Renovating a home isn’t in the cards for everyone, for a variety of reasons. Whether it’s a budget issue, the location of the home, it’s not your “forever home”, or it’s a rental, there are a lot of reasons it doesn’t make sense to renovate. Let’s talk about 6 ways to update your home without doing a major overhaul.
Paint
Paint colors are as subject to trends as anything else you put in your house. The beige of today is very different than the beige of the 90’s (thank goodness). I’m actually in the process of updating the paint colors in my house right now.
Did you know that grey is on it’s way out? If you’re getting ready to paint and looking for a neutral, let me tell you what the on trend paint color is. White.
Everyone wants fresh, clean and bright interiors right now, and white is the perfect way to achieve that look and feel. Two of my favorite whites are Shoji White by Sherwin Williams and Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore. Paint is tricky though, so if you need some tips sign up for the free video course I created that has a section on paint.
If white or a neutral isn’t your thing, go into a paint store and ask to see a color trend report. Most paint companies put out selections of paint colors that are on trend for the season and/or the year. They are valuable resources to help you can narrow the field a little on what’s current in the paint world.
Lighting
Light fixtures really make a huge impact in the look and feel of your home. While not necessarily a cheap update, the investment is well worth it. You can find some pretty good lighting options that aren’t at designer prices from places like West Elm, Crate & Barrel, and Rejuvenation.
When looking to update your light fixtures, make sure you are taking into consideration other metal finishes you have in your home. What are the finishes on your doorhandles, faucets and cabinet hardware for example?
The finishes don’t all have to match, but if you mix metals it needs to look like it was done on purpose, so make sure you repeat the new finish several times.
Window Treatments
Still have your curtains with the swags from 1997? It’s definitely time for an update. Window treatments can range anywhere from super affordable to incredibly custom and expensive, but choose wisely. Curtains are an area where you definitely get what you pay for.
When I’m looking for curtains that are ready made, I always go with a solid and make sure that it’s lined. It’s really difficult to find patterned curtains that don’t look cheap from retail stores.
If you’ve got your heart set on a pattern, find a local workroom or designer that can really help you design the right curtain for your windows. There are so many options out there, and each window situation is unique. Also as part of the free email course I created, there is a section on window treatments to get you started.
Hardware
Updating the hardware in your kitchen or bathroom is a really easy and affordable way to get a new look. A few years ago we needed a new faucet in our kitchen. A new faucet led to new matching hardware for the cabinets. The total for the new hardware was a lot less than the new faucet, and the cabinets immediately looked more up to date.
Replace all the Builder Grade
Builder grade = bland and functional only. Do you have a rectangle sheet of glass as a mirror? Rip that out and put in a pretty mirror that reflects your style. Do you have wire shelving units you can barely reach? Even an IKEA closet system looks and functions better! Has the cheap builder grade carpet worn out? Replace it with something that looks and feels good.
These projects range in price tag quite a bit. But every time you replace something that was chosen to just get the job done with something that is personal to you and your taste, your love and enjoyment of your home will go up exponentially.
Furnishings
Do you still have a futon from your first apartment? Does your partner still have that ugly piece of furniture you hate that they insisted on bringing into your first home together 5 years ago? Do all of your furniture pieces MATCH?
Furniture had a rough go for a few years as retailers realized that Americans didn’t know how to put a room together. So the retailers started selling furniture in sets so the consumer could leave with a fully furnished room in one stop. It was a smart strategy, but it led to millions of people having bland, cookie cutter, brown rooms with no personality.
e-Design
If you have any overstuffed furniture of any kind, I’m here to tell you that there is a better way! You can get furniture in a classic, timeless design that will last you for a decade and it’s comfortable!! And when that decade has passed and you’re tired of the fabric, you can re-cover it!
Need Help?
Now that you know how to update your home without renovating, are you ready to finally personalize your home? I’d love to help! Together we can create an action plan specific to your goals and how you want your home to look and feel. Contact me to schedule a consultation.
