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easy home updates

how-to-give-your-new-home-a-facelift-a-guide

Moving into a new home is exciting, and most people can’t wait to take an empty house and make it their own. In a way, decorating your new house is kind of like starting with a blank canvas and then turning it into a work of art.

Even if your new home needs no serious work, you may still want to give it a bit of a facelift so that it can feel not only feel new but also reflect your style. That’s why this post will be walking you through a few ways to do just that. 

Redo your kitchen 

If there’s one room in any house that people feel strongly about, it’s the kitchen. The kitchen is often described as the heart of the home, so it makes sense that people want it to feel welcoming and cozy. After all, this is where you and your loved ones will spend a lot of time together. You may not have the budget to renovate your entire home, but if you have some extra money, it can be a good idea to invest it in a kitchen renovation. 

Of course, this is a big project, so it can be helpful to hire professionals to do it for you. Have a look at Mode Built’s Edmonton home renovations to see what they can offer you

Give your house a fresh coat of paint

If you want a more affordable way to give your home a new touch, paint is the way to go. Compared to other renovation options, painting is much cheaper, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t completely transform how your house looks. 

You can opt for bold and bright colors if that’s your style, or stick to neutral tones if you enjoy a more natural look. And if you aren’t ready to go all out, you can always dip your toes into the water by painting just one room in each wall a different color so that there are accent walls everywhere. 

Consider switching up your flooring 

Our floors often undergo a lot of wear and tear, so you may find that your new home’s floors look a bit worse for wear. 

This is why you should consider having new flooring installed. You can do this right across the house, or only in certain rooms – it’s up to you. Of course, you need to consider all of your options. Carpets and tiles used to be the most popular, so you can check out the price difference between those options here. Nowadays, however, laminate and hardwood floors seem to be trending. 

Add your own décor 

It’s not enough to simply decorate your house and give it a new style – you should also add your own touch. Remember that it’s not just a house, but also a home. 

Your home should be your safe place, so it makes sense to decorate it in a way that speaks to you, instead of just doing what is trendy right now. To truly give your new house a facelift, add some décor that means something personal to you – whether it’s postcards from places you’ve traveled or photos of you and your loved ones, you should see this as an opportunity to make the place your own.  

Do some work in the garden

People often forget that their homes don’t just refer to the house, but also the garden. The truth is that many people don’t utilize their gardens to their full potential, and this is a missed opportunity. 

If you have some extra time on your hands, go out and buy your favorite plants to place in the garden, or get a table and some chairs so that you can create an outdoor entertainment area. You can also click here if you need some inspiration for sprucing up your garden during spring.  

In conclusion 

Few things are as exciting and rewarding as moving into a new house and adding your own personal touch to it. that is what takes it from being a house to being a home. 

Most people want their homes to be a reflection of them, which means that they want their homes to look beautiful and showcase what they find pleasing. That’s why this post shared some ideas for how you can give your new house a facelift. Hopefully, this inspired you, and there is something in here for everyone, regardless of their style or budget. 

Also, don’t be afraid to try new things when decorating your house! If you don’t like how it turns out, you can always change it again.

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5-ways-to-rejuvenate-your-home

Whether you have just purchased a new property or if you are just looking to shake things up in your home, there are many ways that you can breathe new life into your property. These don’t even require a huge budget. You can target certain areas in your home and tackle them one by one. It can truly bring a new essence into your living space. This article will give you some ideas to give a more stylish modern feel. 

Outdoor polished floors

Honed outdoor polished concrete floors are a versatile material that can be used to create s simple, contemporary minimalist aesthetic. They can also stand up to the strength of harsh weather conditions. They can be used in driveways, alfresco areas, pathways, staircases, and water features. Outdoor polished floors offer the ultimate strength and durability for your outdoor areas whilst offering thermal properties that are slip-resistant. Once they are installed, the upkeep of the floor is actually relatively low costing to upkeep. They are even pet and family-friendly. All in all, investing your money in outdoor polished floors can not only improve your house aesthetic but increase the value of your home. 

Modernizing old furniture

Providing the piece of furniture is not a priceless antique, you should check how sound the furniture is. Make sure you cannot see any signs of rot or damp otherwise it might not be worth attempting to upcycle. Light scratches and wobbly legs can be easily resolved. Deeper set problems cannot. For those feeling nervous about attempting to modernize your furniture, you can always start small by using chalk paint on solid surfaces. Painting an unfashionable piece of brown furniture with a contemporary color can transform your home’s look. 

Customizing kitchen cabinets 

One of the first things you can do is covering up the spaces you don’t like but cannot afford to replace is a good start. Veneer kitchen cupboards can be painted if you use the right stuff such as correct primer and paint. Sanding down the doors can also make sure that the paint has a rougher surface to cling to. If you can, you can also buy replacement doors for your standard-sized kitchen units. One way to save money, though it is more labor intensive, is to head to builders’ merchants and get fresh wood to attach to your cabinets. This will provide a rustic and traditional look to your kitchen. 

Cheap Aesthetics

Money can always be an issue for those who are redecorating. However, you can always get yourself some fantastic piece of decoration for cheap prices if you can be creative. You can forage for treasures in nature. Dried poppy seed heads and thistles or feathers and driftwood can work as display pieces in your home. Using local charity shops can also open lots of options for you. 

Rejuvenating your home

There is a lot you can do in your home that will not break the bank. All of these improvements will no doubt increase the value of your home but also make you enjoy your living space even more. 

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4-signs-your-home-needs-an-insulation-upgrade

Your home is your castle, so it’s understandable when you want to invest in the best heating and cooling equipment. However, you still need to contend with uncomfortable interiors if you do not have the best insulation.

Multiple insulation alternatives exist, and you should choose one that suits your home, the materials, and the climate in your area. Most people to assume that they are well-equipped to pick and install their property’s insulation. This is a costly mistake that could raise energy expenses and create uncomfortable interiors.

Unfortunately, most people opt to remove their non-functioning wall and roof insulation without expert help. Often they spread the insulation material indoors, and then they may need additional cleaning procedures to get rid of the material. Sometimes the best way to save money is to get expert help, but would you recognize the signs that your home needs new insulation materials?

The following are indications that it is time for the removal and replacement of your insulation. 

Lingering Unpleasant Odors

At times even the most thorough indoor cleaning does not get rid of an unpleasant odor. Some insulation material could become moldy with heat and moisture. Other than spray foam insulation, most insulation materials are not waterproof and will absorb some amount of water.

Ground moisture and extreme humidity contribute to the formation of mold and mildew on your home’s walls and attic. Checking your insulated spaces without damaging the insulation may not be doable, and you may need someone who has the proper safety equipment to do so.

Worsening Allergies

Even doctors will be baffled by the persistent flare-ups of allergic conditions among the occupants of your home. This can be attributed to the mold spores that will spread in your interiors when neglected. It also arises from the tendency of some insulation materials to accumulate dust over time. The removal of your insulation, its replacement, and the air sealing are the ideal steps for keeping allergies at bay.

Water Damage

Wet floors, dark or brown splotches across your ceiling, and peeling paint on any surface are common signs of water leaks. Ineffective insulation will indirectly contribute to significant water damage. If for instance, your water pipes are not well insulated, freezing water may cause them to burst or spring leaks that contribute to your property’s water damage. And with sufficient damage, it may be time to get a new roof, too.

Household Pests

Pests will feed on old insulation materials. Though fiberglass is effective, inexpensive and popular, rodents love tearing it apart. The holes created in your insulation by the rodents

form the perfect entry spot for other insects and dangerous animals like snakes. Air sealing your property can avert the invasion of your home by pests to some degree, but it is not completely secure.

These are not the only signs of damaged or ineffective insulation. They could also be signs of something else, and most homeowners could waste their money on unnecessary services and high medical bills before realizing their insulation is the primary cause of their issues. Your best choice is to have your insulation installed and maintained by professionals so you know when to remove and replace insulation.

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we-answer-wednesday-quick-bathroo

“I am in need of a makeover for my bathroom.  I don’t have a big budget so I cannot renovate but I need some quick and easy ideas to freshen up my bathroom.”

 

The bathroom is one of the smallest but also one of the most used rooms in the home.  A renovated bathroom can be costly and time consuming but you definitely have some easy updates that are quick and affordable that can really make a splash!

 

Try working with the colour scheme in the bathroom instead of against it.

  So if you have coloured tile – add some complimentary colour in there.  If you fight with the colour or ignore it – you won’t get the end result you want!

 

Change up the textiles

– easy and affordable! So add a new shower curtain and liner, add some new towels too and maybe even a bathmat! Stay from toilet covers…

 

Add some fresh bling

– so switch out your old cabinetry hardware and add some new knobs or handles! This is a quick change but it really makes a difference (this is also a great update for a kitchen). If you are handy, you could even update your towel bar an toilet paper holder.

Switch up your mirror

– adding a new mirror with a decorative frame will instantly freshen up your space and give it a custom look and feel without the custom price tag! If your lighting is looking a bit dated (and you are handy) consider updating the lighting as well.

Add some accessories

– a plant, some art, candles, new soap dispensers – easy updates that make the space feel and look new again!

If you are looking to take it to the next level, consider paint!

It’s a small space so it would be a quick weekend job but be sure to get the right paint so let the salesperson know that you are painting a bathroom.

Sprucing up your bathroom is also a great idea if you are considering selling your home.  When we stage bathrooms we like to keep them clean and clutter free but also styled in neutral tones and add some accessories to set the scene.

The bathroom might be small but don’t forget to make it beautiful too,

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how-to-make-old-home-look-and-feel-new

My husband is a real estate agent and he often finds himself in homes that just look old and tired but many seem to have great potential, they just need a few updates to bring it into current day style.  He shares a lot of easy tips and tricks with his clients on how to make an old home look and feel new again without compromising on character.  As an interior decorator and home stager, I couldn’t agree with him more. Plus these are great tips if you are thinking of selling your home in the not-so-distant future – keep it current looking – buyers will take notice

Here are some easy tricks to get an old home feeling new, again….

1 – Clean or replace carpets.

Make the space feel fresh with new carpet. It will instantly add a brand-new feeling to your home. If you are living there and like carpet than that’s fine but if this is an update for sale – price out replacing the carpet with hardwood or a laminate (that looks like hardwood).

2 – Make it cohesive.

A lot can be lost through the years—an update here and an update there can leave your house in a state of mismatched chaos. Determine whether you want room-by-room finishes to be the same throughout the house. The cohesive pattern will help your home feel polished, thus giving it new life.

 

3 –  Install new doors.

If you really want to go all out, replace your doors with Shaker-style doors or six-panel ones. A front door can also add a lot of curb appeal. If that doesn’t fit in your budget – paint the front door!

 

 

4 –  Update outlets, light switches, and plates

My husband and I have found that this is something that made a significant difference in all three of the older homes we’ve lived in. Some may have yellowed, been painted over, or have had various shapes and styles.
Update your house by switching all of the light switches and plates. Note: If you’re not experienced in doing this, hire a licensed electrician or find a great online video source and watch a few tutorials. It’s relatively simple, yet tedious work. We also updated yellowed alarms, thermostats, doorbells and smoke detectors.

 

5 – Repair walls.

In the past, we had purchased our home, it was apparent that years of poor quality DIY patching had taken place.
We had our painter fix the blemishes and fill all 240 nail holes. Yes, 240. Now when the light shines on them, it looks like new drywall.

6 –  Add light…

Whether it’s adding curtains, replacing light bulbs, or removing screens, adding light in your home is an easy way to breathe new life into each room. Remove vertical blinds they are so dated!

7 – …and paint.

A current and cohesive paint palette brings your home into the present and makes it feel fresh. If you stay away from yellow based tones that is recommended, when this get ‘yellowed’ they look aged.

 

8 –  Remove dated fixtures.

Updating lights and hardware on kitchen and bathroom cabinets are easy ways to make your home feel like new.

 

9 –  Refinish hardwood.

Choose an appropriate stain and give your hardwoods new life. I remember being astonished at how inexpensive it was to do the living room in our previous home and it made such a huge difference!

 

 

Every house needs a little sprucing up, I hope this inside info helps you out!

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