We have all sat around our homes and felt a surge of boredom and monotony. Maybe it’s the décor that is turning stale, or perhaps the color scheme or furnishings have become hum-drum. There is a common misconception that you must invest a modest sum of money to revamp your home. The truth is, there are several inexpensive ways to give your home a fresh look without breaking the bank.
Furnishings and home décor can be pricey items. With a little creativity, however, you can give your home a whole new look for a fraction of the retail cost. There are many low-cost and no-cost options for furnishings and décor, but there are also inexpensive ways to sharpen the look of the exterior. The one down-side would be there is always considerably more effort and manpower involved in any lesser expensive option. Be prepared to put on your gloves and work boots. You will have to invest much time and effort to save stress on your wallet.
Exterior
Spiffing up the exterior of your home can be as simple as cleaning the yard. Unruly animals, children, and wild animals can wreak havoc on any outdoor space. Dogs and wild animals will rip open trash bags and cans left outside, scattering the debris all over your yard. Having a trash can with a snap closed lid can help. Organize toys and outdoor structures neatly. Put as many larger receptacles behind the house and out of eyeshot as possible.
If paint and dirt are a problem, you can have someone come and pressure wash your home. Alternately, you can use a long handle car wash brush and a detergent to clean up the outside of your home. Using a dry brush can sweep away peeling and flaking paint to give off a shabby chic look. Remove any old hanging plant decanters, dead plants, broken lawn furniture, car parts, or debris from the porch or front door area.
Giving lawn furniture an overhaul can improve the exterior look of your home as well. A good scrubbing with an outdoor furniture detergent can work wonders. A can of $2.00 spray paint designed for outdoor use can brighten things considerably.
Walls and Flooring
One of the biggest expenses in re-doing a home is the walls and floor upgrades. One easy way to brighten a room that most people overlook is a quick sponge bath. Take down all the wall décor and use a fresh sponge mop to wash the walls. Go over them several times before allowing them to fully dry. Then re arrange the wall décor differently and maybe add a bargain bin item you picked up at Hobby Lobby to shake things up. Everyone will notice a difference but won’t be able to put their finger on it.
Replacing carpet, vinyl, or hardwood flooring is expensive. Even the cheapest of floor tiles can cost a few hundred dollars to do an entire room. Instead, try power washing any carpeted surfaces. Rent a carpet cleaner and plan to go over the floor several times for a few days. For non-carpeted surfaces, put a little elbow grease into a full-on scrub. Use a sturdy brush and a strong detergent to cut grease and built-on dirt. Wipe down appliances, appliances, electronics, and hard surfaced furnishings. Polish wood surfaces and buff out any fingerprints.
Redecorating
Redecorating doesn’t have to mean compete overhaul. Changing the look of your furniture can be as easy as a slip cover of a few strategically placed pillows. To make a major change, use neutral colors when replacing your larger items. Use slip cover in grey, black, white, or beige for your sofa, love seat and side chairs. Add rugs, pillows and art in other colors and tie them all together. This technique is used be designers and gives off a professional vibe. Slip covers are a mid-range expense, but if it is still over budget, there are options. A large blanket or sheet can make a beautiful slip cover. Tuck it in around the edges of the cushions, making sure the edges are crisp.
Statement Pieces
Statement pieces are simply that. A sculpture, painting or piece of art that large, demanding, and appealing. It could be a sofa, side chair, or rug. The only requirement is that it is indicative of your taste and finely crafted. Sometimes you’ll want to spend money on these pieces, but often they can be handmade, recycled, or heirloom items that didn’t cost a dime. Flea markets, yard sales, closing business sales and the like are great places to find a statement piece.
Use a Personal Touch
Nothing pulls a room together like the addition of a personal touch. Framed family photos, mementos, and heirloom items make a room feel more personal and homier. There is a vibe of the family and people who spend their lives in this home. The living room is where most people gather to spend time together, but the kitchen and bedrooms can also benefit from a personal touch. Handmade dish clothes and pot holders warm up any kitchen. Families have used the refrigerator door to showcase art and reflect the lives of the family for decades. Shake it up with funny magnets and a dry erase board for reminders and messages. Check Pinterest for ideas that will fit your current style but add another personal level to it.
These are only a few of the ways you can spiff up the look and feel of your home. You can spend as much or as little as you like and still get a fresh start for your home. Improving and enhancing the features of your home has a proven effect on the happiness and stability of the residents. Getting a fresh, clean slate where you spend most of your time is refreshing. It has the ability to boost creativity, happiness, and contentedness. Improving your home also helps keep everything in working order and well-maintained. Utility bills are often lower when homes are well-maintained also.
For more information or decorating help, contact our Sydney office.