Ten tips to update your home.

Try these tips for updating quickly and easily:

Two hours and two cans of paints gave this accent wall a new look.

1) Paint.  The changes to a room from updating the walls are tremendous. Does that mean you need to do all of the walls...NO.  The addition of one accent wall, freshening up just the trim and doors, adding a faux effect up to chair rail height, can be done in hours.  How about re-painting an old dresser and using it in the entry?

2) Lighting.  Update the outdated fixtures. (see Blog Jan 8th for detailed information). If the budget allows, change the ones that have the most impact on the room...the dining fixture, a kitchen light...and don't forget that new shades have a big impact.

Organize shelves for a clutter-free look.

3) Clean.  Having a clutter-free space does give a sense of newness. Easy ways to reduce clutter are a) store mail and newspapers in wicker baskets or decorative paper boxes, b) organize bookshelves, c) hide unused toys inside inexpensive wicker hampers, d) tuck the items from your home office/dining room into storage containers and stack them on a new shelf for easy access.

4) Position. Change the layout of your larger room.  Try moving the sofa to a new wall, arranging furniture horizontally versus vertically in the space, and swapping the position of tables and lamps. 

Adding sconces and a group of prints, was a quick update.

5) Pillows. Change the color and texture of pillows on the larger furniture pieces. Add a throw or take one away. Can you swap the bedroom pillows and throws with those in the living room? If not, and there is no budget for new ones, try to re-order them, cover the face with a napkin and then tie on ribbon like a gift box.

6) Hardware.  Replace the hardware on kitchen cabinets and key pieces. Have a knob? Try a pull.  Changing from brass or chrome to a black finish will be dramatic. It's an easy change and you can bargain hunt big box stores for sets of pulls and knobs.


7) Swap it.  This applies to artwork, accessories, candles and even furniture - if you are ambitious. Moving art on the walls gives new perspective to a room...and of course, the art!  Create a group of accessories rather than spreading them around. Change candles..color and size. If you move furniture, try re-purposing pieces.



 

Adding glass & cabinet lighting in uppers was a quick update that transformed this kitchen.

8) Re-face. Give your appliances and/or cabinets a face-lift. Change the panels on dishwashers and refrigerators (can you reverse what you have?). Use appliance spray paint to re-color. Cut the center of some cabinet doors out and add glass.

9) Lighten up. Add light to your rooms. Using a mirror, reflect the light from a window to the interior. No window? Place a table lamp or even a picture light in front of the mirror. If you can, add lighting to the perimeter, under cabinets, inside armoires and bookcases... use low wattage LED ropes or strips.

Adding a plant and a picture dressed up this chest.

10) Add greens.  Like paint, plants and flowers have a huge impact on rooms.  Soften a hard corner with a tall plant or even curly willow in a large vase. Place fresh flowers on your kitchen counter, a living room table, or other noticeable place.  Hang a seasonal wreath on the wall, from a shelf or on an inside door. Can you use your own garden? Even better.