1. Switch the hardware
Sometimes it’s easiest to begin with
the front of the house rather than what’s inside, Kelly says, especially
if you’re on a tight budget. To that end, changing the front doorknob
and lock is a quick update that only takes a few minutes and can
complement the style of the house. Add a kick plate for a touch of glam
or go gold for a traditional feel.
2. Brighten the lights
Another quick, simple way to brighten your home is by changing the lights in the
front yard.
Feel free to purchase new ones, or better yet, clean the ones you
already have. Your home will look far less spooky at night, and you’ll
actually see where you’re walking.
3. Paint the door
If
scrubbing bug-infested front yard lights isn’t your thing, put a new
coat of paint on your front door to freshen it up. Go for something that
complements the house’s exterior or be bold and opt for a pop of color,
Kelly says, which will set the right tone.
4. Upgrade your house numbers
House
numbers and address plaques are another quick update that can make a
big difference. With the proper placement, they can make your house
easier to find—not a bad thing when trying to sell—and the right style
of numbers can help play up its architecture.
5. Plant a vertical garden
Beautify a blank wall by
planting a vertical garden.
“It can add architecture to the side or back of a home and be more
structural” if you opt for, say, hanging planters, stacked crates, or a
lattice, Kelly says. And the plants can be anything, from herbs used for
cooking to bright gerbera daisies and vines.
6. Update kitchen or bath fixtures
Nothing
modernizes a bathroom or kitchen quite like changing the fixtures. If
you’re starting from scratch, you may want to coordinate with the rest
of the room, although Kelly says she’s been seeing a lot of mixed metal
and mixed wood. “People are more forgiving [of a lack of cohesion], and
it seems more livable in our eyes,” she says.
7. Paint a piece of furniture
A
fresh coat of paint can make old furniture feel new, Kelly says.
Anything from bookcases to shelves to nightstands is an easy project,
and if you mess up, so what? Just paint it again. “It’s not such a
commitment, which is nice,” she says.
8. Install a fan
Installing
a fan doesn’t take more than a few hours and is an inexpensive way to
add interest to a room. Just remember to keep it “sleek and simple,”
Kelly says, as low-profile fans are the best. “Don’t get too cute with
it since it can quickly become dated.”
9. Change the cabinet hardware
“Changing
the actual cabinet hardware can make a huge difference,” says Kelly,
who recommends going with nickel for a more modern look. “It can dress
up the cabinet.” Clear knobs are another option for a timeless and
elegant feel, plus, they match nearly everything.
10. Add light dimmers
These
days, homeowners are adding light-control dimmers and switches for the
energy efficiency, not just the drama, Kelly says. “[Dimmers] are very
affordable and create mood and ambiance,” plus you can use them with the
lights that you already have. For a dramatic look, they work great in
the dining room and bedroom.
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