There’s nothing like having your abode in peak condition to feel proud of your living space. Whether you’re a landlord looking to spruce up the property you rent out, or simply a homeowner looking to give your home a revamp, there are a few tried-and-true tips for home improvement that you should try. Whether you’re ready to jump in completely or you’re just looking for a few small changes, there’s something here for everyone.
Give your walls a fresh coat of paint. Painting is one of the quickest, simplest and cheapest home improvement projects out there, and nothing breathes new life into a space quite like a few coats of fresh paint. If you’d rather not fully repaint the walls, try adding accents like wallpaper or a feature wall to break up the monotony.
Bring in the light. Natural light can really make a room stand out, so maximize it wherever you can. Try replacing heavy drapes with lighter curtains, or even a floor-to-ceiling window with a bright view. If you can’t bring the sun in, then try some smart lighting tricks in wall sconces and lamps.
Clear the clutter. There ain’t nothin’ quite as unsightly as a cluttered home. If yours is overflowing with stuff, try putting everything in its place and de-cluttering every inch of the residence. Think of it as a clean slate – once you get rid of the unwanted items, you can figure out what belongs and establish an organized living space.
Get artistic. It never hurts to add a few art pieces to any living space. If there’s a local art gallery, try picking up a few pieces from there, or check out online sites like Etsy or Society 6. If you’re feeling crafty, then try creating a piece of art yourself from some of your home decor materials.
Exchange old furniture. Some furniture just can’t take the wear and tear of time, so it’s essential to get rid of old, shabby pieces. Try and think about what you need before you buy, and get the best quality furniture you can afford. Whether you’re restoring antique pieces or shopping for modern ones, it’s worth investing in a few good furniture pieces.
ek your landscaping game up. As far as home hygiene is concerned, curb appeal is extremely important. If you’ve been putting off updating the garden, now’s the time. Make a plan before getting started, because well-maintained landscaping can really improve the overall feel of a property.
Accessorize. A home isn’t truly complete until you’ve added in all the finishing touches, like rugs, accents pieces, and accessories. You don’t need to buy everything all at once, especially if your budget is tight. Try searching for home decor deals online, or head to your local thrift store for some DIY items.
Add mirrors. Mirrors serve a practical, as well as a decorative, purpose. Not only can you check your reflection, but you can also use it to create the illusion of space, especially in smaller rooms. If placed strategically, a mirror can make a room look bigger than it is – it can even make it feel more inviting, with the extra reflected light.
Bring in the plants. Greenery is more than just a pop of colour- it can help improve the air quality of your home, too. Whether you’re a budding green thumb or you could use a little greenery in your decor, some carefully placed plants can really help bring life to a space.
Organize your storage. Your home is only as tidy as its storage is. If your closets, pantry and shelves are overflowing with stuff, it’s time to put them in order. Invest in a few storage solutions, like brown baskets, peg boards and wall hooks, and use colorful labels to make finding items easier.
Switch up the flooring. If you’re looking to re-do the flooring, think about how you’d like your space to look. Natural flooring like hardwood or flat-weave carpets add a warmth and texture that no other fabrics can, while tiled floors can create a bright, airy look.
Define changes with lighting. Lighting can make or break a room, so it’s important to get it just right. Though bright lighting is helpful for utilitarian tasks, softer lights like LEDs, twinkle lights, and lamps add a subtle touch, which can give the room a cohesive finish. It can also be a good way to include mood lighting to a dull room.
Rethink your furniture placement. No matter how great or small your space may be, it’s important to plan the furniture layout. One of the tricks for home improvement is to keep the furniture close to the walls, and try to create an inviting atmosphere. It doesn’t have to be symmetrical, but it helps to have some sort of uniformity in the room to make it look more spacious.
Include artwork. If you’re having trouble finding the right pieces to decorate your home, try adding art pieces to the walls. Whether it’s a few postcards or a carefully framed work of art, the pieces you choose can reflect your own style and personal taste. If you need help curating, take a look at the artwork of your favorite artist and incorporate the same colors and patterns in your own home.
Try some color psychology. A great way to spruce up a room is to choose a few colors that reflect certain emotions or state of mind. Warm colors like oranges and reds evoke a sense of comfort, while cooler colors like blue, grey, and green feel calmer and more inviting. Use these colors in every room to create a unique, reflect the mood in the home.
Update your textiles. There’s nothing like brand-new bedding and pillows to make a room look and feel fresh and inviting. Try adding fluffy throw pillows, a comfy rug, and some color-coordinated bedding as a budget-friendly way to make home improvements. If you’re feeling a little more ambitious, why not make your own pillows, or paint an accent wall to add even more personality to the space.
Install shelving. In today’s modern homes, storage space is key. Laughing shelves can be used to store anything from books to decorations, so make sure you have enough shelving spread out around the home. If shelves don’t fit with your decor, try replacing them with a chest of drawers or a hutch instead.
Revamp your bathroom. A bathroom needs to be the epitome of cleanliness and hygiene, so make sure you’re keeping it up-to-date. Get rid of stains or mould with a deep clean, and add a few new pieces like towels or a shower curtain. New tiles or a splash of paint can be a great way to add some more color, and upgrade the space quickly.
Add some new windows. Windows bring in natural light and can really brighten a room, so why not update your old ones? Try replacing old, outdated windows with a modern, efficient design while also adding in a bit of energy saving insulation to keep your bills low.
Do some rearranging. Last but not least, why not try rearranging the furniture and accessories in your home? While this may seem like a small change, you’d be surprised how much of an impact it can make. It’s an easy and budget-friendly way to create a new layout and revamp the overall look of the room.