One afternoon, you probably had a nice cup of coffee on your patio and suddenly had an intrusive thought that fired you up while looking at the little cracks in the wood of the patio. Suddenly, you realize the walls of your living room look like they’ve survived a nuclear war, while the kitchen as a whole has lost its old beauty. It seems that the time for some improvements and renovations has finally come. Home improvements are never a waste of time, and although it takes some effort to transform your living space into something outstanding, the final result will make you a proud homeowner. But wait! What about the money?
Yes, home renovations and improvements can take a heavy toll on your savings, and maybe you’ll have to cancel the trip to Bali this year. Or, you could have a bit of fun and go DIY. All you need is a bit of creativity and a nice guide to tell you what to do and how to do it. In the text below, we’ll provide the latter, while the creative part is solely your burden. Read on!
Planning and vision
For this part, it’s not a bad idea to look for some professional help. Interior designers provide services that allow you to put on paper what you visualize in your head and also make sure that the final result is stylish and tasteful. So, it’s a bit of an expense, but going with someone who is experienced and has years of work can make the whole process a lot more efficient. Or, you can try on your own, get some ideas from the internet, and look at pictures, designs, and possible combinations. Do a bit of research on the topic, for example, what color of the walls goes with the furniture or picking up the perfect curtains for the living room. In short, browse magazines, websites, and social media platforms for inspiration. Consider creating a mood board to organize your ideas and ensure a cohesive look.
Set a budget
Although DIY projects tend to be a lot less expensive than hiring someone to do the job for you, there are still some things to consider before starting anything. Determine how much you’re willing to spend on the entire project, including materials, tools, and potential hired help. Why? Well, this step will guide your choices and help you prioritize tasks. Once you get that out of the way, you can fire up the tools and start demolishing your home, pardon, renovating it!
Creative wall accents
As you spend most of your time in your home, the walls can become a bit boring. It’s nice and refreshing to look up and see something that can elevate your mood or make you more motivated. So, improve your space with eye-catching wall accents. DIY projects like creating a gallery wall with framed artwork or photographs, crafting your own wall hangings, or arranging decorative plates can add visual interest without straining your wallet. Of course, you can make your own here and try out the many designs and countless possibilities available. This is the part where your creativity comes into play. As we said, it all comes down to using your imagination in the right way. Just imagine working from your home office, and after a few hours of exhausting work, you look up and see something that improves your mood and makes you go even harder. It’s a nice and stylish touch that adds more value to your home.
Flooring facelift
When your home is undergoing a major renovation, it’s not just about making it look prettier than before; try to make it also energy efficient, and you can save some money by lowering the monthly bills. Professional floor isolation can reduce energy consumption, and high-quality tiles not only look good but are also durable and long-lasting. Of course, if this is not within your budget, alternatives like peel-and-stick vinyl tiles are not only affordable but also easy to install. Area rugs are another option to cover unsightly floors while adding warmth and texture. Also, you can hide your old radiators with a nice wooden frame to give your home a more modern look.
It’s time for the kitchen and bathroom
Well, this one can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re looking to do it on your own. For major renovations of the bathroom, you’ll have to ask a plumber for some instructions, as the water installation is a bit delicate. The same applies to the kitchen, as the electrics can become quite a burden. But, as you’re going DIY rather than a complete overhaul, consider smaller changes that can make a big impact. Refacing cabinets, updating hardware, adding a backsplash in the kitchen, and changing fixtures and mirrors in the bathroom can refresh the space remarkably.
First impression matters
While doing the home renovation, make sure to put an emphasis on the interior of your home as well. Do some changes to the external part of the house, make sure to clean the clogged drains, lawn the mawn, and put some life into those walls by changing their color. A vibrant front door and thoughtfully placed potted plants can instantly enhance your home’s curb appeal. Change the old patio, give it a nice touch by replacing the old wood, and also make sure to put a nice welcome sign on the front door for the visitors.
Yes, there is a lot of work to be done and more to come. Start slowly and work your way up. As said, have a vision in your head, put it on a piece of paper, set a budget, and consult with professionals for any “demolishing” or changes to the installation. A smaller home renovation doesn’t have to be something big; you can work with what you have. Change the tiles, the carpets, and maybe the color of the walls. Give the walls a personal touch to make them feel more cozy. While you’re at it, you can look for cheap ways to save some money on bills by changing the windows or double-checking the old radiators. Oh, and one last piece of advice; make sure to relax and admire your work in the end!