For most of us, the decision to revamp our home is one that sets into motion a long chain of events.
The majority of home improvement projects tend to involve a fairly substantial timescale, especially as projects tend to grow in scope the longer they are considered – for example, a replacement of the bathroom floor then mushrooms into a larger, more complex full suite replacement, new tiles, and a fresh coat of paint.
You may be familiar with the fact that sometimes, you want a change. You want your home to feel fresh and new, updated a little, preferably improved a lot. When you feel like this, it’s tempting to opt for the big improvements we’ve described above; the full room transformations that require a huge amount of work. However, this isn’t actually necessary. There are a number of ways you can make a big statement impact on your home in a relatively short time frame. The next time you feel the itch for a change in your home? Try out one of these relatively simple – but still satisfying – home improvement options.
#1 – Change your countertops
Countertops in the bathroom and kitchen are surprisingly influential on the overall look of either room. Bright, light countertops can help the whole room to feel more spacious. Darker options can create a cozy, comfortable feel. Countertops also tend to wear quite quickly through sheer volume of use. A change in this area can help each room look fresh and new once again.
#2 – Install new windows
After a few years, windows can quickly start to look tired, even with regular cleaning. Worse yet, if the window surrounds contain any holes, then the energy efficiency of your home can be greatly compromised. You may even find that your heating bills are higher as a result. To address both problems in one fell swoop, install new windows such as the Renewal by Andersen windows range for an instant boost. Doing so will not only improve the overall aesthetics both inside and outside your property, but you’ll also benefit from a new, air-tight fit that prevents heated internal air from leaking into the great outdoors, too.
#3 – Pressure wash the exterior of your home
Pressure washing is most commonly used on footpaths and decking. But the actual brickwork of your house is almost certain to benefit from the same treatment. Pollution, dirt, and debris can all cling to brickwork, accumulating over the years and, ultimately, impacting the curb appeal of your home. A pressure washing session can return the outside of your house to its best condition in a few hours. For most people, the level of improvement is simply staggering; as the dirt builds up over time, it often goes unnoticed. You’ll be shocked at how much better the brickwork looks when it’s freshly washed.
#4 – Construct a TV wall
If you’re a fairly accomplished DIYer, then you can quickly improve your living room by building a TV wall. The construction is relatively simple as the wall is not load bearing. All wires can then be hidden behind the wall itself in order to give the appearance that your TV is “floating”. This is a great look that also eliminates the need for extra TV storage furniture, so you’ll have more floor space to boot.
#5 – Add vertical elements
Finally, a relatively small change that will make a real difference. In most modern homes, the height of each room is rarely utilized; furniture doesn’t reach the ceiling, and artwork is predominantly displayed at eye level. While this arrangement may be standard, it also means that potentially large amounts of space are going unused. If you add picture frames or shelving close to the top of the room, the improvement is instantaneous; the room will immediately feel both taller and wider thanks to the clever use of space.
Large-scale home improvements can be hugely beneficial, allowing for a complete transformation that utterly revamps the space.
Unfortunately, these substantial transformations can also be highly prohibitive, both in terms of the cost and the time required to complete them. Instead, the next time you feel the need to update or improve your home, consider the options detailed above. You can achieve a big improvement with a relatively small, manageable commitment.
