Is your home your sanctuary? You may love coming home at the end of a hard day’s work, but perhaps your place isn’t as inviting as it once was. If you find your decor to be drab or outdated, you don’t have to invest a lot of money, time, or mess to spruce things up. There are some simple DIY projects you can take on that will make a big impact on the look of your surroundings. To get you started, here are five home design ideas to upgrade your living space that won’t break the bank or take weeks to complete.
1. Add Paint in Unexpected Places
Adding a splash of color or a fresh coat of paint to the walls is a great way to change the look of a room. However, you don’t need to paint an entire room to make a dramatic impact. Just adding some paint to a small alcove can create a bold focal point in a room. Perhaps you could refinish an antique wooden rocker in a bright jewel tone or paint your kitchen cupboards from the 80s a clean, classic white. A unique weekend project to consider is to create a whitewash brick fireplace or wall. You can do this yourself with a special paint meant for this purpose, and it should only take an afternoon to complete.
2. Update Your Lighting
Are there rooms in your room that are poorly lit? Dim lighting can cause an area to appear smaller and more cramped than it really is. One fairly easy way to create the appearance of a new space is to change out your lighting fixtures. Plus, new fixtures can provide a more updated look to a room. Lighting can be both practical and aesthetic. Adding table and floor lamps may be all you need to brighten up your space. Look for ones that will complement your decor. Consider something colorful if your room could use some visual contrast. Placing floor lamps strategically in dark corners can brighten things significantly, while table lamps can give you improved lighting for reading or create a nice ambiance when evening falls. Replacing old ceiling and wall fixtures is a project that requires a bit more skill, but the effect can be transformative. If you’re handy, you can do this yourself or hire an electrician to handle this task for you.
3. Install New Hardware
There’s no need to take on a complete kitchen re-do if you want to make things more modern. One of the simplest DIY projects around is to switch out old drawer and cabinet hardware with new ones. This tip works for other cabinetry throughout your home as well. Adding a new style of knobs or pulls can completely change the vibe of a space. If you’re feeling indecisive, bring home two or three varieties to see which you like best.
4. Change the Window Treatments
Windows are easy to overlook when it comes to decorating. You may be surprised what a statement can be made by simply adding new coverings. Are your windows bare or do you have outdated draperies or valances? Now’s the time for an overhaul. Framing your windows with new panels can be a fun project, too. After all, there are tons of choices when it comes to window coverings. Sit down and do a little research online or in catalogs to brainstorm some ideas. Once you have some inspiration, use the colors already in your home to narrow down your search for the perfect window decor.
5. Open Things Up
One of the most popular layouts a home can have is the open floor plan. There’s no need for wall demolition if you don’t currently have an open concept home. Just clearing the visual clutter can be a start to making your rooms appear more spacious. One way to do this is to switch out large, bulky furniture for more streamlined pieces. You can also add mirrors to your decor to increase the appearance of more space. Sometimes, simply rearranging a room will do the trick. Play with your rooms to see what works for your place.
Keep these design ideas in mind if you’re looking to update your living space. Some creativity and a few well-chosen decor items may be all you need to create a whole new look.
