Summer is such a wonderful time. The kids are done with school, it’s easier to meet up with friends and family, and the world seems less hectic. But just because the days are hazy doesn’t mean you need to be lazy. With a little more free time, summer is a great opportunity to tackle projects to refresh your home. If you’re up for upgrading your space, check out these home improvement ideas and how to save big on them.
1. Update Your Kitchen
Kitchen renovations are probably one of the most popular property upgrades out there. Unfortunately, they can also be one of the most expensive kinds of projects to do. The good news is, there are many ways to save money while making your kitchen look more stylish and up-to-date this summer.
Cabinets are a kitchen fixture that can quickly become outdated as trends change. The cost of replacing them can run to thousands of dollars, likely more than you want to put on your credit or debit card. For a less-expensive upgrade, try refacing existing cabinets with new doors instead. Even painting your current cabinet doors or switching out the hardware could give you the look you’re going for.
2. Freshen Up the Bathroom
The bathroom is another area in your home that may be due for a makeover. You may want to make a guest bath feel more inviting or improve the storage and organization in your master bath. If increased storage is your goal, installing a vanity can provide more space to stow things while adding style to the room. For a lower-cost alternative, add shelving instead. Not only will you gain a place to house bathroom essentials, you’ll add a decorative element as well.
Perhaps your bathroom renovation desires are more cosmetic. Quick improvements to this room could be as simple as a new shower curtain and towels to change the color story. If you’re feeling more ambitious, add a tiled backsplash or a wallpapered accent wall. Either could prove a distinctive way to spice up your bathroom.
3. Improve Your Home’s Lighting
When’s the last time you thought about the light fixtures in your home? When thinking about how to give your home a facelift, lighting is easy to overlook, yet its impact can be significant. A new ceiling fan light fixture can freshen up your kitchen, while a chandelier will add elegance to a dining room or foyer. When you consider ways to upgrade your home this summer, don’t forget to look up.
If you’re not quite ready to make such a big change, there are less costly approaches to leveraging lighting. Simply changing out smaller accent lamps around the house can give some of the same excitement. Or install string lights to bathe your back patio in a lovely glow.
4. Buff Up the Outdoors
First impressions are everything, and the first impression passersby get of your home is its front yard. If you want to gain great curb appeal, upgrades to your landscaping can go a long way. For the fastest improvement to a planting bed, install landscape edging and finish up with a fresh spread of new mulch. Then plant a variety of seasonal perennials, which will save you money because they come back every year. If you are looking for an eco-friendly means of improving your landscape, plant wildflowers, which help pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Not that flowers are your only option for outdoor upgrades. You could add an accent shrub or tree to draw the viewer’s eye to your landscaping. Alternatively, plants like succulents or cacti can add individual flair to those beds. Another way to achieve a unique look is to place non-plant decorations in the area. Cool stones, metal art, wind chimes, and/or bird houses can all offer a whimsical touch.
5. Refresh Your Walls
Are your walls looking a little worn and shabby? Give them a quick makeover by rolling on a coat of fresh paint. If you are feeling adventurous, you may want to try out an accent color or new shade completely. Once the new paint is dry, your walls could welcome new artwork, or you might rearrange your framed family photos. Consider hanging a tapestry or another piece of woven art if you’re in the market for a statement piece.
Interior walls are not the only ones that need some love over time. Giving a little TLC to the outside of your home is a great way to add to your property value. A quick power wash will rinse away years of build-up from your dwelling, providing an immediate refresh. Updating window treatments like shutters or awnings is also a great strategy to beautify your outdoor space. Other tactics for making your outside walls more appealing are replacing your house number with more modern hardware and painting your front door.
Summer is a great season for completing projects around the house. You’ll likely be spending more time at home, so making it a more inviting place is time well spent. If updating your home is on your summertime agenda, these project ideas are sure to keep you happily occupied.