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Much like lighting, if you have outdated hardware, it will make the entire room look outdated.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 home design trends

What’s In and What’s Out: 2021 Home Design Trends

A new year means new trends. 

People spent a lot of time in their homes in 2020, which means many are rethinking their home design and decor. Take a look at what trends are expected to stay in and what’s on the way out in 2021!

IN: Bold Paint Color

There are many bold, vibrant colors in 2021’s paint color predictions. From vibrant hues to darker earth tones, more people will play with color. While some will start with the walls in their home, others will keep rooms neutral and add in bold accents or furniture. 

OUT: Open Floor Plans

With people using their homes for work, school, and play, it’s natural that privacy has become an issue. I mean, have you tried having jumping on a Zoom meeting while your kids are logged into Google Classroom? While I don’t think the open flow will disappear completely, designated spaces for work or school will become a priority. 

IN: Easy-to-Clean Materials

Easy-to-clean materials are expected to rise in popularity as people not only spend more time at home, but are more conscious than ever about the spread of germs. Non-porous materials, as well as fabric designed to resist stains and bacteria, will likely become more prominent. Let’s call this a win for parents of young children!

OUT: Matching Everything

From furniture sets to monochromatic rooms, the days of perfectly matching decor may be over. By mixing furniture, finishes, and decor, design becomes more personalized. Complementary colors, designs, and materials will help add warmth and style to any room. 

IN: More Plants

Indoor plants aren’t a new concept, but you may start to see them, along with other natural elements, more than before. Indoor trees and plants act as an accent piece by bringing in a piece of the outdoors. Lighter woods, natural materials, and earthy palettes can also help to create a space inspired by nature. 

OUT: Toilet Paper

Ok, maybe not completely, but I had to add this to the list! Bidets are expected to become popular here in the US. Some are adding a bidet to the design of a remodeled bathroom, while others are opting for bidet attachments. 

What trends are you happy to see? Let me know in the comments!