With people across the nation housebound it’s no surprise that home improvements, remodelling and renovations have been high on the to do list. It can also be cheaper and easier to give a home a makeover than you think. It’s a great opportunity to get creative and find your artistic flair. Whether preparing a property for sale, or simply wanting to brighten things up while potentially adding long-term value, here are some small-ticket strategies with big-ticket wow factor.
In the Kitchen: Re-modelling a kitchen can be expensive. Instead, easily spruce up the heart of the home by painting any tired or out-dated cabinets, sanding them down first for a more professional finish. Add some fancy new handles to decorate your handiwork, whether bright, quirky or conventional. Also consider painting window frames, replacing blinds, or perhaps creating an idyllic outdoor view with a garden feature, inventive piece of DIY artwork, or greenery, whether potted or planted.
Light Up Your Life: Whether in the kitchen or elsewhere, strategically-placed pendant lights or spotlights bring feature areas to life, while adding brightness or ambience to whole rooms or nooks as desired. Otherwise, a few select lamps will avoid that cost while coming in umpteen designs with different light-throwing possibilities. Remember too that natural light is free and helps save on power bills, so trim trees and bushes to let more light in. Also consider replacing curtains and blinds, whether to maximise and better control light or as lovely new features.
Make a Splash in the Bathroom: Replacing tiles gives bathrooms an instant lift, and perhaps even a whole new look if adventurous, though they can also be painted with great results if you follow instructions. Otherwise, remove and replace grout for a quick pick-me-up, while replacing tapware, towel rails, the vanity or a dodgy shower door can make a world of difference. Be sure to use a plumber where necessary to avoid costly problems later.
Options are really only as limited as your imagination and, of course, your budget. Updates might be as small as adding plants, soft furnishings, or mirrors to create a sense or more space, as intermediate as a fresh coat of paint, replacing worn carpet, or sanding and polishing floorboards, or, if digging deeper, as drastic (and exciting!) as knocking out a wall to change small and dingy to open-plan and airy.
Whether you are making small changes, or planning a big re-do make please make sure to comply to all coronavirus restrictions that apply in your area, or better yet use existing supplies that you have at home or order online.
