Home Improvement
Refresh your home key takeaways
- Start by settling on just a few ideas and making sure the color schemes and arrangements work well together.
- If you want to build confidence, start with projects that are so simple and inexpensive you can redo them until you are happy.
- Little things like painting, decluttering, and adding colorful new accents and plants can make a big difference.
There are several inexpensive ways to refresh your home and give it new life. Whether you’re looking for a new home decor or just want to revive your space as the seasons change, there are plenty of simple, budget friendly ways to completely transform a home.
Sometimes you can make a big difference in your everyday life just by brightening up a room or a cozy corner — especially if you work at home or spend a lot of time there. If you’re looking for a little home or apartment therapy, this article can provide some easy ways to make it happen.
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Fresh ideas for your home
Before you get started, map out your ideas and settle on things like color schemes or spaces where you would like to add visual interest. Be it a statement piece, visual art, or a splash of color, start with one project at a time and work your way through the list.
Not sure where to start? Here are some ideas to get you going. They show how you can apply some sweat equity to give your space a fresh look.
1. Rearrange your furniture
Sometimes all you need to do is move things around until you find a layout that works best for the room. Start small and simple, like moving art to different spaces or rotating an area rug. If that’s not enough, move bigger pieces around a little more until you find a better flow.
If you have a space that needs a little extra something, consider picking up a new piece of furniture or a statement piece to serve as a focal point, like a new dining table or coffee table. Table lamps are also an easy way to shake things up and provide some fresh light.
2. Do a thorough cleaning and declutter
You can take your space to a whole new level without changing much at all just by going through what you have and getting rid of what you don’t need. Spend a little time decluttering your space and organizing the “keepers” in an aesthetically pleasing fashion — like arranging books by color or simplifying your display shelves.
3. Paint can refresh your home
Painting is a great way to give new life to much more than your walls. You can paint just about anything, including:
- Old furniture or an accent piece
- An accent wall or an entire room
- Your front door
- Ceilings, especially if you choose a color other than the traditional white
- Shutters and exterior trim
- Baseboards
Or, instead of paint, you can use wallpaper to highlight a room or accent wall with a new style. If you don’t own your home, be sure to check your lease or clear it with the landlord beforehand. You don’t want to lose your security deposit over a purple ceiling.
4. Add color with accessories
Like painting, you can brighten up any space with some colorful accessories. Grab some splashy throw pillows for your couch, bed or armchair, or pick up some new bedding for your room. Try out a new item like a cocktail ottoman for your living or dining room.
5. Switch out light fixtures
Got the perfect space for a beautiful chandelier or modern light fixture? Maybe your current fixture is a bit dated or no longer working. Swap it out for something new and have fun with it. If your fixture is fine, you could change up the type of bulbs you’re using for a different look. You might try uniquely shaped bulbs or bulbs that lend a warmer light to the room.
6. Invest in a new rug
Rugs can be pricey, but they are one of our favorite ways to revamp a room. However, it’s important to make sure you’ve settled on a color scheme and style before you pick one out. It’s equally as important to consider where the rug will be and how much traffic it could see. If the rug is for a room that sees a lot of use, it’s probably best to choose a darker color or a pattern.
7. Refinish wood flooring
Wood floors are great for making spaces feel warm and cozy, but they take a little bit of maintenance. If there are spots in your floor where the finish is wearing off, consider having your floors redone. You can have them stained the same color or switch it up to change the vibe of the room.
8. Plants can refresh your home
Not only are plants great to look at, but they help clean the air in your home. If you don’t have any plants at home, consider starting with a few that are easy to care for and place them throughout your space.
For those with a green thumb, maybe it’s time to replant some in new pots that match your updated color scheme or have a complementary pattern. If you’re really dedicated to your leafy friends, you can turn a specific space in your home into your own little forest.
9. Built-ins, bookshelves and display shelves
This goes hand in hand with decluttering. Spend some time combing through any shelves and storage you have, especially if the contents are out in the open. Rearrange what’s on the shelves in a clean, organized fashion that’s pleasing to the eye.
If you’re looking to spruce up the shelves themselves, you can paint them, add wallpaper to the back of shelves or cabinets, or even add mirrors to give them a different look while adding appeal.
10. Windows
When it comes to your windows, there are many ways to refresh these portals to your home, both inside and out.
You can start simple with new window treatments, like curtains or blinds. They make a huge difference in almost any room. You also can change the hardware to match any new decor. Here’s another possibility: repaint the sills or trim to a new color or give them a fresh coat if they just need a touch up.
11. Cabinets
You can tackle dated cabinets easily by swapping out the door handles, knobs and hinges, or repainting the cabinets altogether.
Look around your cabinets for other things you can swap out to match, like light covers or switches. If you’re refreshing your kitchen cabinets, you could also consider updating your kitchen backsplash to match.
12. Create a comfy nook
Maybe you’re looking to make a special space to relax in. Think about how you want to use it and where it should go, and then get to work making it fit your needs. Want a space to recline and read? Get a comfy chair or giant beanbag create a space next to a window that gets great light.
13. Add crown molding, chair rails or change door trim
Adding a little flair can go a long way. You can bring some detail to your space by adding things like crown molding or chair rails, or by swapping out the door or window trim. Once you’ve swapped it out, have fun with a little paint to really make it stand out.
14. Change house numbers and mailbox
If your outside needs a quick and simple refresh, pick out a new style of house numbers or swap out your mailbox. These small visual changes can do a lot for your curbside appeal.
How to refresh your home
Is this the perfect time to spruce things up at your house, but your budget doesn’t offer much wiggle room? Try applying one or two of these ideas and some imagination. You could be rewarded every time you walk through your house. And some of these tricks are so simple and inexpensive you can try, try again until you love the results.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide financial, tax or legal advice. You should consult a professional for specific advice. Best Egg is not responsible for the information contained in third-party sites cited or hyperlinked in this article. Best Egg is not responsible for, and does not provide or endorse third party products, services or other third-party content.