Hey there, friends and fellow homeowners! Ready to stir things up a bit in the neighborhood? Imagine this: sizzling BBQ scents wafting through the air, admiring nods at your picture-perfect lawn, and the subtle ‘Whoa, what’s their secret?’ glances from the neighbors. Today, we’re diving into the nitty-gritty of ramping up your home’s charm and maybe raising a few eyebrows next door – all in good jest, of course! So, grab a drink, pull up a seat, and let’s chat about how to make our humble abodes the talk of the town!
Alright…..You there, with the panicked expression and Google search history that screams, “How do I up my home’s game without selling vital organs?” Take a breather because I’m here to sprinkle some chuckles into your home improvement saga. Picture this: You are sipping your favorite beverage (be it coffee or something a tad stronger – no eyebrows raised here), getting ready to add some zing to your abode.
Image Credit: iStock: DragonImages
Unleash the Power of Paint
Paint: it’s like a magic wand for your walls, and thankfully, it’s more budget-friendly than a spree at a fancy cosmetics store. Slap on a new coat, and voilà – your room goes from “blah” to “ta-da!” quicker than you can spell D-I-Y. A quick word of advice: Stick to neutrals. That electric lime you adore? It might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Now I bet you are wondering which paint colors are the most popular? Here are the best neutral paint colors that will help you create the impression of light and warmth in even the dullest of rooms. I have provided a Paint Color Chart of Neutral colors to help your decision making a bit less stressful. I’ve chosen this list by rounding up the 12 of the best selling Behr paint colors for 2023. When you are to the point of perfect color choices seeing it on the walls has become much easier from the top peel-and-stick paint sample company, Samplize. Here they do all the work for you. Important Tip: look at the room in the morning in the afternoon and an evening with the lights on. Each of these time periods will provide a different hue of that color. In the long run, there will be no mistakes.
Tame the Tiny Troubles
It’s time for some DIY detective work. Those minor irritants you’ve been avoiding? The squeaky hinge, that faucet that’s been practicing Morse code, the drawer that’s more stubborn than a mule? It’s time to show them who’s boss. These fixes are wallet-friendly and will prevent visitors from assuming your house is a fixer-upper. Plus, opening a drawer without a secret handshake is surprisingly satisfying. But what does that entail you ask, follow along and the Big Reveal is awaiting. I promise you “Got This! Friend.
Hardware Makeover
Hardware talk! No, not computer innards – we’re chatting about doorknobs, drawer pulls, and light fixtures. Switching out old hardware is like giving your house a mini spa day. The cost? Minimal. The effort? Just some twisting and maybe a few choice words when things get stubborn.
Image Credit: Affordable Hardware by Emily Henderson
Curb Appeal: It’s a Thing (No Matter The Season)
Curb appeal is like the red carpet entrance for your home. First impressions matter! Minus the Award. Whip that lawn into shape, give those bushes a haircut, and throw in some flowers for extra pizzazz. Or if you are in a Season of still decorating your outside for yourself and you want to be the “envy” of the Neighborhood, these need to be done earlier obviously in the Season…it is setting up your outside for the most amazing decorated home for the Winter Season as well. NOTE OF WARNING: You are not looking to be like the Griswolds! LOL. Make your home’s exterior so inviting passersby can’t help but think, “The inside must be a palace!”
Image Credit: Hooked On Houses
Embracing Your Inner Clean Freak
While cleaning is not one of those things we all like to do, in the long run it will make maintaining our homes cleanliness a lot simpler. If you are perplexed on where to get started, I have that covered for you. Making life simpler in the blog post: 15 Spring/Summer/Fall/Winter Cleaning Tips.15 Spring/Summer/Fall/Winter Cleaning Tips.
Deep cleaning: Not just a spring fling anymore. It’s time to channel your fairy-tale cleaning skills and make your home dazzle. Clear those windows, scrub those floors, and uncover the original color of your kitchen tiles. A spotless home doesn’t just look good; it whispers, “I’m loved and well-maintained.”
Let There Be (Good) Light
Lighting – it’s like a magic potion for your rooms. It turns a cramped space into a cozy nook and a dreary room into a sun-kissed haven. Change those flickering bulbs and add some strategic lighting. It’s like a dose of sunshine minus the expense of a beach holiday.
Image Credit: Lutron Caseta Smart Lighting
With the ever-evolving world of lighting, there are some exciting new innovations to brighten up your space. From energy-efficient LED bulbs offering a rainbow of colors to smart bulbs that sync with your phone or voice assistant, the choices are endless! These new options not only save energy but also allow you to set the mood or adjust brightness with a simple tap on your device. These simple changes make lighting up your home more personalized and convenient. So, why not shed some new light on your space and explore these fantastic options for a brighter, cozier atmosphere?
Declutter with Gusto
Decluttering: Think of it as your home going on a diet. Tough, yes, but oh-so rewarding. Clear out the clutter. It not only makes your space look more open and welcoming but also gives you a jump start on packing. Your future self, amidst moving boxes, will be singing your praises.
For some encouragement and fun ways to make this job fun, we covered this very delicate subject in our post 5 Easy Organizing Tips To Use Now. Check it out it even comes with a FREE Organizing Planner Printable.
Kitchen Cabinet Makeover
Alright, let’s venture into the heart of the home: the kitchen. Those cabinets have seen better days, haven’t they? But fear not. You don’t need to replace them to give your kitchen a facelift. Enter the hero of our story: kitchen cabinet refinishing services. These wizards can transform your tired, old cabinets into something out of a home decor magazine and for a fraction of the cost of new ones. It’s like giving your kitchen a spa day, and who doesn’t love a good before-and-after story?
In my previous home a little paint and removing outdated Plate Rail Mouldings gave the kitchen an inexpensive facelift and brought it up to the 21st Century.
Smart Home, Smart Investment
Let’s get a bit techy. Making your home a ‘smart home’ can be a game changer. Start small – think of smart thermostats, smoke and fire detectors, or even light bulbs you can control with your phone. It’s like giving your home a degree in technology, and buyers love a home that’s not only pretty but also brainy. Plus, who wouldn’t want to say, “Alexa, make me look like a home improvement genius”? You might even be savvy enough to use today’s technology of Chat GPT. Just ask him/her “make me look like an improvement, genius, with the steps to how to do this”. Believe me you will get answers like you have never seen. Welcome again to the 21st century.
Bathroom Time Machine
Next stop: the bathroom. No, not for that. It’s time to turn your bathroom into a time machine – but only in style, not actual time travel (sorry, sci-fi fans). You know those old-school faucets and showerheads that scream, “I belong in another decade”? Replace them with modern fixtures. It’s like giving your bathroom a journey from the past to the present without the need for a flux capacitor. Bonus points if you can do it without flooding the house – always a plus. There is that scary word that I shutter every time I use it, FLOOD! There are some really easy to follow tips in the post titled, Bathroom Reno: Before and After”.
The Great Wall of Shelves
Let’s talk about walls. No, it’s not about how they might be listening to your shower concerts but about how they’re underutilized real estate. Add some floating shelves! Yes, I know no kidding, Captain Obvious?”
They’re like magic carpets for your knick-knacks, books, or plants. This isn’t just about storage; it’s about creating visually appealing and functional art. If you’re an avid reader, or just a hobby reader, you can always make a Book Nook as well.
Imagine when your friends ask, “Wow, where’d you get the idea?” you can casually say, “Just a spark of genius I had one day.”
The Secret Garden Indoors
Now, for the grand finale, let’s bring a bit of the outside in. This is especially. Good idea in the cooler or colder weather. I’m talking about an indoor garden, but not just any indoor garden. Think small herb garden in your kitchen or a quirky terrarium in the living room. This isn’t just about adding a splash of green; it’s about creating a tiny ecosystem that makes your home feel alive. It’s like having pets, but ones that don’t require walking or vet visits. Plus, cooking with herbs, you grew yourself? That’s instant chef status right there. Just remember to water them – unlike pet rocks, these guys need a bit of TLC.
Conclusion
There you have it – simple, inexpensive home maintenance tips that can boost your home’s value and charm. Remember, it’s the little things that count. You don’t need to break the bank to make your home look and feel great. Now go forth, armed with your new knowledge (and maybe a paintbrush), and show your home some love. Your wallet (and your sanity) will thank you. Cheers to being a savvy, budget-conscious homeowner!
I also want to tell you how much I appreciate your ongoing support and readership – you’re not just a reader, but a valued friend on my blogging journey! Your input means the world to me, so don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and ideas in the comment section below the post. Thank you for being a part of The City Cottage Family.
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