If you’re a home-improvement show fanatic, you know just how easy it is to get swept up in the idea of a farmhouse kitchen or breathtaking living room, without ever taking tangible steps to improve the current condition of your home.
According to a study done by Joybird, 24% of states prefer house flipping shows, but as we all know, the renovation process is not quite as easy as Chip and Joanna make it look.
Nevertheless, you deserve to live in a space that you’re excited to come home to. And there’s no better time than the present to put on your home improvement cap, roll up your sleeves, and brave those projects that you typically only watch the experts tackle on TV.
With that in mind, here are four ways you can improve your home in 2019.
Renovate Your Kitchen
Whether you’re planning to put your house on the market this year, or just want to make an upgrade or two for your own living pleasure, renovating your kitchen is a great place to start.
But if you’ve heard anything at all about kitchen remodels, you know that they can turn out to be some of the most stressful, time-consuming, and pricey in-home projects. For this reason, it’s important to set realistic expectations from the get-go. What is the timeline for your project? What’s your budget? Will you hire a contractor or do you plan to do it yourself? Will you need an interior designer? These are all questions to consider as you plan for a major kitchen renovation.
Up Your Curb Appeal
There’s something magical about pulling into your driveway and thinking– “wow, I live here.” And even if your house is a total mess on the inside, good curb appeal can lead your neighbors to believe you’re the most put-together homeowner on the block. More importantly, if you’re putting your house on the market anytime soon, having “curb appeal” is one of the most important factors according to real estate agents, increasing your perceived home value by 5-11%.
But how exactly do you step up your curb appeal game? Well, you could start by adding a pop of color to your front porch. If you’re feeling bold, you could paint your front door a fun color, like mustard yellow, dusty blue, or bright red. Or, if you’d rather start small, something as simple as adding flower pots or a new doormat to your front porch can go a long way.
Refresh Your Bathroom
Now, if you already have plans to make other major home upgrades this year, you might not have the time, money, or energy to completely redo your bathroom. But even a few small, hassle-free changes, like a fresh coat of paint, or new fixtures can make all the difference.
When it comes to painting your bathroom, it’s best to go with lighter colors that make the space feel brighter and more open– especially if it’s lacking in the natural light department. As for bathroom fixtures, whether you go with bronze, brass, or a polished nickel is a matter of personal preference.
Spruce Up Your Living Room
Don’t worry if it’s not in your budget to install new flooring, add crown molding, or even purchase new furniture. There are other, less expensive steps you can take to spruce up your living room this year.
For starters, have you considered a fresh coat of paint? As with the bathroom, lighter colors typically work best– especially if you’re hoping to achieve a brighter, more open feel. Lighter walls can also act as a blank slate on which you can showcase your personal style. Will you adorn the walls with art? Or framed family photos? Or perhaps a macrame tapestry? The choice is yours.
Once you’re pleased with the paint color and wall decor, be sure to add a few finishing touches to the space. If you feel like something’s missing, try adding a few decorative pillows, lively houseplants, or even a coffee table book or two. This will do wonders for the space.
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