Friday, March 29, 2024

10 Simple Ways to Give Your Home a Spring Makeover – on a Tiny Budget

One of the consequences of our various lockdowns and isolations this year has been the fact we’ve spent a LOT more time in our homes. And if you’re anything like guest writer and stylist Lulu Wilcox, eventually you can’t stop looking around at the chipped paint, faded curtains, the cushion you’ve had for five years and all the other things in your home that never used to bother you – until now!

We’re so used to being on-the-go that home revamps and renovations usually take a back seat on the to-do list. Now that we’re spending more time at home, it’s a great opportunity to bring some life back into your home for a clean, fresh and fun new start – and you can do it on the cheap. 

Here Lulu shares her top 10 tips for on how to spice up your homes without breaking the bank. And if you’re in a rental, don’t worry – follow this link for her top 10 tips for tenants too! 

Lulu Wilcox

1. Change out your light fixtures

While it might not seem important, a new light can really elevate a room. It can make the space feel more modern and new when it’s just a simple change. Whether it’s a statement hanging chandelier, a gorgeous wall-mounted light or even just a free standing floor lamp, never underestimate its power. 

2. Switch up your kitchen cabinets

I’m sure there’s many Kiwis out there suffering from a tragic 80s kitchen design that needs redoing. While a complete modification of the cabinetry is out of question in a budget makeover, there are some simple way to glam up your cooking space. Try painting the cabinets or replacing the handles on draws and cupboards. An old wooden knob can suddenly become a trendy rose gold handle and voila!  

3. A fresh lick of paint

Don’t let the painting stop in the kitchen! Your walls might seem fine to you, but trust me when I saw some new paint can do wonders for a room. I’m personally a fan of a good light paint colour as it can really make a space feel bigger and reflect more daylight around the room. And don’t stop there – paint the ceiling, a.k.a. the fifth wall. Blue is as calming as the sky, lighter shades reflects light, jewel tones are bold — go with what works for you.

4. Invest in new linen

Those towels that have been hanging around for 5+ years? It’s time to ditch them. If you wouldn’t show your current sheets or linen to your mother in law, it’s time to buy new ones. Fresh linen can really make a room feel polished and new again.

5. Spice up the bathroom

This is often a room that gets neglected in the house and it can easily look tired or worn out. The key is to give the tiles and surfaces a good scrub and clean. Then, see if you can replace any handles, fixtures, lights, shower curtains or vanities. Just like my other tips, it’s all about simple changes that have big impact!

6. A winning front door

First impressions matter so if you’re up for a slightly bigger project, why no tackle your front door? It could be a chance to paint it a fun colour (my own door is blue!) or there’s the option of refurbishing it and adding a place panel for more light. 

7. Restyle your bookshelf

Strip off the unattractive dust jackets on those old books, assemble an arsenal of colourful nicknacks, and paint the back wall of the shelf a hue of your choice. It’s a simple and easy project that’s definitely doable on a weekend! (Or lockdown…) 

8. Revive an old fireplace

If your fireplace is currently just a home for dust and spiders, it might be time to give it a spruce. Try painting the brick white, or another colour of your choice, then stack some birch woods logs in there alongside a new hearth-tool set.

9. Rug it up

Invest in area rugs to make “rooms” in open spaces. This is such a quick and easy method when you want to try make a visual division to your dining room and living room for example. It’s also a great way to create a cohesive colour palette for each space.

10. Replace surfaces and switches

Swap out any old wooden tables, desks or counters with a new top! Rather than buying a whole new item, this can be an affordable option to update your furniture to be in line with the latest trends.Screw on stylish new switch plates and you’ll lighten your mood every time you enter the room.

And that’s it – my top tips to revamp your home in simply and effectively! If try out any of these tips, make sure you tag me on Instagram @luluwilcoxhomes

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