If you’re looking for easy ideas to start some home improvement projects, we have compiled a massive list of ideas that any homeowner can consider! This will transform your home, condo, or apartment and help improve your quality of life and health.
From improving lighting to adding storage solutions, there are so many ways to create some amazing changes to your home. Your friends and your family will love these ideas.
Table of Contents
- Add Storage To A Small Space With Shelving Units
- Create An Organized Pantry Using Shelf Liner And Hooks
- Convert Old Cabinets Into Bookcases
- Install Under Cabinet Lighting In The Kitchen
- Update Bathroom Fixtures
- Replace Existing Door Knob Hardware
- Paint Walls White Or Dark Gray
- Use Wallpaper As Decorative Accent Pieces
- Hang Artwork On Ceiling Tiles
- Cover Up Cracks & Spots In Your Home
- Add A New Shower Curtain
- Create Storage Space With Shelves And Hooks
- Remove Old Cabinets From The Kitchen
- Update Flooring By Adding Hardwood Floors
- Use Wallpaper Instead Of Stucco On Ceilings
- Make Sure All Windows Are Clean
- Hang Artwork In Closet Doors
- Install An Undercounter Dishwasher
- Place Plants Around The House
- Buy New Kitchen Appliances When Necessary
- Replace Old Faucets With Energy Efficient Ones
- Get Rid Of That Ugly Bathroom Mirror
- Use Natural Light Instead Of Fluorescent Lights
- Put Up Pictures On Wallpaper
- Add A Fireplace To Your Living Room
- Clean Out Closet Shelves Regularly
- Create Storage Space In Small Areas
- Keep Furniture Away From Windows And Doors
- Organize Books By Subject
- Get Rid Of The Junk Drawer
- Store Kitchen Utensils Properly
- Paint Kitchen Cabinets White Or Neutral Colors
- Donate Unwanted Items
- Clean Your Refrigerator Regularly
- Add A Built-In Microwave Oven To Your Kitchen
- Keep Food In Containers That Are Bigger Than Their Contents
- Avoid Using Plastic Cutlery And Disposable Plates
- Buy Quality Appliances For Less Money
- Clean Regularly
- Organize Storage Drawers
- Keep Your Toilet Bowls Clean
- Get Rid Of Clutter
- Add Extra Lighting
- Create A Quiet Zone In Kids’ Rooms
- Install An Air Purifier
- Avoid Plastic Bags
- Right Tools For DIY Projects
- Consider These Energy Saving Tips
- Invest In High-Quality Lighting
- Know How Much Water Is Needed
- All Appliances Are Properly Washed And Disinfected Before Being Used Again
- Have Fun With Paint Colors
- Consider Repainting Furniture If Necessary
- Learn About Different Types Of Roofs
- Repair Leaks In Bathrooms
- Use Recycled Materials Whenever Possible
- The Importance Of Insulation
- Ignoring Electrical Outlets
- Check Your Air Conditioner Frequently
- Don’t Forget To Maintain Your Lawn And Garden
- Create Space Between Floors To Reduce Noise Levels
- Replace Old Fixtures With New Ones
- Make Sure Your Kitchen Is Well Ventilated
- Make Sure Your Roof Is Watertight
- Avoid Unnecessary Upgrades
- Avoid Overloading Appliances And Electronics
- Keep The House Clean
- Consider Adding An Outdoor Space For Your Family
- Add Storage Space Where Possible
- Choose Paint Colors That Match Furniture Color Schemes
- Create A Home Office Area In The Kitchen
- Have Fun With Decorations
- Keep Up On Maintenance
- Clean Out Old Items Before Moving Into A House
- Start Small When Building A Garden
- Cook More Vegetables At Home
- Build A Fire Pit At Home
- Plant Trees Around Your Property
Add Storage To A Small Space With Shelving Units
Shelves are an inexpensive and easily customizable way to add extra storage to a room or closet. Plus, they come in various sizes, styles, and materials to match just about any decor. A shelving unit can be made from wood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF).
Did you know IKEA is the largest user of MDF worldwide?
Create An Organized Pantry Using Shelf Liner And Hooks
If you want to create a well-organized pantry, consider lining shelves with shelf liners before hanging food jars. Then, hang baskets filled with dry goods above those liners. Finally, install hooks along the wall behind the countertop where canned foods are located. Click on the Amazon.com product images below for more detailed information.
Convert Old Cabinets Into Bookcases
When cabinetry starts showing its age, try modifying it with new doors and drawers. You can also change old cabinet hardware like knobs and pulls to give them a fresh look.
One of our friends does this type of upcycling often. They go to thrift shops, find old furniture pieces to peel, sand, varnish, and then give it a fresh paint job. They also replace dated knobs or pulls with new ones from IKEA or other retailers with better styling options.
Install Under Cabinet Lighting In The Kitchen
Under-cabinet lights are perfect for illuminating dark areas under the sink or around appliances. Not only does this help save energy costs, but it makes cleaning easier too. They also serve as wonderful decorative accents, creating an ambient-like setting, for your living space.
You can plug these units directly into an outlet near the floor so they won’t get tripped over during cleanup time. However, we suggest you consider LED lighting instead of traditional overhead fluorescents because LEDs last longer and consume less electricity.
Update Bathroom Fixtures
Light Fixtures
Bathrooms tend to stay pretty consistent year after year, meaning bathroom light fixtures often remain unchanged as well. However, updating outdated fixtures doesn’t require much effort at all. All you really need to do is swap out the bulbs and then mount a new fixture back onto the ceiling.
Some lighting fixtures are a bit more complicated so it’s important to consider simplicity since bathrooms are not spaces where the most time is spent except for bathing.
Lighting fixtures have greater relevance in living rooms, dining areas, and the kitchen where more time is spent by family and guests.
Other Fixtures
Replacing bathroom faucets, toilets, and tub surround are relatively inexpensive and give bathrooms a fresh feel.
Replace Existing Door Knob Hardware
Doorknobs have been available since the early 1900s, making it one of the longest-lasting types of door hardware.
While many people choose to leave their current doorknobs alone, replacing them with something more modern may be worth considering. This is an easier, more stylish way to achieve some easy enhancements.
Paint Walls White Or Dark Gray
White walls aren’t always the best choice, especially if you plan on painting some furniture white later down the road for a particular style.
Instead, opt for darker shades such as gray or black to help things appear larger. These options work better against lighter-colored surfaces. This trick works well in smaller spaces where wallpapering can overwhelm the room.
Kitchens
Paint walls white or beige to create a brighter room. This color scheme works well in kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, hallways, and other areas where people spend most of their time indoors.
Use Wallpaper As Decorative Accent Pieces
Wallpaper adds instant style to rooms while providing endless possibilities for color combinations. Choose from traditional patterns that will complement most decors or go wild with bright hues that pop off the paper surface and wow your guests!
Wallpaper seems to be making a comeback because homeowners are finding fresh new ways to customize their home design experience.
Hang Artwork On Ceiling Tiles
Ceilings have long served as blank canvases for art enthusiasts everywhere. But did you know you could use tiles to display artwork? They’re easy to clean and don’t take up much real estate compared to other options.
Look at these Pinterest examples for inspiration.
Cover Up Cracks & Spots In Your Home
Cracked plaster, peeling wallpaper and worn carpeting are common problems homeowners face every day. Fortunately, there are plenty of affordable fixes that can hide imperfections and bring life back to anything like tired floors. Try using the spackling compounds in small sections first to see how things look and react. Once you’ve determined which spots respond best, apply full-size patches until everything looks smooth again.
Add A New Shower Curtain
Showers are notoriously difficult spaces to decorate. That means shower curtains are usually relegated to being used solely for privacy purposes.
There are some amazing shower curtain designs, in varying styles, from mid-century modern to atomic, to modern contemporary to help spruce things up.
Create Storage Space With Shelves And Hooks
Shelving and hooks are great ways to add additional storage space without taking up valuable room. For example, consider placing shelving inside cupboards to create hidden pantry space.
You can also hang items like towels and blankets directly above countertops to save space.
Remove Old Cabinets From The Kitchen
Old cabinetry takes up tons of precious square footage in kitchens. Removing old cabinets allows you to open up the area and make way for new additions. If you want to keep the look of your existing cabinets, simply refinish them instead.
More kitchen remodeling projects are considering built-in options to save space. More and more people are living in smaller homes, condos, or apartments.
Update Flooring By Adding Hardwood Floors
Hardwoods such as oak or maple have been around since ancient times. Other high-quality floorings include laminate, tile, carpet, vinyl, linoleum, cork, bamboo, rubber, and stone. These materials last longer and provide greater protection against wear and tear.
They’re durable, easy to clean, and stain-resistant. Plus, they offer rich tones that work perfectly with most other materials.
Use Wallpaper Instead Of Stucco On Ceilings
Stucco ceilings have been around a long time and we’re not fans, but they’re also expensive too! Using wallpaper on ceilings saves money while still giving your room a unique look.
Consider wallpaper for dramatic effect! Just remember not to use anything too busy or patterned if you don’t want guests tripping over themselves trying to find something interesting to stare at.
Make Sure All Windows Are Clean
Windows let in lots of natural sunlight, so cleaning windows regularly helps brighten homes.
Dusty windows will reflect heat into rooms, making them hotter during the summer months. Also, dirty windows allow pests to enter through cracks and crevices.
Hang Artwork In Closet Doors
Hanging artwork in closet doors creates visual interest. Choose frames made from wood or metal to match the decor of your bedroom.
Sadly, one of us at a younger age considered a Freddy Krueger with Creepy Door Opened poster as artwork. Talk about freaky!
Install An Undercounter Dishwasher
An under-counter dishwasher takes less space than traditional ones and is convenient because it frees up more cabinet space.
You’ll save time by having fewer loads to wash each week because it can hold large amounts of dishes at once which saves time washing each one individually.
Place Plants Around The House
Plants add beauty and life to indoor environments. Not only do plants help reduce air pollution, but they also improve moods and boost productivity. Some even purify the air. Embrace biophilic design. One Canadian company, called Respira Air, uses nature and technology to bring fresh, clean air into your home.
Buy New Kitchen Appliances When Necessary
Kitchen appliances break down after years of hard usage. Buy high-quality manufacturer brands through a buy-now, pay-later program and stop with the costly repair fees.
Buying one large appliance at once is cheaper than buying several smaller ones over time. If your budget allows, buy an oven/stove combo that includes both functions. It will make cooking meals much faster and more convenient.
Replace Old Faucets With Energy Efficient Ones
Old faucets leak water all the time. Replacing old fixtures is often cheaper than fixing leaks. Look for models that feature aerators, which filter out particles before allowing water to flow freely. These filters cost about $10-$15 more up front but pay off in energy savings later.
Replacing damaged faucets that leak will prevent more expensive damage to floors and ceilings.
Try to find low-flow fixtures because less water is used for common activities such as washing hands and face, taking a shower or bath, or flushing a toil. The water usage drops significantly and leads to a lighter water bill in the end.
Get Rid Of That Ugly Bathroom Mirror
Mirrors make bathroom floors slippery, especially if they’re covered in soap scum. Remove mirrors altogether or replace them with glass shower enclosures.
Glass showers provide privacy without sacrificing light. They also look modern and refined.
Use Natural Light Instead Of Fluorescent Lights
Natural lighting provides many benefits: it reduces glare, makes rooms feel warmer, and improves overall health.
Plus, fluorescent lights contain mercury, which poses serious risks to children and pregnant women. Switching to incandescent bulbs may seem like a hassle now, but it pays off big dividends in the future.
Put Up Pictures On Wallpaper
Wallpaper has been around since ancient times.
Nowadays, wallpaper comes in hundreds of designs and patterns. Hang pictures on wallpaper using nails, thumbtacks, or magnets.
Add A Fireplace To Your Living Room
A fireplace adds warmth and ambiance to any living area. They come in different styles, including gas fireplaces, electric log sets, and open-hearth fires.
Consider installing a mantelpiece above the fireplace as well.
Installing a fireplace for use during winter months keeps rooms warm and cozy. Since it is only used during winter or cooler months, make good use of it.
Installing fireplaces does require some advanced planning though since most are installed after construction has been completed.
Clean Out Closet Shelves Regularly
Clothes tend to pile up on closet shelves, making them difficult to access. Make sure you clean out these spaces regularly so you don’t have to dig through piles of clothing to find what you want.
Create Storage Space In Small Areas
Smaller closets are easier to organize. You can use built-in storage units, or under-bed drawers for storage, including shoe racks, hanging rods, and baskets.
IKEA and many other retailers have a wide selection to choose from.
Take a look at this cool under-bed solution from Muse Home Inc. More details at Amazon.com by clicking on the image below.
Keep Furniture Away From Windows And Doors
Furniture placed near windows and doors tends to get dirty quickly. Move furniture away from these spots to keep things looking neat.
Furniture near windows can also face wear over time from natural light, possibly fading the pigment/color of the furniture itself. This is especially the case with bright colors that will fade from UV rays. This also causes damage to wood, leading to permanent discoloration.
The thing is, depending on the wood, UV light can either fade or darken the wooden furniture. We do believe natural light is important for your home but furniture placement plans have to be thought through as you don’t want expensive repairs later on.
Organize Books By Subject
Bookshelves need some styling. For example, group fiction novels should be organized next to each other, nonfiction books by subject, cookbooks, etc.
We’re not sure why we did this in the past, but our books were alphabetical, by author. It makes more sense to group by category or subject so that you can get to the sections/topics the quickest.
We’re huge fans of built-in furniture and home decor items. A built-in bookshelf is a God-send for space-saving design and home decor styling. Consider it.
Get Rid Of The Junk Drawer
Junk drawer syndrome happens when we put everything into our junk drawers. These compartments take up valuable real estate, leaving us no room for anything else. Empty your junk drawers every few months to free up some space.
We’ve been accused of this habit! We’re writers, researchers, and crazy photo enthusiasts. Yes, some of our work isn’t digital but on paper.
For example, receipts are a big problem as they are printed with thermal printers. The ink always fades and if you ever need to return something, you’re in for a surprise. The simple hack would be to get a scanner app for your smartphone (many that we use on iPhone) and take photos to store in Cloud drives that offer initial free storage. Look at Apple’s iCloud (if you have an iPhone), Google Drive, Dropbox, or Microsoft’s One Drive for storing scanned PDF versions of receipts or photo versions. Kill the clutter.
Want to learn more about how to achieve peace, calm, and a zen-like existence? Read our article called, Creating a Zen Space in Your Home.
Store Kitchen Utensils Properly
Kitchen utensil holders let you easily see what’s inside your pots and pans. Use hooks to hang knives, spatulas, ladles, whisks, measuring cups, and spoons. Place pot lids upside down on top of saucepans to prevent spills.
For kitchen utensil storage ideas, we’re fans of shelving systems within each reach around countertops stoves, kitchen wall cabinets, or built-in kitchen drawers which slide out for easy access.
Paint Kitchen Cabinets White Or Neutral Colors
White or neutral-colored cabinetry looks great against almost any color scheme. Painting it white makes it look cleaner and brighter.
Donate Unwanted Items
Donating unwanted items helps others who need them and reduces landfill waste! Many charities accept donations of used goods like clothing, toys, household appliances, electronics, tools, sporting equipment, office supplies, and medical devices.
We used to donate to thrift-style operations which claimed to give back to the community but we’ve been strategic, donating old clothes to shelters for abused women and the most marginalized.
Giving away unwanted items frees up room in your living space and makes it easier to declutter.
Clean Your Refrigerator Regularly
Cleaning your refrigerator regularly keeps food fresh and clean. Make sure to wipe off shelves and door handle daily. Wipe condensation rings around the freezer compartment weekly.
Add A Built-In Microwave Oven To Your Kitchen
Built-in Microwaves save space; especially, in small apartments and condominiums. Let’s be honest — they also come in handy during parties where guests want hot snacks without the long wait and small space to prepare a more complex meal.
Keep Food In Containers That Are Bigger Than Their Contents
Keeping containers bigger than their contents means you don’t have to worry about spillage. Fill jars halfway full before adding ingredients.
Storing leftovers properly extends its shelf life. Cover leftover meats within kitchen bins and containers to keep everything neat and germ-free.
You have to look around for what works best but Rubbermaid kitchen storage products work as do iDesign Kitchen bins to organize food and other packaged goods.
Avoid Using Plastic Cutlery And Disposable Plates
Plastic cutlery doesn’t last long and disposable plates are wasteful.
Invest in good quality stainless steel cutlery and stoneware, bone china, and melamine dinnerware to help keep things looking nice.
Buy Quality Appliances For Less Money
Buying high-end appliances may seem expensive now, but they’re worth the investment later. If you buy an appliance that lasts longer, you save money over the years by avoiding repairs.
A good way to plan is to wait for the best deal (last year’s model clear out) and find retailers that offer interest-free “buy now pay later” plans without any administration fees. Some furniture retailers offered these but new companies like Affirm and PayBright, in addition to Amazon and Paypal are beginning to offer these options. It’s like your parent’s old-fashioned “layaway plan” without the “wait”.
Buy Quality Products From Reputable Manufacturers
Buying quality products from reputable manufacturers is always better than buying cheap knockoffs. Cheap products tend to break easily which means they’re more likely to need repair services sooner. You get what you pay for…most times!
Make A Plan Before Buying Furniture
Before buying furniture, plan ahead. Figure out exactly what type of room you need the furniture for and whether it’s going to fit within your budget.
Clean Regularly
Cleaning regularly keeps dust and dirt away from surfaces. Dust buildup causes allergies and asthma attacks. Wiping down counters, tables, and floors helps prevent mold growth too.
Organize Storage Drawers
Storage drawers provide extra storage space without taking up valuable floor space. You’ll find many styles available online and at stores such as IKEA.
Keep Your Toilet Bowls Clean
Keeping toilet bowls clean prevents bacteria build-up. This reduces odors and improves hygiene. Flush toilets daily to ensure proper cleaning. Or buy extremely effective toilet cleaning products like Lysol Power & Fresh 6 Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Get Rid Of Clutter
Cluttered spaces look messy and full. Eliminating clutter around the house creates a cleaner appearance and frees up valuable space.
Clear off shelves, closets, and desktops, and other furniture units to help improve the home decor.
Get Rid Of Cluttered Areas Around Windows
Clutter around windows causes glare and reflections. Getting rid of clutter improves visibility and decreases light reflection.
Get Rid Of Clutter And Make Your Bedroom More Comfortable
Clutter in your bedroom creates discomfort. You’ll be less relaxed if you have too much junk lying around. Also, it takes away precious sleeping space. So declutter!
Add Extra Lighting
Extra lighting adds warmth to rooms. Adding lights near windows also brightens dark areas. Additional light bulbs can improve overall visibility. It’s best to install them at eye level rather than high above ground level.
Use Natural Light To Brighten Rooms
Using natural light instead of artificial lighting helps brighten dark spaces. Artificial lights can create glare and shadows making rooms appear dingier. Using natural light also saves energy costs by reducing electricity usage.
Create A Quiet Zone In Kids’ Rooms
Kids love having their own personal area where they feel safe and secure. Creating a quiet zone in kids’ bedrooms lets children sleep better while keeping parents informed about any problems that may arise.
On our writing team, one member’s brother created the perfect space for them to play and then fall asleep. This has worked wonders for many during the pandemic lockdowns.
Install An Air Purifier
An air purifier removes allergens and pollutants from the air. It does this using an electrostatic filter which attracts particles before releasing purified oxygen back into the atmosphere.
Want to use real plants to efficiently clean your air? Check out our article on Respira Air.
Avoid Plastic Bags
Plastic bags take hundreds of years to decompose. Instead, bring reusable grocery bags made of cloth. Help reduce plastic waste.
Some health stores now sell biodegradable and compostable shopping bags. After shopping, you can use them for organic food waste collection.
Right Tools For DIY Projects
Using the right tools when doing home improvement projects saves time and energy. Using power tools correctly ensures safety and efficiency.
Sometimes, it’s better to wait for the best deal at Home Depot or Rona’s and buy a high-quality toolset that can help with many projects.
Consider These Energy Saving Tips
Energy-saving tips include turning off appliances when not needed, unplugging electronics when not being used, and installing timers on devices.
Knowing how much electricity appliances use helps homeowners to plan accordingly. Knowing this information also lets people know whether they should buy bigger appliances or not. It all comes down to your wallet.
Use Low-Voltage Lights When Possible
Using low voltage lights saves money because they don’t require expensive wiring upgrades. Using LED lights instead of incandescent ones will save even more money.
Energy-efficient lighting reduces pollution.
Change Out Lamps For Energy Efficiency
Lampshades come in countless styles and designs, allowing you to easily change up the appearance of lamps throughout your house.
Consider replacing outdated fixtures with energy-efficient models that provide more light than their predecessors.
Natural Light
Using natural light also saves energy costs by reducing electricity usage.
Look At Options For Installing Solar Panels
Solar panels are a cost-effective way to generate electricity from sunlight. They also provide an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional sources of energy.
Elon Musk is changing the world, one company launch at a time. He’s launched Solar Roof and Powerwall, a battery platform technology to store your solar energy. Neat!
Install A Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats allow users to set temperatures at specific times throughout the day. This conserves energy while keeping rooms comfortable during hot summer days.
They are especially useful during winter months when energy costs skyrocket.
Consider Adding More Windows To Increase Energy Efficiency
Adding windows increases natural lighting inside any room. Natural lighting reduces heat loss through walls and improves indoor comfort levels.
Just remember to avoid placing high-quality, high-end wooden furniture near them to avoid UV ray damage.
Invest In High-Quality Lighting
High-quality lighting fixtures add value to a home. These fixtures come in various styles including chandeliers, pendants, sconces, wall lamps, table lamps, floor lamps, ceiling fans, track lighting, etc.
Know How Much Water Is Needed
Knowing how much water is required for various activities allows people to conserve resources, and make fewer trips to the store to buy bottled water.
Also, stop buying bottled water for everyday consumption.
By all means, stockpile some water in the event of an emergency. To prepare, consider one gallon, per person, per day. Some emergencies can last a few weeks Water use, per person includes water consumption, food preparation, hygiene, and dishwashing.
If you’re concerned about public water resources, get a Brita Pitcher and filters at retailers like Costco,
Water consumption should not be a private service but a public resource.
All Appliances Are Properly Washed And Disinfected Before Being Used Again
Appliances should be cleaned regularly to prevent the buildup of germs or mold. Regular washing helps maintain appliance performance over time.
Have Fun With Paint Colors
Paint color choices give you endless options for decorating your walls. Choose colors based on what looks good together rather than just matching existing furniture.
That said, choosing paint color schemes that match furniture color schemes creates a cohesive look. This keeps rooms looking clean, neat, and organized.
Consider Repainting Furniture If Necessary
Repainting furniture, if necessary, keeps things looking new. New paint jobs look great but eventually, furniture needs replacing. Replacing worn-out furniture is likely cheaper than repainting every few years.
Learn About Different Types Of Roofs
Different types of roofs have benefits and drawbacks.
Choosing the best roof depends on factors such as climate, budget, and maintenance needs. Especially, if you’re considering energy-saving solar panels like Tesla’s Solar Roof.
Repair Leaks In Bathrooms
Bathroom leaks occur due to faulty pipes or plumbing fixtures. Fixing these problems before they become major issues saves money and hassle down the road.
Use Recycled Materials Whenever Possible
Recycling materials instead of buying brand new ones saves money and cuts back on pollution. Using recycled material requires some creativity since most homes don’t come pre-packaged with them.
The Importance Of Insulation
Insulating your house lowers heating bills and protects against cold weather. It also adds value to your property.
Ignoring Electrical Outlets
Always keep children and pets away from electrical outlets and power cords.
We love these baby-proofing outlet covers. Solid. Click on the image to learn more at Amazon.com.
Check Your Air Conditioner Frequently
Checking air conditioners regularly ensures their efficiency. Checking filters helps prevent clogged vents.
Don’t Forget To Maintain Your Lawn And Garden
Maintaining lawns and gardens makes it easier to maintain other areas of the home. Regular mowing and trimming help reduce weeds and pests.
Create Space Between Floors To Reduce Noise Levels
Creating space between floors prevents noise from traveling throughout the entire structure. Creating soundproof barriers around doors and windows also helps.
Replace Old Fixtures With New Ones
Replacing old fixtures with new ones can increase your home’s value. Replacements include ceiling fans, faucets, toilets, sinks, tub/shower combos, etc.
Make Sure Your Kitchen Is Well Ventilated
Kitchens can get really hot during cooking activities. Keep kitchens well ventilated to ensure proper air circulation and lower humidity levels.
Make Sure Your Roof Is Watertight
Make sure your roof is watertight before installing any other major renovations. You’ll want to avoid leaks if possible. Otherwise, it could lead to costly repairs down the road.
Avoid Unnecessary Upgrades
Avoid upgrading features like granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, wood trim, marble tiles, and custom cabinetry unless necessary.
Avoid Overloading Appliances And Electronics
Overloading electrical outlets and electronics may cause damage. Always keep these things away from power strips and surge protectors.
Keep The House Clean
Keeping the house clean makes everything look nicer. Dusty surfaces make people feel uncomfortable and dirty areas attract pests.
Consider Adding An Outdoor Space For Your Family
Adding an outdoor room allows homeowners to enjoy fresh air year-round.
Having an outside living room lets families spend time together outdoors when weather permits. It could include having a barbecue pit, putting together a picnic bench, building a sandbox, planting flowers, creating a garden, installing a swing set, adding a trampoline, etc.
Add Storage Space Where Possible
Storage space should never go unused. If you don’t use certain storage units regularly then consider adding them to your home. They will help organize your belongings and save valuable space.
We found these under-bed storage units from Lenia absolutely amazing!
There are a few reasons. They include:
That’s it! Few people realize that your under-bed is a perfect storage space and mostly gets unused to simply collect dust. It still will collect dust but you’ll still be able to limit it with under-bed storage units.
Choose Paint Colors That Match Furniture Color Schemes
Choosing color schemes that match furniture is important. When choosing paint colors, choose ones that complement each piece of furniture rather than matching exactly.
Create A Home Office Area In The Kitchen
Creating a home office area in the kitchen provides convenience for those who work at home. It gives everyone access to food supplies and eliminates having to run back and forth between different parts of the house.
With our experience with the pandemic, finding new places to call the “home office” is a given. If you can’t find an extra room or have money for a backyard office, a workspace in the kitchen can work most of the time, except on a zoom call. 😉
Have Fun With Decorations
Decorations bring life into any room. Whether you want to decorate your walls, ceilings, floors, tables, chairs, bedding, curtains, rugs, artwork, mirrors, etc., do so without worrying about whether it matches anything else in the room. Just let yourself go wild.
Keep Up On Maintenance
Keeping up on maintenance ensures that everything continues to work properly. This includes keeping appliances clean, maintaining plumbing systems, fixing leaky faucets, replacing worn carpet or tile, cleaning gutters, repairing roofs, painting exterior surfaces, etc.
Even if it seems simple, regular upkeep is required.
Clean Out Old Items Before Moving Into A House
Before moving into a new house, make sure to remove old items such as books, clothes, toys, dishes, linens, etc. before packing them up. Clean out your closets!
Doing this makes unpacking a lot simpler since you won’t have to worry about finding new places where these items belong.
Of course, if you’re not moving, you should clean out closets regularly to keep clutter away and help make things more manageable. Regular cleaning creates a new habit of organizing clothes into categories for easy storage and retrieval.
Start Small When Building A Garden
Building a small garden first gives you some initial experience. Once you’ve gained confidence, you can build bigger gardens over time.
Who knows, and before you know it, you’re growing organic vegetables for your next meal, while saving a lot of money in groceries.
A new, more current trend is vertical gardening. More and more Americans are finding it less affordable to live in a large dwelling unit. Millennials are living in small condos and apartments but are also more conscious about their actions, re-using and re-cycling products, and enjoying more home gardening to help reduce costs.
Vertical garden units come in amazing shapes, sizes and formats. It can also be a fun hobby.
Cook More Vegetables At Home
Cooking vegetables yourself allows you to control how much salt, sugar, fat, and other additives go into them. Plus, cooking from scratch cuts down on packaging and energy consumption.
Plus it can be so much cheaper than buying prepared meals (frozen or supermarket made). A simple way to find out how much you are likely to spend is to track your budget for just one week. Your jaw will drop.
Build A Fire Pit At Home
Fire pits are popular at backyard parties because they’re easy to use and maintain. Plus, they allow people to enjoy being outside even after dark.
You can build one or you can buy one. You can tell we enjoy our fire pits. We took this one when visiting a friend who just purchased a home with a large backyard.
Plant Trees Around Your Property
Planting trees around your property adds beauty and help the environment. The added nature will help bring peace, calm, and tranquility. The chirping birds will help too.
Some wealthy Americans are taking it a notch higher. They’re investing significant dollars in trophy trees, saving some from the chopping block, and transporting them miles away to their large estates. You can read more about it in one of our other articles on the subject here.
- About the Author
- Latest Articles
John Thompson, Writer and Commentator, EvolutDesign.com
Soldier, writer, researcher, consultant, and bon vivant, John Thompson is the author of numerous columns, op-eds, reports, briefs, short stories and books as the “Felicity Files” and “Spirit Over Steel: A Chronology of the Second World War” (version III). Often found hunched over his computer, or in his garden, and now often found doing both. His diverse talent has led him to work in industries and projects such as energy, security and home construction and renovation. To see the entire team at Evolutdesign.com, visit Our Team page.
