Between Pinterest, HGTV, and “Do it yourself” websites like Bob Vila, there’s no shortage of ideas for sprucing up your living space.
However, not all home improvement projects are created equal. Some are more costly and time intensive than others. That’s why it is important to prioritize your home improvement goals wisely.
Paint Your Walls
There is nothing that refreshes a room quite like a fresh coat of paint. It’s one of the easiest home improvement projects that you can do yourself and can be a huge impact on the way your house looks.
When painting, it is a good idea to clear your working area and make sure that any furniture or other items that you don’t want to get splattered with paint are moved to an alternate location. It’s also a smart idea to lay down a drop sheet or old blanket to protect your floor. This will help you avoid a costly repair or replacement later down the road.
If you are tired of your drab walls, try painting them with a light color that will reflect the natural light and brighten up your space. You could also add a bold accent wall with a darker color. You can even give your furniture a facelift by repainting them. It’s also easy to freshen up light switches, outlet covers and cabinet pulls with a quick coat of spray paint.
With Pinterest, Instagram and countless other DIY websites and blogs available online, it’s no secret that people are increasingly turning to do-it-yourself projects for a variety of tasks around their homes. However, many of these do-it-yourself home improvement projects can become time consuming and difficult, and may require the help of a professional in some cases.
Install Laminate Flooring
Laminate is a budget-friendly, easy-to-install flooring option that can instantly upgrade any room. It’s also hypoallergenic, making it ideal for homes with kids or pets. Before installing laminate, be sure to remove any existing carpet padding and pull up any carpet tack strips. Also, make sure your subflooring is flat and free from dips or bumps. If needed, you can use a floor leveling compound to smooth out any imperfections.
Once your floor is ready for installation, lay out a row of laminate pieces to get a feel for how it’s going to look in the space. Remember to stagger the seams so that one row’s seams aren’t right next to each other, which can cause a bumpy appearance.
When you’re ready to start installing, begin with the first row and work your way around the room. Be sure to leave a 3/8-inch gap between the edge of your laminate and the wall, as this will allow for expansion. If you’re having trouble with the gaps, a few 1/4-inch tile spacers can help. Also, remember to tap your flooring with a tapping block and hammer to help close the gap.
Upgrade Your Appliances
Home improvement projects are a great way to make your home look brand new without spending a fortune. However, they can be time consuming and sometimes require the assistance of professionals. Fortunately, there are many simple DIY home improvement ideas you can use to improve your space and add value to your house at the same time.
One of the most important things you can do to increase your home’s value is to upgrade your appliances. It’s no secret that older appliances don’t appeal to home buyers and can even decrease your property value. By replacing your old appliances with newer models, you can instantly boost your home’s value and enjoy a more comfortable living experience.
If you don’t have the budget to replace your appliances, there are plenty of other ways you can upgrade your home. For example, you can give your kitchen a facelift by simply cleaning everything up. This includes scrubbing off any dirt and grease, organizing your pantry and kitchen cabinets, and removing any magnets from the refrigerator. It might sound trivial but it can make a big difference in the way your home looks. You can also transform an empty closet into a home office by adding in a desk and custom shelving.
Add a Feature Wall
A feature wall is a great way to add personality, interest and energy to your home. It can be a focal point for a room and also offer a creative opportunity to experiment with color, pattern and texture. There are many different ways to create a feature wall and you can do it with a range of materials including paint, wallpaper and wood.
One of the easiest ways to create a feature wall is by painting it in a bold and vibrant color that stands out from the rest of the room. This can be a great way to make the space feel more inviting and is especially effective in small rooms where it can create an optical illusion of a bigger space.
Another way to use a feature wall is by mounting framed pictures or paintings. This can be a great way to add personalization to the space and it will also make the room feel more homely and warm.
You could also try hanging a few wooden shelves on the wall for an extra decorative touch. This is a great option if you want to create a more modern look for your feature wall and it can be easily accessedorized by adding decor items like picture frames or even plants.
If you are looking for a more unique and creative idea then try creating a patterned effect on your feature wall by using masking tape. This is a very easy DIY project that can make your home improvement ideas more interesting and stylish.
Give Your Ceiling a Makeover
There are a lot of things that you can do to your home to make it look more attractive, but if you want to give your home an instant facelift without spending a fortune, try sprucing up the ceiling. The ceiling is often overlooked, but it can make or break the overall design of a room. Adding a pop of color or painting the ceiling a different shade is a great way to refresh a room.
If you’re not a fan of paint, you can add texture to your ceiling by adding beams or a coffered style. Another cost-savvy option is to use wood laths, which are sold at most home centers for about $3 to $5 per square foot. These thin wooden boards are placed side by side in a ceiling opening, then mounted to the suspension. This can add a beautiful, rustic feel to a space, and it’s also easy to do on a DIY basis.
Adding new light fixtures is another quick and easy home improvement project that can really transform a space. Swapping out frosted glass pendants for modern glass globe fixtures or updating your existing kitchen ceiling lights with stylish Edison bulbs is a great way to add character and style to a kitchen. Another great idea is to add a breakfast bar, which can be the perfect spot for cooking and entertaining guests.
Add Storage Space
Adding storage space is an inexpensive home improvement project that can have a huge impact. Whether it’s for books, magazines, collectibles, or spice jars, having enough storage can make your home more attractive and feel more comfortable. Floating shelves are a great option for this, as they’re inexpensive and can be customized to your home’s decor.
Other small but powerful projects include painting light switch covers, outlet covers and cabinet pulls to give them a fresh look. You can also freshen up your closet by cleaning out the mess and donating or tossing items you no longer use.
Exterior lighting is another easy DIY project that makes your home more attractive at night and helps keep burglars away. It’s also a good way to highlight features of your yard.
It’s important to know what your skills and limitations are before undertaking any DIY projects. What may seem like an easy task can often escalate into a bigger job if you get in over your head. If you’re not confident in your abilities, don’t hesitate to call a professional. Taking on even just a few of these simple upgrades can add value to your home for both future buyers and for you to enjoy while living in the house. So, go ahead and pick one of these projects to start with – the results will be well worth it!
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