Easy Ways to Update Your Home Without Taking on a Renovation

 

Does your home feel dated? Or maybe it’s time for an upgrade. Are you looking to update your home, but you don’t want to deal with a full-on renovation or remodel? Don’t worry, there’s a lot you can do to give your home a refresh without spending the time and money on a renovation. Many of these projects may be easier than you think. Keep reading for our expert advice.

Joybird

Joybird

Fresh Paint

A great and easy way to update your home is with some new paint.

It’s amazing what a little fresh paint can do. Yes, just a new wall color goes a long way, but really you can paint almost anything that needs a refresh including trim, cabinets, doors, brick, furniture, and the exterior for your home. 

A new paint color can completely transform an item or space. Update older furniture, built-ins, or shelving with a fresh coat of paint. You can even paint your existing hardware or light fixtures to give them new life. You’ll be surprised how easily you can reuse existing items by giving them a whole new look with some paint.

If you want to update some old tile, but you don’t want to tear it all out and spend time installing new tile, you may be able to paint it. Yes, that’s right, tile backsplashes, counters, or floors can be painted too! However it does vary based on the type of tile and surface you have, so before you get started be sure to check out The Spruce to learn more about painting tile. 

Rejuvenation

Rejuvenation

Update Finishes, Fixtures, and Hardware

Along with a fresh coat of paint, updating hardware, fixtures, and finishes is another great way to update and refresh your space.

Some of the items you may want to consider updating are - faucets, cabinet door handles and pulls, door hardware, and light fixtures.

Again you don’t need to invest in new cabinets, doors, or sinks - just updating the hardware goes a long way. Getting rid of some older light fixtures for a new chandelier or statement pendant lighting is also a great way to modernize a room.

Don’t forget about those switch plates. Like paint, updating your switch plates is easy to do and can go a long way in making your home look refreshed.

McGee + Co

McGee & Co

Say Goodbye to Old Carpet

Dingy old carpet really makes a home look grungy and dated. Carpets normally last 10-15 years, so if yours is older than that then it’s time to go. Even though it’s a little more costly to invest in new floors, tearing out that carpet will make a huge difference. If you’re lucky you may have some nice wood floor underneath that you can refinish. 

Wood floors are timeless and easy to clean, they also don’t trap allergens and dust. However, if your budget doesn’t allow for new wood floors, there are different more affordable options from laminate to engineered wood. Check out Real Simple for some more great wood alternatives.

West Elm

West Elm

New Window Treatments

Windows often get overlooked, but adding new curtains, blinds, or shutters can have a big impact. Adding updated window treatments is a great way to add more natural light to a room and make the space look modern, polished, and finished. 

If you need some inspiration, check out House Beautiful for window treatment ideas.

Framebridge

Framebridge

Refresh Your Accents and Decor

Sprucing up a room can be as easy as getting some new decor and accent pieces. Switch out older throw pillows, bedding, and blankets for some new and fresh styles.

Refresh your walls with some new shelving and artwork. New shelves can be a great feature for a wall. They not only help with organization but they can display stunning decorative pieces as well. Say goodbye to the mass-produced prints you may have accumulated over the years and invest in some great original artwork. 

If original artwork is not your aesthetic or out of your budget, you can create a gallery wall with some of your favorite family photos. For a timeless classic look, go with a selection of black and white photos.

Think about bringing in some mirrors. Mirrors, especially placed across from a window are a great way to make a space look and feel larger. They reflect light and can really brighten up a room. Adding some plants to your decor also creates life and brightness to the space.

West Elm

West Elm

Design Around Existing Core Furniture Pieces 

If it’s time for a furniture upgrade, you can keep some core pieces like a sofa or dining table and update the rest of the furniture and decor. Try different configurations to see how you can make the best use of the space. You can reupholster old sofas or chairs to give them new life.

You may think that you need to get rid of everything and start fresh, but you’ll be surprised how you can mix some of the old with the new to give your home a fresh and updated look.

For some more help, Houzz has some great tips for how to re-use existing furniture.

Summary

A few small changes can make a big difference. You may not need to do everything on this list, but mix and match the options that work best for your needs.

If you’re feeling daunted by the task of updating everything, you can take your time and take it slow. Tackle one room at a time and don’t worry about updating everything overnight.

 
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