How to Revamp Your Home

It’s time to make some improvements, but where to start? Even if you have all the money in the world, not all updates and improvements are created equal, and you want changes that will have the biggest impact on your home. Big budget, small, or medium, here are a few suggestions sure to revitalize any house.

Add a Water Feature

If you have space, a simple water feature adds to the look and feel of any outdoor area. Ponds and fountains are always in style, and they cost less time and effort than you may expect. You can make one with little more than a bucket, some gravel, and a basic pump. Plenty of handy people have shared plans and DIY instructions online, and employees at any reliable hardware store can help you find what you need.

Another great idea is to simply add a bird bath fountain to your backyard or frontyard. You can easily run to any home improvement store and pick one out. Installation is usually very quick depending on the type of bird bath you pick out. It also attracts lots of birds to your yard which can be very beneficial since birds tend to aerate soil all on their own and feed on any pests that may harm your plants.

Rethink Energy

Whether you spend more than you want on your energy bill or you want to save the planet, take this opportunity to rethink your home’s energy sources. Many power companies incentivize renewable energy in private homes by buying off any excess electricity the homeowners generate but don’t use themselves. Imagine getting a check from the power company instead of mailing in a bill. If you aren’t sure renewable energy is right for your home, consider leasing solar panels. This arrangement cuts down upfront costs while you decide if you like solar power.

Invest in a Deep Clean

Try to repair instead of replacing wherever possible. Elbow grease gives old features fresh shine. The difference between an antique and old trash may depend on maintenance and how many inches of dust something wears. Older homes offer unique styles worth preserving, and a historic home with original features will always attract eager buyers. These features range from old fashioned door knobs to hardwood staircases and wrought-iron fences.

Bring in housekeeping experts or dedicate a few weekends of your own time to deep cleaning your home from top to bottom. Dust fan blades, door frames, corners, and floorboards. Wax, oil, and shine. Detail everything, moving furniture to vacuum the hidden corners of every room. Sweep, mop, and sponge away deeply-ingrained dirt from the edges of the bathroom floor. Create an organizational system and declutter unwanted items. You may be surprised how great your home really looks. At the very least, it will give you a realistic view of what does and does not need updating.

Upgrade Windows

Light does more for your home’s mood, appearance, and energy than any other design feature. While decorators can recommend the best paints to brighten a room, sunlight will always do a better job. Good windows also increase property value.

Old, drafty windows with rotting frames, flaking paint, and poor seals drive up heating and A/C bills. They also detract from curb appeal and make indoor spaces feel dim and dirty, no matter how well-scrubbed they actually are. Investing in new windows pays you back as the seasons change, and they’ll bring new life to the great indoors. 

Aside from upgrading your window frames, be sure to pick out the right curtains. Try to pick out curtains that already match your decor. Also consider the thickness of the curtains. For example, You may want thicker curtains in your bedroom to block out any distracting lights while you sleep or you may want thinner curtains in your living room to allow for more sunlight. 

Create a Container Garden

Flowers and foliage boost a home’s curb appeal, but not all houses have the yard space, layout, or soil suited to horticulture. Unlike traditional gardens, growing plants in containers gives you options and flexibility throughout the year. You can bring sensitive perennials inside for the winter and easily add or remove pieces as your needs change.

If you live in a region with poor soil, container gardens also expand your range of available plants. Managing soil type, acidity, and drainage in a pot costs fewer headaches and dollars than cultivating an entire yard of dirt. The same is true for aspiring gardeners who enjoy shade plants like hostas. It doesn’t matter if your yard has trees when you can keep your plants on your porch, or in your home’s shadow over the back patio.

Revamping your home with the right improvements may bring in more than you spend. Smart spending means energy savings, boosted curb appeal, and maybe some free food from your container garden. You may already have the home of your dreams, but that doesn’t mean your dreams can’t be improved.