No home should be without a little sparkle and shine, and with a few simple improvements, you can make sure yours is always in tip-top shape. Whether you’re looking for a way to spruce up the living room, add a new surface to the kitchen or make a statement in the bedroom, these ten ideas will help you make your home sparkle.
Replace any outdated lighting fixtures. Nothing adds sparkle like a new light fixture. From softly lit chandeliers to bold wall sconces, upgrading existing fixtures can give your home a fresh, new look. Not to mention, new LED technology is more energy efficient and can save you money in the long run.
Add a fresh coat of paint. Nothing brings new life to a room like a fresh paint color. Or if you’d rather go a little louder, consider a bold patterned wallpaper to add a unique touch. A zesty orange or calming blue can brighten up any space while adding a timeless, classic style.
Change up your fabric. Spruce up any neutral room by adding a pop of color and texture. Pillows, throws and area rugs can be an inexpensive way to make a statement. Stripes, floral prints or geometric designs will give your home a showstopper aesthetic.
Hang a few pieces of wall art. Add a creative touch to any room with an artistically placed piece of wall art. From vintage style posters to hand-painted masterpieces, wall art is an effective way to add texture and depth to any space.
Add plants. Adding a little bit of greenery can always brighten up a room. From succulents to ferns, plants can instantly upgrade any room while adding a calming touch. Planting trays can double as artsy displays and bring a warm, vibrant aura to any home.
Update hardware and fixtures. Faucets, knobs and handles may be small but they sure do make a difference. Replacing outdated brass with sleek chrome and brass or adding an eye-catching colored knob can give any area an instant upgrade.
Rearrange furniture. Forget all the money you’d spend on decor and create a stunning room design by simply rearranging your furniture. Swap old pieces with new and try to create an arrangement that sparks conversation.
Accessorize strategically. When decorating, less is always more. Adding a few selected accessories like mirrors, table lamps or decorative vases can tie a room together in a stylish way. When done correctly, accessorizing can turn a dull room into a lively, inviting space.
Choose a stunning rug. Not only will the right area rug complete a look, but it can also deflect sound and reduce noise. Many modern rugs come with barely-there stripes that let the rest of the furniture shine.
Bring in a throw blanket. Everyone loves a cozy throw blanket to drape on a chair, couch or bed. Pick a unique and stylish blanket that adds a bit of style and comfort to the room. Animal print can be an unexpected way to add texture.
Replace the window treatments. Adding a bit of drama to a room is easy with a new set of window treatments. While drapes will always add a touch of luxury, opting out for a lighter style like shades or shutters can open up a room with natural light and create an airy atmosphere.
Switch out cabinet door handles. An easy way to give a kitchen an update without a complete renovation is to switch out cabinet door handles. With so many styles and colors to choose from, finding the perfect ones to match your cabinets and countertops will result in a sparkling new look.
Plant a herb garden. Adding plants to the kitchen won’t just give your counterspace a stylish look, growing a few herbs can give you easy access to delicious homegrown ingredients too. Parsley, oregano, rosemary and basil grow quickly from seed and can be used in savory dishes.
Remember that every room must have a focal point. Whether it’s a cozy reading nook or a custom bed, you’ll want to make sure the room’s main attraction stands out. A stunning piece of furniture or statement artwork will do the trick.
Organize storage areas. No one likes to be cluttered and unorganized, so take some time to give storage areas an overhaul. Check for any loose items, throw out or donate any unnecessary items and don’t forget to sort by color.
Invest in some masonry work. If you’re looking for a more permanent style of home improvement, brick and stone masonry can transform the look of any room. From breath-taking fireplaces to outdoor kitchens, the possibilities are endless.
Add a few mirrors. Mirrors can instantly enliven a room with the power of reflection. Whether you prefer a circular or oval-shaped mirror, they can add both character and style to any room. Plus, mirrors can create the illusion of extra space.
Replace the tilework. Tired of the black and white kitchen tiles from the ‘90s? Replacing outdated tilework can completely transform the look of your kitchen or bathroom. Opt for a bold color like blue or green for a much-needed facelift.
Replace countertops. If budget permits, replacing your kitchen countertops with something a bit more modern can have a transformative effect. From high-end marble slabs to rustic wood surfaces, there is something to suit any style.
Add a few statement pieces. Accent accessories can instantly give a room personality and style. Look for modern furniture, bold colored chairs or accent lighting pieces to make a statement.
Refresh the front entrance. Make a good first impression by investing in a new door. Although expensive, a colorful front door can bring life to a whole house. A fresh pot of plants is an affordable way to give it the extra wow-factor.
Introduce shelves. Maximizing vertical space can add a spark without costing a fortune. Whether it’s a set of bookshelves or shelves for displaying knickknacks, it’s an effective way to introduce a whole new look.
Update the ceiling. Don’t ignore the ceiling when it comes to upgrading. Adding small details like tin ceiling tiles or ceiling medallions can really make a difference. Plus, they’re fairly affordable and can give any space a modern, antique style.
Renovate the bathroom. The bathroom is often overlooked, but even a simple remodel can make a huge difference. Check for any leaky pipes or grout that needs repair, and consider investing in a new showerhead or toilet.
Install an outdoor kitchen. If you’re looking to take your outdoor entertaining to the next level, why not go all out with an alfresco kitchen. Built-in barbecues, outdoor refrigerators and pizza ovens can provide you and your guests with an unforgettable experience.
Invest in a hot tub. Relaxing and therapeutic, adding a hot tub to the deck or backyard can add an extra sparkle to any home. Not to mention, it can provide an escape from the world and a peaceful place to relax and unwind.
Insulate the attic. Fewer worries about the cold and drafty air with a good attic insulation. A top-notch sealant will make sure your home retains heat during the cold winter months.
Hang window boxes. Add a touch of color to the exterior of your home with a set of flower and window boxes. Wooden and metal options are available, each offering a unique way to display your favorite shrubs and other plants.
Create outdoor living spaces. Expand your outdoor entertaining area with a custom seating and fire feature. Whether you select a sunk-in patio or elevated deck, don’t forget to complete the look with a set of outdoor lounge chairs and dining area.
Replace outdated siding. A well-designed traditional or modern siding can really get your house sparkling. Popular materials include vinyl, wood and composites, each offering a variety of colors and textures you can choose from.
Reinvent the yard. From lush green grass to mature gardens, an addition of outdoor foliage can bring new life to your backyard. If your family enjoys the outdoors, consider landscaping or hardscaping a few designated areas.
Upgrade your outdoor lighting. Change the atmosphere of the backyard with outdoor and landscape lighting. From path lights to up-lights, the right lighting scheme can brighten up the livability of a backyard.
Write a story on the bedroom wall. This bedroom improvement idea may sound a bit unusual but it’s for sure an eye-catching one! Painting a mural on your bedroom wall may be one of the most creative home improvement ideas you can use.
Go colorful with your wardrobe. A beautiful wardrobe in the bedroom can not only give your living area a much-needed style boost, but its color can also make a lasting impression. Choose a color that suits your personality and add a custom made wardrobe with drawers, hangers and shelves.
Install modern appliances. Investing in modern appliances for your kitchen can give it a totally new look. A smart refrigerator, a modern stove, a built-in microwave and fancy coffee maker can make your morning routine so much easier.
Install a cool backsplash. Give an extra wow-factor to your kitchen with a brilliant backsplash design. Renovate your kitchen with different patterns, colors or artwork to give it a unique and modern feel.
Rethink the basement. Not sure what to do with that extra room? If you have an unfinished basement, consider dividing it into different areas to fit your needs. Put up walls to make your own home gym or a special playroom for the kids.
Install skylights. Installing skylights in your home can be a great way to give your rooms an extra sparkle. Natural light is one of the most important elements that make a space bright and more alive.
Plant a privacy wall. Privacy is an essential factor, and planting a hedge or a small tree wall can keep your area top-secret. If you don’t have a backyard, you can add a bamboo or hedge box to your balcony for the same effect.
Using these simple ideas, you can take your home from dull and dreary to sparkling and stylish without breaking the bank. Get creative and see how much you can do to give your home the makeover it deserves and make it a place of beauty and comfort for the entire family.