The story below is from our May/June 2019 issue. For the full issue Subscribe today, view our FREE interactive digital edition or download our FREE iOS app!
Try these 10 easy ways to improve your home right now.
You’re itching to rip out your dated kitchen, and that Pepto-Bismol pink bathroom has you dreaming of white subway tile. Planning for big changes requires equally big budgets, but there are things you can do right now to radically change your home, with little cost and effort.
1. Declutter
Research shows that tackling your mess can make you feel less anxious and more creative. Take it room by room, and set a timer—you’ll be amazed what you can accomplish in 30 minutes. Have supplies close by when you start—a donation box, trash bag and recycle bin will make the task easier. Once you’ve edited down, corral toys, books or magazines in smart storage. “Buy three of the same thing, whether that’s baskets or bins,” says interior designer Emily Mangus. “It’s a design trick that things look good in multiples.” Mangus likes woven baskets, which lend texture and style while also camouflaging contents for an orderly look. A massive clean out is great, but keep things tidy by continually evaluating your stuff. Magazines over a year old? Recycle bin. Toys that your kids have outgrown? Designate those for donation or give to a friend with younger kids.
Do it now: Clean off one shelf or sift through one junk drawer. The accomplishment will give your brain the small boost it needs to brave bigger projects.
2. Spruce up your front door
If your door paint is chipping or the dog has worn the finish over the years with his paws, this is a ho-hum first impression. Painting your front door is an easy do-it-yourself job that can bump up your curb appeal in a few hours. If your house is brick or white, your options are endless. A cherry red or deep evergreen are classic choices, while an energetic yellow or regal purple make a statement. This look has gained popularity in recent years, but is classic—glossy front doors in a kaleidoscope of color are a staple in cities like New Orleans and Charleston. Another designer trick is to paint the door a shade lighter or darker than the shutters for some understated dimension. “If the shutters are black, you could go with a slate gray,” suggests Mangus, who is currently favoring neutral front doors. She says an older wooden front door with some character but years of paint can be stripped and stained for another neutral option. While color is up to you, be sure to buy outdoor grade paint or stain so it lasts.
Do it now: Visit the paint store and buy samples of the colors you are considering. Paint them on posterboard and look at them against your house in morning, afternoon and evening light before making a commitment.
3. Swap out a light fixture
“Updating the foyer light and chandelier in your dining room can change the whole feel of your house,” says Jessica Durham, who owns Magnolia, a high-end furniture, lighting and accessories store. “I go into lovely homes that have builder-grade fixtures.” Builders, to keep budgets contained, often opt for inexpensive lighting fixtures that are sometimes out of proportion—usually too small. The reigning style now is to go as big as you can in these spaces, says Mangus, allowing for clearance in a foyer for a tall person to walk underneath. In a dining room, be sure the fixture height doesn’t block guests’ conversations. If you want a gold dining room fixture, don’t fret that it doesn’t match the rest of your lighting, say Mangus and Durham, as mixing metals is on-trend. If your budget is tiny, Mangus suggests finding a great basket or an oversized Chinese paper lantern and adding a pendant cord kit, which you can find at a hardware store or online. Hire a licensed electrician to convert it for you and you’ll have a unique conversation piece. “Lighting provides a great chance to showcase your personal style,” says Durham.
Do it now: Set a budget for a new fixture, and browse online or at local shops for ideas. Magnolia, Present Thyme, Ferguson Enterprises, and Williams Lighting all have many options on display.
4. Go for a natural fiber rug
Picking out a rug can be tricky—and expensive. Because many varieties of handmade, oriental and wool rugs are pricey, many homeowners choose a rug that is too small to anchor a room in order to save money. Durham and Mangus advise that the rug should be large enough for at least the front feet of all furniture pieces to fit comfortably, or it looks awkward. An easy solution? A natural fiber rug works in almost any room, blending seamlessly with the existing decor and color scheme. “Natural fiber rugs are a go-to for me—they are budget-friendly and don’t dominate a space,” says Durham. If you already have a smaller rug, you can layer the natural fiber rug underneath, which is an on-trend look that shows no danger of fading. Durham advises that there are different levels of quality in natural fiber rugs, and that she likes sisal for its durability. “There are also sisal or jute rugs that are blended together with wool,” Durham mentions. “These are still affordable, but offer a softer feel that some people like better.”
Do it now: Take a fresh look at your rugs. Is one too small for the space? Move it to another room or layer a natural fiber underneath it. If you can’t afford a new rug now, go for a bare floor look in warmer months.
5. Add in plants
Color and texture make a room more interesting, and plants have both. While faux plants can work well in low light or on a high shelf, the real thing always looks better, says Mangus. There are many plant species that are low maintenance and can be good starter plants. Succulents, for example, do well in bright, indirect sunlight with infrequent watering, so don’t need a lot of care. Herbs are great for cooks, and do best in bright sunlight. Have a kitchen window with a southern exposure? A row of herbs like sage, thyme and mint on the windowsill are a nice addition and provide a soft counterpoint to the hard surfaces and right angles in the space. Tall plants, like the fiddle leaf fig, elephant’s ear and rubber tree are great in corners with adequate sunlight, and make a big impact for a small investment. Dress up these big plants in a basket from a home goods store, and you’ve got an attractive and affordable container.
Do it now: Go to a nursery and talk with an expert about what plants would work in your home. Buy a starter plant and give your green thumb a try.
6. Get rid of what doesn’t work
You bump into that side table all the time, because it doesn’t fit. You bought it for the old house and couldn’t part with it. We hereby give you permission to sell it. “Don’t be afraid to get rid of things...they make way for things you’ll love,” Mangus reminds. Furniture you bought or inherited doesn’t always work, and it becomes bossy in the room—dictating that everything else work around it. If the piece is sentimental, could a close friend or family member use it? If it’s not a family favorite, consider one of the many options for selling it, like Craigslist or a furniture consignment store. The cash you make can go towards purchasing something that fits your needs. Donation is always an option, and can be done immediately.
Do it now: What’s the first piece of furniture you think of that doesn’t work in your house? Make a plan to get rid of it in the next two weeks.
7. Invest in new throw pillows
New pillows can freshen up a couch and a room, breathing new life into your old sofa. Here’s a foolproof way to mix pattern—grab a solid pillow, a small scale geometric one and a large print in a coordinating palette of colors, says Mangus. It’s the designer secret to a mix and match that looks intentional. “Throw pillows are a huge part of changing a look,” echoes Durham, who says that when a client comes to her looking to make a big impact on a small budget, she opts for paint, lighting and pillows to create a vibe. Budget friendly options can be found at places like TJ Maxx and Homegoods, suggests Durham, or pillows can be made inexpensively with discount fabric by an upholsterer. One thing you shouldn’t skimp on are quality down pillow inserts, so they can be fluffed back to life after the dog or a toddler take a nap on them. Add in a comfortable throw or two—a chunky knit or blanket with fringe add whimsy to your sofa.
Do it now: Toss out pillows that have seen better days—a bare couch will prompt you to get new ones.
8. Paint or refurbish old cabinets
If you have kitchen or bathroom cabinets in an outdated finish, you have many options to improve the look without ripping them out. If they still work well (drawers slide, cabinets close properly) consider painting them. A fresh coat of white paint or a modern gray can brighten and enliven your space. Paint application methods and finishes have improved to make the job easier for a dedicated DIYer, or you can hire a contractor to be sure the finish is professional looking and durable. If the cabinet boxes are in good shape but the cabinet doors are not your style or are too worn, cabinet refacing can replace the doors only, saving considerable money.
Do it now: If you have a house full out outdated cabinets, buy some chalk paint and start in a bathroom. Chalk paint requires little to no prep work and is user-friendly. A small project can give you an idea of what it would be like to tackle a kitchen.
9. Create a landing zone
In an ideal world, every house would have a mudroom where coats, shoes and bags could hide. But not every house has a tucked away drop zone area, especially older homes. How can you corral the clutter that builds at the front door? First, create a space where everything goes and it’s more likely to end up there. “A console with a drawer or drawers is great, and containers that are easily accessible work well,” advises Durham. Baskets or attractive bins for shoes and winter gear, a pretty dish for mail and keys and a boot tray should be on the essentials list. Durham also likes a mirror in this space, for a final check before you exit the front door. If you have the space, art on the walls or plants or fresh flowers on the console add interest and personality.
Do it now: Measure your space and sketch out your ideal entryway. Look online and in magazines for inspiration, and shop with a tape measure so when you find an item, you’ll know if it fits.
10. Buy new hardware
If your kitchen or bath pulls are outdated, change them out for glitzy new hardware. Even if your cabinets are basic, new hardware is like a necklace on a white t-shirt—it elevates the look instantly. Designer favorites that are on-trend are antique brass, gold and matte black, and like lighting—the bigger the better. Don’t be afraid of a pull that takes up most of the real estate on a drawer. Consider the same pulls for all cabinets and drawers instead of knobs, and if new holes need to be drilled, call in a contractor. It can be tough to get the holes right, and being off slightly will make your pulls look wonky. Old switch plates or registers can also be changed out, and companies like Restoration Hardware and Rejuvenation have period specific pieces that look like they were made long ago, so fit seamlessly in older homes.
Do it now: Replace old or boring switch plates in one room with a screwdriver and a few dollars. Hardware and big box stores have endless options in many finishes.
... for more from our May/June 2019 issue, Subscribe today, view our FREE interactive digital edition or download our FREE iOS app!