Simple Home Improvements that Make a Big Difference

Every winter, as I spend more time in my home, I start dreaming of the home improvements I want to make. Often, this has less to do with the function and flow of the space and more to do with changing up the design. In other words – it’s my yearly sign that I officially have cabin fever and am ready to spruce things up.  

Fortunately, not all improvements need to be costly and time-consuming. There are several things you can do in a day or two that will transform your living space for a refreshing change of pace. 

Here are 6 simple home improvements that make a big difference:

Select a New Color Scheme

A new coat of paint is one of the easiest ways to make a dramatic change in any room. You can opt to paint all four walls, create an accent wall, or paint some furniture. If you’ve been growing tired of the color scheme in your home, check out these 2021 paint colors for inspiration for your next home project. 

Update Your Trim

Painting window and door trim is a quick way to refresh a room. White trim has been a popular option for years, as it brightens the space and matches neutral color schemes. For a bold look, black trim creates a stark contrast to white walls. Other options include creating a monochrome look, by painting the trim the same color as the walls. And there’s always natural wood trim, which will never go out of style. 

Install New Lighting Fixtures

Lighting fixtures are the equivalent to jewelry for your home. No matter what your style is – modern, minimalist, eccentric, rustic, or traditional – there are lighting fixtures that complement your design. You can find fixtures to match any budget, and take on the installation as a DIY project to instantly transform your home. 

Switch Up Hardware

Much like lighting, if you have outdated hardware, it will make the entire room look outdated. From doorknobs to faucets to cabinet pulls, switching out hardware can revitalize your interior design. While changing out the hardware can be a bit more time consuming than a couple of light fixtures, it’s another project you can tackle yourself. 

Add Some Green

Gray days of winter are lacking the vibrancy of spring and summer. Add a bit of nature to your home with indoor plants. Not only will you get a pop of color, but you’ll get the benefits of indoor plants, which can help reduce stress, sharpen your attention, boost your productivity, and improve the quality of indoor air. 

Purge and Organize

This is something that everyone can do, and while you may cringe at the thought of reorganizing, it feels (and looks!) so good when you do! Get rid of items you no longer need, and organize the rest room by room. If a home organization really isn’t your thing, you can hire an organizer to help with the pantry, closets, basement, and more. 

How do you plan to give your home a refresh this year? Let me know in the comments!

2021 Paint Colors of the Year

It’s that time of year!

As we near the end of 2020, people are naturally reflecting on the past year and making predictions about what’s to come – and that includes home design!

Paint companies are announcing their top color choices for 2021, and there are some big differences compared to the past few years. After all the time spent at home, along with the ups and downs of the year, even people with the most neutral home decor are itching for something fresh and new. 

From darker hues to bright pops of color, people are changing things up at home, and paint companies believe color can create environments that are soothing and uplifting.

Take a look at 2021’s top picks from six major paint companies:

Benjamin Moore

Benjamin Moore selected the soothing Aegean Teal for its 2021 color of the year. The calming blend of blue-green and gray adds color to the home while remaining modern. Hannah Yeo, color marketing and development manager at Benjamin Moore, calls it “an intriguing blue-green that creates natural harmony and invites us to take a moment to reflect and reset.” 

Sherwin Williams

For a bolder look, Sherwin Williams selected Urbane Bronze. The rich gray-brown neutral gives any room a grounded, down-to-earth feel. The color is meant to help you feel like you are one with nature, and can create a cozy atmosphere whether used on all four walls of a room or as an accent. 

Pantone

Pantone surprised us all by choosing not one, but two contrasting colors: Ultimate Gray and Illuminating Yellow. The neutral (and always loved) gray pairs perfectly with the bright and sunny yellow, creating a pop of color that is uplifting. Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, said, “The union of an enduring Ultimate Gray with the vibrant yellow Illuminating expresses a message of positivity supported by fortitude.”

Glidden

This year, Glidden chose their first Accent Color of the Year with Aqua Fiesta. This cheerful aquamarine pairs well with Glidden’s 2020 color of the year, Whirlwind, while adding a pop of color. This fun color is sure to brighten any room!

Farrow & Ball

Farrow & Ball went in another direction with deep, luxurious colors including Deep Reddish Brown, Tanner’s Brown, and Preference Red. These warm colors will help create cozy sanctuaries in any area of your home. 

Rust-Oleum

Rust-Oleum, a spray paint company, is ready to spice things up with their color of the year, Satin Paprika. A warm, earthy color, this spray paint can be used to add a pop of color to indoor or outdoor furniture and decor, making a great weekend project for DIYers.  

Are you planning on adding new colors to your home decor this year? Let me know in the comments!