Whether you’re looking to bump up the property value or simply make your living space more hospitable, the traditional route is to perform a renovation. But those can be costly, not to mention all the commotion that ensues when half of your kitchen is populated by handymen while you’re trying to make breakfast.
Fortunately, there is a more sensible option. Instead of going all-out, make smart, incremental upgrades in the right places to slowly bring each space closer to your ideal. Following is a list of some of the more simple – but no less effective – home upgrades that you can do right now.
Add Some Shelving
Take a brief look around your home. Chances are that you’ll find at least one corner in which there is unused space, usually around chest-level. A clever solution is to utilize it by installing some floating shelves. Not only do they give you more room for storage, but they also look great. Make it a weekend DIY effort by cutting your own shelves.
Light it Up
Refreshing the lighting can make a massive difference to the look and feel of any room, not to mention the potential energy savings. Start by swapping out any outdated bulbs for modern LEDs. Perhaps you can stick a value-increasing chandelier above the master bed.
Maybe the ceiling fan in the living room can be swapped for something more modern and efficient. Some spaces will benefit from calming yellow-toned bulbs instead of harsh white ones. As long as the wires are already in place, installing new light fixtures is an effortless endeavor that can bring major improvements. Don’t forget about dimmer switches.
Rest Easy
When did you last upgrade your mattress? It’s an important consideration, as old and outdated mattresses can wreak havoc on your back. Modern options, on the other hand, are more comfortable, breathable and supportive. Granted, buying one can be a headache. A good solution is to simply get one in a box and have it delivered straight to your door.
Refresh the Furniture
It’s no secret that even the smallest couch can cost a fortune. If your living room is looking a little dated, consider giving your furniture a refresh. This can include adding a throw blanket, wrapping the pillows in new covers and giving any wooden elements a coat of varnish. Reupholstering is always an option, too. Don’t hesitate to get creative here.
Handle the Cabinets
Here’s a dead-simple one that can completely change the look of your kitchen. Swap out the cabinet handles for something with a different design – or just move them to improve reachability. Some are more ergonomic, while others add a sense of class and style to the heart of your home. It’s a one-day DIY job that’s easier than you think.
Enhance the Entryway
There are many ways to make the first part of your home that guests see more attractive. And despite it being utilized every day, it’s not really… utilized. There’s bound to be space for you to implement a few useful elements. This can include hooks for hanging jackets and mirrors on the walls to add space. A shoe rack is also a good idea.
Don’t forget to add a rug to improve the comfort aspect of your entryway. Perhaps a new door is in order. While not the cheapest upgrade either way, you can shave off a few hundred dollars by putting together your own door with a panel from the hardware store.
Most of the best home upgrades are a smart blend of fashion and function. Take a look around with an objective eye and you’ll probably see a few areas for improvement. From here, it’s all about getting creative with implementing a solution.
Photo: Alberto Castillo Q.