We know you have a lot on your plate coming into the holidays (and we’re not just talking about your thanksgiving plate), so here are 7 simple ways you can spruce up your home before company arrives. You don’t have to spend a fortune in order to give your home a fresh feel just a bit of focus, inspiration and planning can transform your home holidays.
- Make your entrance inviting. You only get one chance at making a first impression, so make it a good one. A little bit of landscaping can go a long way and do wonders for your home’s curb appeal – and make a lasting impression on guests. Dress the door with new hardware, and add a welcome mat and potted plants near the entrance. Consider installing outdoor lighting to enhance your home’s architecture and illuminate the walkway.
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- On a budget: Spruce up the garden with seasonal colors and add a decorative wreath to your front door.
- Mid-range/ High end: Upgrade and replace your front door.
- Let there be light. Home lighting does more than simply illuminate a room. Lighting can affect mood, comfort and livability while also highlighting the home’s design and architectural features. Take on a lighting project to add lighting wherever there is a need and update old fixtures with newer models for a quick boost to your home’s value.
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- On a budget: Decorative lighting can make a big impact, so if you can’t change out all the ceiling fans or lighting units in each room, consider an attractive lamp that can accentuate a reading nook or wall sconces that can illuminate the entryway or hallway of your home.
- Mid-range/ High end: Make a statement and splurge on the high end fixtures.
- Redo your backsplash. Tired of a dull kitchen? Transform the mood of the kitchen with a bold new backsplash in ceramic or glass tile. Just make sure the wall is sound before you start the installation.
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- On a budget: Select a classic color and shape for your backsplash (subway tile, or hexagon shapes are popular picks!) Install yourself or enlist a the help of a handyman.
- Mid-range/ High end: Hire a professional and go for a trendy new look with a herringbone design or upgraded materials (mosaic, marble, hand painted tile.)
- Update your hardware. Spice up your cabinets and drawers by replacing factory-issue handles and pulls with designs that reflect your personal taste. For a unique, eclectic look, scour antiques shops for hardware pieces.
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- On a budget: Shop for the materials yourself and do the install (install is simple, all you need is a screwdriver or power drill.)
- Mid-range/ High end: Shop for custom materials to make your kitchen or bathroom one of a kind.
- Declutter your home. Sort the clutter based on 3 categories- Keep, Donate & Trash. For the items you keep, you must organize and/or file them away (and not into that “messy drawer” in your kitchen). If you have things to donate, gather them all up and make a trip to your local Goodwill or Salvation Army right away. Don’t just let them sit in a bag in the basement.
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- On a budget: This can be of no cost to you if you do it yourself or get family and friends to lend a hand. Tackle this project room by room and start with the most used spaces in your home (the rooms that guests will see.)
- Mid-range/ High end: Spend the money on a custom closet. Or spend a few hours with a professional organizer to help you plan for a major overhaul.
- Refresh or change paint. Whether you decide to go with a completely new look and chose a new paint color or just want to freshen up your space with a fresh coat of paint
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- On a budget: Cover the cost of paint and materials and DIY ($200-300 per room.)
- Mid-range/ High end: Hire a professional ($400- $800 per room.)
- Switch up the decor. Need a change? Updating items like curtains, rugs, and throw pills can give the room a different look. These accent pieces can tie the whole room together and give you a wide range of options to choose from, so you don’t have to break the bank.
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- On a budget: Shop online or scour discount stores to snag the best deals
- Mid-range/ High end: When you find the perfect piece to complete your look, buy it.
