When you hear the phrase “upgrading your interior,” do you think of a pricey top-to-bottom renovation? If you do, it’s understandable. Most of us are used to house flipper reality TV, where every home makeover is extreme.
But that’s far from the only way to do it. There are plenty of easier options out there for refreshing your home. For example, maybe you don’t have time to paste on vintage Italian wallpaper, but what about some easy-on peel and stick wallpaper? Perhaps a complete kitchen rehab isn’t in your budget, but what about some upgraded appliances or better hardware?
The options are out there, and once you’ve started looking at them, you won’t be able to stop thinking about the variety of ways you can polish and perfect your home. These seven options will get you started in style.
Deep Clean
The quickest and simplest upgrade only requires some cleaning supplies and a good dollop of elbow grease. If it’s been some time since your home got a thorough deep cleaning, now is a great time to get it done. You’ll be amazed by how much fresher and newer everything looks when it’s gotten a proper scrub-down.
What are the essential elements of home deep clean? Most will include at least the following:
- Sweeping and mopping floors
- Cleaning bathroom and kitchen tile
- Wiping windows and vacuuming window sills
- Cleaning out major appliances like oven and refrigerator
- Scrubbing and sanitizing shower, toilet, and bathroom sink
- Polishing and dusting furniture
- Decluttering storage areas and tossing or giving away excess stuff
(Re-)Painting the Walls
Painting your interior walls is relatively fast and inexpensive, and it can even be, dare we say it, kind of fun. It’s also tremendously important for setting a room’s vibe. So whether you’re looking for a major aesthetic shift or a small tweak, a new coat of paint can provide the dynamic tools you need.
The ideal time to paint is right when you move in, so you don’t have to figure out what to do with your furniture. Thus, give some strong thought to this option if you’re looking to upgrade to a new spot. But painting can also be a fantastic way to switch up the vibe in a room that needs refreshing, so don’t rule it out, even if it might require some domestic rearranging.
Applying Wallpaper
Wallpaper can give your walls a unique dimension and dynamism that takes things to a different level versus a paint job. If you’re in search of something a little more sophisticated for your walls, wallpaper is a gateway to a massively expanded world of home vibes and decor schemes.
Of course, the process of applying the glue and the wallpaper panels isn’t most people’s favorite. Here’s an underrated trick, though: peel and stick wallpaper. It’s crazy how much easier peel and sticks wallpaper is to use than normal wallpaper, and it generally goes on in just a few minutes. So if you love the look of wallpaper but don’t have the time for everything that comes with it, peel and stick is an excellent option.
Upgrading Appliances
If you’ve got some appliances that are approaching the end of their lives, consider upgrading them. Appliances have both practical and aesthetic value, which makes newer and better ones a double win. And as if that weren’t enough, purchasing appliances with an Energy Star certification can help you save money on bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
Some experts recommend the refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher as the appliances with the best return on investment for upgrades. When it comes to appliance shopping, look for bundle deals that give you a reasonable price on a matching set of appliances. Try looking on Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday, as these are times that appliance vendors frequently offer deals on appliances.
Restoring Hardwood Floors
If your home has hardwood, when was the last time it was deep cleaned and refinished? Getting a fresh shine on your hardwoods can have great results for your home’s looks, and it will make that beautiful wood last longer. A full-on refinishing is a labor-intensive and often expensive process, but there are steps you can take yourself that are easier and less expensive.
Start by cleaning your hardwoods. Begin with a soft bristle brush, vacuum thoroughly and, finally, use a floor cleaner specifically designed to care for hardwood floors. If your floors still aren’t looking their best, start looking at hardwood floor restorers and ask them about the different service packages that they offer.
Replacing Lighting
Improved lighting can boost a home’s interior appeal. One really easy way to get started: Switch out any harsh or overly bright bulbs for something softer and more pleasant. And don’t ignore the powerful results you can get from adding a variety of stylish desks, tables, and floor lamps throughout your home.
If you’re up for projects that require a little more DIY know-how, install dimmer switches on all overhead lights in your house to give you fine-grain control over the atmosphere of every room. Smart lighting systems are also a great investment, as they allow you to customize an enormous range of lighting looks from your mobile device.
Upgrading Fixtures
From faucets to outlet plates to drawer and cabinet pulls, there are a million little fixtures around your home that contribute to its atmosphere and its style. And improving those little things can have some pretty big results when you put them all together, especially if you can develop a consistent style or even match your hardware.
Here are some examples of fixtures that you should consider upgrading in your home:
- Light switches and switch plates
- Cabinet and drawer pulls
- Doorknobs and handles
- Kitchen and bathroom faucets
- Window sash locks and lifts
