When the pandemic broke out, a vast majority of people were forced to stay home. While most of these quarantine restrictions have been lifted, many still spend a lot of time indoors, especially those who prefer to work remotely.
However, being stuck in the same place for prolonged periods can be monotonous and uninspiring. If you're looking for some variety and excitement, perhaps it's time to switch up your home's appearance with a renovation or remodel. Accordingly, a renovation involves restoring spaces to their original glory while a remodel focuses on changing structures or creating new features.
It can be tempting to dive straight into the process of transforming your house, but for any remodeling project to go well, it's crucial to plan properly and meticulously. Begin by assessing the present state of your home, identifying the areas you want to change, building a list of materials you will need, and plotting a timeline for accomplishing every task.
Additionally, there are a plethora of home improvement projects you can take on that will transform your house with minimal or no help from a contractor. If you're ready, here are a few simple things you can do to upgrade the look of your living space.
2. Refresh your walls with paint
Look up color combinations online and see which tones best suit your vision for your home. Once you've decided on a palette, start working on your dreary walls to give them a flash of vibrance. Freshly painted walls are not only pleasant to the eyes but, depending on the colors you choose, can also make spaces look bigger.
Although you do not have to be an expert to do a paint job, seamless results require more than just dousing paint on surfaces. Do your research and watch online video tutorials on how to expertly paint walls and dedicate at least one weekend to the task.
3. Replace worn-out lighting
It's incredible what new lighting can do to a room. Replace old, boring bulbs in your kitchen with frameless sphere fixtures equipped with LEDs. You can also have a chandelier installed in your living room or master bedroom to achieve a more luxurious look. Swapping in new lighting systems is a quick change that can make a big difference in any space. However, if the wiring needs alterations, it's best to leave the job to a pro.
4. Maximize unused areas
Make use of empty spaces in your home by turning them into functional storage areas. You can achieve a clutter-free pantry by installing open shelving or built-in cabinetry in vacant areas of your kitchen. If you have the skills, dabble in some woodworking and add floating shelves and mounted boards in unused corners and walls.
5. Organize your electric cords
Messy cords, slithering everywhere from your workstation to your living room, can be a total eyesore. Remove them from your field of vision by concealing them behind walls or using cord organizers. This is also helpful if you’re a pet owner, keeping electrical chords hidden and pet-proofing your home can prevent potential dangers. If you're not comfortable with tearing into your drywall, you can try moving your electronics around a few times until you figure out the best placements to keep wires away from floors.
6. Replace old appliances with smart models
There's an assortment of smart home appliances available, from self-programmable thermostats to wireless doorbells with cameras. Apart from the added convenience and ease of use, upgrading to energy-efficient appliances can significantly reduce your electric bills and increase the resale value of your home. Not to mention, smart household appliances look more sleek and stylish than their old counterparts.
7. Deep clean your tile and grout
It's difficult to prevent tile and grout staining and discoloration, but they are surprisingly easy to remove. Use a repair kit and carefully follow the directions to restore tiles to their original condition. If you have more time to spare, you can also use colorants to tint grout and seal the tiles to make them last longer. Your bathroom or kitchen floors will end up looking brand new and pristine.
8. Add ventilation to prevent mold buildup
A ventilation fan in your bathroom does more than keep windows and mirrors from getting fogged up. Proper ventilation can help reduce stale odors and prevent issues caused by excess moisture, like mold or mildew buildup. Mold formations are not only unsightly but can cause health issues such as fatigue, coughing, difficulty breathing, headaches, and watery eyes.
9. Get bigger mirrors
Mirrors increase the amount of light in a room and make it appear larger than it is. Purchase just a few mirrors that you like and put them in places where they can catch natural light. Huge mirrors with ornate frames add class and character to any space. If you're opting for a clean, minimalist look, go for more modern, frameless mirrors.
10. Convert a non-essential room into an office space
If you've always wanted to build yourself a home office, now is the perfect time to start. You can convert a closet into a workspace by removing the doors and hinges and adding a desk and shelving. If you need a bigger space, you can set up an office in your basement or attic instead. In this way, it will be easier for you to stay on track when working from home.
11. Enhance your home's security and safety features
Improve your home's security by having window sensors and an alarm system installed. This will require the help of an expert, but the increased security will make the extra costs worthwhile. You may also consider bolting a door brace to your entryway or adding motion-detecting floodlights to your garage.
Moreover, it's important to take measures in preventing common disasters like residential fires. Installing fire-rated glass in different areas of your home can help mitigate losses and minimize damage. In case of a fire, it will confine the flames and prevent them from spreading to other parts of your property. Improving your house’s security is one way to enhance your home’s value.
The Key Takeaway
Sometimes, even the simplest modifications in your home can make a huge difference in style and functionality. Before you begin a remodeling or renovation project, don't just focus on improving your home's aesthetic appeal but energy efficiency and security features, as well. This way, you will not only have a stylish home but a haven to keep you and your family safe during troubled times.
About the author
Valerie Taylor is a freelance writer for Avida Land and also a book enthusiast. She usually writes about home improvement, lifestyle and real estate. In her spare time, she’s with her friends discussing cake recipes or practicing yoga.
