasn’t very pretty? I think we’ve all been there. Even if you don’t have the time or resources to paint or stain it, adding fun or modern hardware can add fresh flavor. Swap out door handles that have turned through the decades and open the door with a selection that adds more character or a more modern flair.
4. Shop Your Home
This is our favorite tip because it’s free! If you’re thinking a space needs a refresh, first shop your home for decor you already have that can be repurposed in another room. If your style is relatively consistent throughout your home, this should lend a hand to an easy task. Swap rugs between rooms, re-home picture frames to a new shelf, or color block your books. Rearranging your furniture can also make you feel like you have a new home! It inspires creative thinking and brings a new energy to a space.
5. Spruce Up Your Curb Appeal
Refuse to blend into the rest of the houses on the block. We love this charming front elevation from Nesting With Grace. She updated her siding to a crisper white, yet pays homage to her East Coast community with cedar impression siding. She updated her house numbers to a more modern typeface, installed window boxes and painted the front door an extraordinary shade of pink. What also stands out is the painted stair runner. It creates such a tailored and welcoming invitation to their home. All of these projects can be completed in under two hours individually. If you’re feeling ambitious or looking for an excuse to spend some time outdoors, bring your front hedges back to life or place in new ones. Designer tip: Never underestimate the power of fresh mulch.
We hope you’re inspired to take on a project this weekend that you’ve been wanting to do, but have been putting off. Remember, you don’t have to complete everything at once – take it in phases. If you need an extra pair of eyes, you know who to call – Interior Impressions! We’re always happy to help create your dream home.
Cheers to the weekend,
Interior Impressions
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