Home improvement ideas and updates are usually fun to do, assuming you have the time and patience to get them started (and completed). We’ve compiled a list of 15 easy ways to update your space, so let’s dive in and get started!
1. Add A Backsplash
Now remember, we are talking ‘easy improvements’ here. With that said, we’re not going to cover a traditional tile backsplash in this one, where you would need tile and grout and all that jazz. Nope, we’re talking about the simpler forms of backsplash. Stick-On vinyl may be your cup of tea, since it has such a variety of options to choose from, and it’s super affordable too! Another affordable alternative would be Peel-and-Stick faux tile, these will give a classic look. A trending approach right now is using laminate or vinyl plank flooring (P.S. we have a tutorial related to this!). Beadboard even seems to be a popular option here as well. There are so many more options out there, the ones we mentioned are just some of our favorites that we’ve seen. And if nothing catches your eye, you can always go the simplest route and use some of that left over paint from your other updating projects and slap on a fresh new coat!
2. Create A Laminate Accent Wall
The addition of an accent wall can set a room apart from the others. Creating a laminate accent wall is a very doable DIY project, which will greatly improve the space and is much easier to do than you might think. We go over how to do this project in our tutorial “How To Install Laminate Flooring On An Accent Wall”
3. Organize Your Junk Drawer
The Junk Drawer! Everyone’s favorite place to put things that don’t have a better place in our homes. If you’re like me, when I needed something out of the “junk drawer” it was a 15 minute task to find that screwdriver or that empty roll of tape I know I saw there months ago. I mean do we really need 76 ink pens and hey, there’s that key to the car I sold 3 years ago….admit it, we’ve all been there. Getting some organization in your junk drawer will not only make life that much easier but lower your stress when you need to find a pair of scissors.
Get some Drawer Organizer Trays, or kits (that they happen to sell specifically for this problem). The best part is they are inexpensive and many are customizable. To start, take everything out of the drawer and sort it into piles of similar and related items. Decide what you really need to keep (probably not the used batteries that have very little life left). Once you have the drawer empty and everything into piles, you can put in your organizer trays. Make sure you have enough individual spots for all of your things, so they each have their own place. Now you can finally find that handy sewing kit you bought a year ago and have replaced twice when you couldn’t find it!
4. Change And Update Your Rugs
Door rugs, area rugs and runners take a lot of abuse from being walked on all of the time. That abuse can many times make rugs look dated or dirty. Rugs, as well as carpet gets stained or damaged and may need to be brought back to life. Many times you can simply clean these with a carpet or upholstery cleaner. But when that just won’t do the trick it may be time to invest in something new. Getting a new rug may allow you to match it to the rest of the room to tie everything together. A light colored rug can brighten up an otherwise dark room, or maybe you want to show some uniqueness and go with a crazy design on your rug. Whatever you choose is sure to bring an updated look to the space.
5. Paint Your Front Door
Yep, here we go again, using paint and making a difference on some home love. This is yet another easy and inexpensive update. Our front doors can take a bit of abuse, especially since they’re generally the primary way in to and out of the house. They build up with dirt and debris over time and can become a bit aged looking if neglected. But now you have a plan to fix this! Get some paint supplies and EXTERIOR paint and get to work. Tape off everything with painters tape to avoid any unwanted areas getting paint on them. Use a roller and/or paintbrush to apply your new paint. Apply as many coats as needed and once the paint is dry you can remove the tape, and Voila! you’ve got a brand new entryway! See? Super simple and a little bit of fun. Don’t underestimate the power of paint on your Home-Edits! You know when a coworker comes in with a new haircut? You immediately notice it? Well, same idea here, well worth the time invested.
6. Upgrade Your Faucets
While This May not seem like much of a change in a kitchen or bathroom, something as simple as changing out your faucets can significantly improve these spaces. Whether you’re going for a rustic old fashioned look or a modern minimalist finish, there will be a wide variety of options to choose from. This is also an easy improvement you can do yourself as most, if not all of the options you choose will come with a complete set of directions to get this improvement done in a snap.
7. Upgrade Your Base Trim
Many homes I’ve seen still have builders grade base trim installed, if you have the time, resources and skill, you can remove and replace the trim with something more suited to your unique taste. A much simpler and more cost effective option would be to install base cap and shoe molding. These can be added to the top and bottom of the existing base trim without the need to remove it first. Some of the cap molding simply butts into the top of the base trim and others will overlap the base trim, but both will give it a completely new look. Shoe molding will have a 90 degree angle on one corner and is placed against the floor and base trim to improve the overall look. They can be made of different material and different finish options, from unfinished to primed. It’s a fairly simple install you can do yourself with just a few tools.
8. Paint
Updating your paint is one of the most impactful improvements you can make in a room. Painting, whether it’s just an accent wall or the entire room, can breath new life into an area and make the space have a completely different atmosphere. If you really want to add some style, just let your creativity run wild and add multiple colors and effects, simply by using some painters tape and your imagination. For more inspiration you can check out one of our own painting tutorials here…..
9. Add Some Wall Art
Sounds simple right? Well that’s because it is. Changing or adding some wall art will help drive the focus to that area of a room. Most hobby and craft stores will sell wall art that’s sure to fit your style perfectly. If you want something that’s going to set your space apart from others, then make your own wall art! Get a canvases, art supplies, some paint and go to town! Check out a local art show for inspiration, if you can. One of our favorite things to do is to make spin art. Not only do you get to create a unique piece for your home, but it’s also a blast to do together! (More to come on spin art later – Check back soon!)
10. Swap Out Register Vents
Changing out your standard floor register vents for ones that are more stylish can give your space a little nudge in the right direction to improving the entire area. They are relatively inexpensive and come in many different finishes and designs. If you like the standard looking register vents but still want to make a subtle change to a room, you can always paint them a different color. Paint options are almost limitless if you go this direction. Start with removing and lightly sanding the entire vent, then spray paint it the color of your choosing and you’ve made another small but impactful home improvement!
11. Change Light Fixtures
If you want to make a bold statement in a room, changing your Light Fixtures can do just that. With the abundance of available options out there, you can update your current fixtures to make the space truly yours. I would recommend checking all the hardware stores in your area since most will have different options to choose from, as well as looking online to find exactly what works best for you before making a decision.
12. Update Your Cabinet Pulls And Doorknobs
When doing updates, it’s easy to overlook simple things like your cabinet pulls and doorknobs. They seem to be one of those things that just fade into the background, until you replace them, that is! Upgrading cabinet pulls in your kitchen or bathroom can give the room some spark and really stand out. The same goes with your doorknobs. Replacing older or worn doorknobs with something more modern or just changing the finish can really catch your eye! These are both simple and quick fixes to really update your space!
13. Change Your Light Switch Covers
It really doesn’t get much simpler than this! If you have some of those off white or yellowish light switch covers, change them. There are many different options for light switch covers, even if you opt for just a bright white cover it can really change a room. Don’t sleep on this simple and inexpensive update!
Upgrade Window Treatments
Let’s talk about Window Treatments. For this one we are going to break it down into 2 categories.
14. Blinds and Shades
If you’re looking to give your room a facelift, you can do that by simply updating your window treatments. You can do this in a couple of ways. You can change simple mini blinds over for a more luxury blind with wider slats, or maybe a wood texture. You can use pleated shades or vertical panel blinds, as these can all have a huge impact on a room.
15. Curtains and Curtain Rods
Installing new curtains and curtain rods will allow you to bring out some of your own creativity by being able to mix and match multiple different options. There are many different styles and finishes when it comes to the curtain rods themselves. Some can have a rustic appeal, while others have a more modern look and countless options in between. For the curtains, you can go with something bright if you want to lighten the mood in a room or choose a darker set if that’s the ambiance you’re looking for. Use multiple sets if you really want to create a unique look that’s all your own. The possibilities are endless.
Thanks for reading our blog! We hope you got some great information and your project goes well. Feel free to reach out if we can help with anything and we hope to see you again! Good luck with all your future Home-Edits!
