Welcome to 2023! You’ve enjoyed your holiday season and possibly hosted an event in the last 2 months in your own home. While you’re cleaning and prepping for guests to arrive, have you thought about that “wish list” of home improvement projects you were hoping to complete before the holiday chaos?
Well, some of my clients are right where you are: recently hosted at their home and noticing some tired colors, décor, finishes, etc. So, here are 5 easy upgrades to personalize your home in the new year without major remodeling or breaking the bank!
- A fresh coat of paint goes a long way:
Painting your living spaces and bedrooms will instantly give you ownership of your home again. I know you’ve probably heard this a million times from HGTV, but truly a fresh coat of paint (especially with a color of YOUR choosing) can transform your space immediately without a lot of time or money. Painting is mainly in the preparation work: fill in any unwanted holes with spackle, sand smooth, use a tacky cloth to wipe down the walls, prime and let dry, and apply at least 2 coats of paint if not more depending on the color you’re covering.
If you want to have some fun with your paint selection, the Sherwin Williams Color of the Year (2023) is Redend Point! Look how beautiful that is! One of my clients used a similar color in their kitchen remodel and I think it adds a great balance to their space! (You can see more of this kitchen on my Facebook and Instagram!)
- Home décor is where your personality shines:
Your décor is one of the most personalized categories of your house. Yes, your furniture can take up most of the space in your home. However, your personality will shine through the details you display. Home décor isn’t just framed pictures on your walls. Although personal pictures do add a lot of character because you and your loved ones are displayed. Home décor includes any pieces of artwork, sculptures, seasonal decorations, and more. If your home already has shelving, use that space to add dimension to the room with vases, books, plants, and more. If you don’t have shelf space for display, there are many in-stock options at your local home improvement store.
- Storage and organization solutions make your home more functional:
Storage and Organization are critical to how you actually USE your space. In your past home, you had a certain way of organizing and storing important items that you use every day. Find those unique organization and storage solutions you’re used to and implement those as best you can. For example, if you’re used to having your trash can in a cabinet, find a retrofit one. This helps you gain familiarity in your new home. Other examples are bins in the closet, hanging space versus drawer space in your closet, or those addicting restocking videos on Instagram with clear fridge storage. Put those storage and organization solutions to work! See some of my favorite examples from “Minneapolis Transitional Kitchen Remodel” below!
- Door and cabinet hardware are the jewelry of your home:
For more aesthetic changes to your home, consider changing your interior door and cabinet hardware. Hardware can upgrade the look of your millwork and cabinets instantly. A great example from many of my clients is changing the satin nickel or warm bronze hardware on golden oak doors and cabinets to black. This small change can instantly modernize your home and make you hate the golden oak a little less than you did before. You can find great options at your local home improvement store or at online retailers.
- Updating your light fixtures can make your space brighter and bigger:
Lastly, but maybe most importantly, change your light fixtures! This can improve the aesthetic of your home, improve overall light quality and save on energy costs. Many hardwired light fixtures on the market are LED. Therefore, they are more efficient, helping you save on electricity right away. There are so many light fixture options to consider. There are can lights, flush-mounted ceiling lights, pendants, chandeliers, wall sconces, ceiling fans, floor lamps, table lamps, and more. Start in your main living spaces where you’ll spend most of your time. This is also the space most people will see when you invite them over to see your new home. Having updated lighting can help show off your new digs without spending a lot of money and time to update.
These are just some of the ways you can update your home to refresh it in 2023! However, it is never too early to start planning and budgeting for those larger remodeling projects you have in mind. I offer a 2-hour consultation that can help you gain clarity, a realistic budget to complete the scope of work, as well as create an action plan to prioritize your ideas and projects. If you’re interested in scheduling a design consultation, you can use this link to find a time that works best for you. Use the referral code “BLOG” to receive 10% off.