Being able to find your dream home and purchase it or having the funds to build it from the ground up is most certainly one of the best feelings in the world. However, it is not uncommon that, after a while, our dreams and needs change. It might happen that you no longer find your home aesthetically pleasing, functional or simply cozy enough. What are you supposed to do then, sell your home and look for a new one? Sure, you can do that but there is no need to take extreme action. A few simple upgrades could be exactly what you need to spruce up your home and make it more practical and comfy. Keep on reading for some suggestions.
Give certain rooms a fresh coat of paint
There are probably rooms that you now find dull and wish you can remodel completely. However, seeing as how that can be quite a pricy endeavour, why not start with something easy and affordable that you can do on your own? Simply putting on a fresh coat of paint can work wonders for certain spaces. For example, if the room in question was painted in a neutral shade, you can do the opposite now. Instead of off-white or beige, go for a bold red or purple. If you think that would be too much, you can also paint just one wall in this new shade and thus create a statement wall that is sure to make the room pop.
Consider other types of statement walls
While painting a wall in an eye-catching hue is the simplest way of making a statement, there are plenty of other ways how you can achieve this effect. For one, you can easily find a stunning wallpaper regardless of where you live seeing as how the internet has made everything easy to purchase. You can even create your own pattern nowadays. Even though you could add wallpaper on all walls, it might be better to limit yourself to just one, especially if the print you choose is too busy. Then, you can also decide to cover a whole wall in mirrors of different sizes and shapes or in your photos and artwork. A statement wall can also be a living wall if you have a green thumb and love taking care of plants.
Include mirrors to make the space bigger
In addition to helping you create a statement wall, mirrors can also be used to create an illusion of a bigger space. Therefore, if your home or a certain room is of the smaller variety, you can add a mirror and make the area appear larger. What is more, you will also have more light in the room and depending on the type of mirror you choose. The aesthetics of the room might also be taken to the next level. Luckily, the internet is a great source of inspiration if you find yourself needing some.
Install water-saving features
Perhaps your home is a bit older and not quite eco-friendly. Luckily, there are easy solutions to that problem as well. For instance, when it comes to water efficiency, you can turn to useful gadgets and fixtures that will help you conserve water and have lower bills. Instead of your regular toilet that uses over 13 litres of water when flushed, you can opt for a low-flow model that uses around 6 litres per flush or even a dual-flush variety. Then, look into low-flow faucets and showerheads as they can also save a lot of water on a daily basis. Furthermore, maybe you’d also benefit from sensor-activated faucets as you won’t have to think about turning them off while brushing your teeth, for example. Finally, the appliances you use, such as the dishwasher and washing machine, play a big role here as well – make sure they are ENERGY STAR-rated and run them only when full unless they have a small load function.
Add an AC unit to feel more comfortable
Sometimes, living in a warm climate can make it hard to cool down your home even if it is properly insulated. This is why you should consider installing an AC unit in your home. Simply by googling air con for sale near me, you will be able to find local experts who will help you choose the right unit and install it for you. Keep in mind, however, that air conditioners will need regular maintenance in order to perform efficiently. You can clean and change the filters and unclog drain channels on your own but you can also consider having the appliance serviced once a year by a professional to ensure it’s working optimally.
Look into better storage options
Another common problem we tend to have is a lack of space. If you, too, are dealing with this, you’ll be glad to hear that there are many solutions to this issue. Start by taking all the available space into consideration. Which areas are underutilized? For instance, is there a lot of space beneath your bed that you could be using to store things like Christmas decorations, out-of-season clothes or something similar? Make the most of it by getting see-through boxes that can fit there and organizing everything. Do you have high ceilings? Go vertical by adding shelves where you can keep items you don’t use regularly. There are so many other tricks and hacks you can employ. Using baskets as both décor and storage, getting modular furniture that can be used for storage and sitting or hanging organizers on your doors or even cabinet doors to keep everything neat.
Replace the light fixtures
There is no need to do this if you are happy with the way they look and the illumination they provide you with. However, if they pose an electrical danger, spend too much electricity or are an eyesore, you should probably look for replacement fixtures. For instance, when it comes to the dining room lighting, you can add a breathtaking chandelier if you believe that will take the ambience up a notch but you can also keep it simple with an understated pendant light. Add a dimmer switch to be able to save on your bills and use LEDs, of course. Other than improving the appeal of the space, you need lights to be practical as well. Therefore, look for task lights that will allow you to cook meals or do your work properly. Moreover, don’t forget about the safety of your family members and install some motion-activated lights near stairs or in corridors.
Get a backsplash for your kitchen
Another practical thing that can be added to your kitchen is a backsplash. In case you don’t already have one, what are you waiting for? This will help you protect your walls and is much easier to clean. While you can opt for traditional tiles, there are now also easy-to-install sheets you can shape, cut and glue however and wherever you want. Plus, they come in various colours and prints, so it will not be hard to find something that matches your taste. Lastly, they are very affordable and you will not need professional help to put them up.
These days, there are more options than ever before. They are not only more available but more affordable as well. In addition to the previously mentioned ones, you can also consider programmable thermostats, re-caulking your bathroom, installing a water filter and adding plants to your home. All of these upgrades are sure to make your home much more pleasant to spend time in. And seeing as how there are so many tutorials and ideas online, you should have no trouble doing most of these on your own.
