Quarantine DIY Inspiration
/This month we have been out visiting so many past clients delivering home anniversary bottles of champagne! It has been SO AWESOME to see all the home projects that you have done to your homes! From interior “converted” home offices to outdoor spaces and loads of gardens and fences, all of which have brought our clients so much joy and fulfillment! Nothing is better than seeing a family take a home they adopt and make it their own! It truly has been one blessing of this virus and shut down period this spring and summer.
That said, it is not too late for the rest of you! We still have lots of sunny days ahead and whether you clear out a corner office or decide to build a ”she shed," we wanted to share some inexpensive ideas and renovation tips to get you inspired!
Cook up a fresh kitchen
Yes, major renovations in the kitchen can be spendy, but a simple refresh in your kitchen can breathe new life into your home (and potentially increase your selling power)…without breaking the bank.
1. Give your cabinets a makeover
Freshen up old cabinets by re-staining or applying a new coat of paint in an accent or statement color (we’ve been seeing a lot of blue this year!) Top it off with some trendy hardware, and you have completely transformed the look.
2. Make a splash with your backsplash
It is possible to get your dream kitchen without having to install grout or hire out help – especially when it comes to adding a backsplash. Visit a local hardware store or shop a bit online and you’ll quickly see a huge variety of peel-and-stick backsplash options. Another perk? If you’re not excited about the finished product, you can remove it just as easily!
3. Transform your counter tops
While it may be more cost and labor-intensive to replace your counters entirely, there are ways to change up the look for less. Depending upon what type of counters you have currently, there are counter top paints and skim-coats for a modern, concrete look. If you’re wanting a complete transformation but don’t have the budget for granite or quartz, check out butcher blocks for a really cool and contemporary feel!
Roll out a fresh coat of paint
A quick, easy and inexpensive way to update a room or area in your home is to paint! This could mean touching up existing paint, changing a few walls or creating an accent wall. If you decide not to play with paint but still want to create an accent wall, use wallpaper (yes, it’s back, but it’s so much better than it used to be). There are so many different unique styles and textures of wallpaper out there, and the installation is quick and easy with little to no drying time.
Lighten and brighten your space
Want to make your space feel larger and more open? Light fixtures are a great place to start. Focus on bringing in light by changing out any existing bulbs with LEDs – eco-friendly and wallet-friendly, since LEDs tend to last far longer than traditional bulbs.
For a subtle change, focus on lamp shades or any glass sconces you may have. Update colors and textures, or just change the glass from frosted to clear, or vice versa. You could also change out the light fixtures themselves or just apply a quick layer of paint (there are specific paints for hardware, so do a little research first).
Use what you have to make something new
Revamp your current furniture, wall art and home décor to create a new look and feel.
Sanding and staining or painting a piece of furniture can make it feel brand new – or a chalk paint and a distressing kit can give it a shabby chic or French country feel. If you’re handy with a staple gun, you can even take a shot at reupholstering chairs, benches or headboards! Tag us and show off your hard work if you do!
Your wall art and décor can be transformed with just a little bit of elbow grease and the right supplies. Mirrors that are beginning to look outdated can be modernized by repainting the frame – pair them with updated photo frames to make a stylish gallery wall.
Top off any end tables or surfaces with a little styling – a couple of hardcover coffee table books, a potted succulent, or even a faux flower arrangement.
Breathing new life into your home can be time consuming and expensive, but there are ways to take your living space to the next level without overspending – and we’re so excited to see the positive changes and upgrades so many of our clients have been making!
Have a Quarantine DIY that we haven’t seen? Tag us in your photos and share your DIY victories (and lessons learned), and as always, if you have any questions about our market or are interested in buying or selling, let us know! We’re here to help you.