Small Home Renovations for the Holidays
If you’re looking to give you’re home a little more pop before the family comes to town, here are 10 home improvements to make before the holidays.
- Make a Grand Entrance
Put first things first. A new or newly painted front door can dramatically improve your home’s curb appeal. While you’re at it, try replacing your house numbers. You can also install a few outdoor lights and even repaint your trim.
- Add Some Structure
A way to add elegance to any room is molding. You can add crown, baseboard or even chair rail molding. Most home improvement stores and lumber yards will even pre-cut your pieces to size. All you have to do is measure accurately.
- Build a Box
Cornice boxes are simple projects for beginners. They can be painted or covered with fabric. They make ceilings look higher and make windows look bigger.
- Make A Splash
A new backsplash can pack a lot of punch while remaining inexpensive. Tile is always a good option, but beadboard, wallpaper or tin ceiling tiles work just as well. Or you could go wild and try magnetic or chalkboard paint.
- Knobs and Pulls
Another easy and wallet-friendly update is new cabinet hardware. It can change the look of a kitchen with little effort. Just be sure when you buy them that they match the size of the old knobs and pulls. That way you don’t have to do any drilling.
- Cosmetic Surgery for Cabinets
If new hardware isn’t enough, try painting your cabinets. It takes a bit of time, but nicely painted cabinets make your kitchen look brand new. And they raise the value of your home.
- Let There Be Light
A new fixture can make any holiday meal a little brighter. Or try spray painting your old chandelier to give it a new lease on life. The blades on ceiling fans can also be painted or replaced.
- Heads Up
Headboards can be build out of practically anything. What’s your passion? You can build a headboard out of a surfboard, skis or a hood from a classic car. Salvaged items – doors, shutters, fences – make great headboards too.
- Ooh Shiny
Switch out the faucet in your kitchen or bath. New faucets are often multifunctional and are easy to upgrade. Changing out fixtures isn’t hard. Be sure, however, to turn off your water valves.
- Small is the New Big
A small space like a half bath is a stealthy place to experiment. Go bold with paint or with a wild wallpaper. Have fun with a faux finish.
Any (or all) of these easy to do improvements is sure to liven up the party at your house this holiday season.