If you’ve ever put your house on the market, you know the rush of activity that goes into making certain it presents well. After all the repairs and upgrades, I recall wishing we wouldn’t have waited until we were selling the place to make those improvements. A few weekends’ worth of elbow grease and minor adjustments made such a difference in the way our previous home felt and functioned.
Although we’re not intending to sell our current abode any time soon, something about the new year has me feeling inspired to take stock of these four walls and make a punch list. Thankfully nothing is in dire need of repair (at the moment). But, I am eyeing a handful of small design projects ranging from new drapes and slipcovers to wallpaper and a gallery wall.
I’ve always believed it’s the little things that make a home feel special. For those times when a big renovation isn’t in order (or in the budget), the tiniest of details can go a long way towards lending a bit of beauty, comfort and charm.
During a recent chat about our respective “house goals” for 2024, Farrah and I agreed on these tried-and-true methods to invigorate a home and achieve a sense of instant gratification. Which of these is your favorite and what would you add to the list? Also, let us know what fun house projects you might be planning this year!
- Deep clean – I’ve written about it here, but nothing improves a room faster and more affordably than ridding clutter and making it sparkle. Use pretty baskets or trays to corral loose ends and clear those counter tops.
2. Schedule a power wash to make your home’s exterior look brand new.
3. Fresh mulch and planters by the front door do wonders for curb appeal, giving the impression that a home is well-loved and maintained.
4. Dress the windows – The addition of window treatments and chic hardware is transformative. At the very least, setting aside an afternoon to clean the glass can literally brighten a room, especially during the dark winter months.
5. Embrace paint and wallpaper – In addition to treating the walls, consider adding paint or wallpaper to a ceiling or the back of a shelf/bookcase for an immediate dose of color and personality.
6. Layer lighting – We like to use varying light sources in a room for comfort and visual depth. Go beyond the overhead light to layer in lamps, sconces or picture lights. These rechargeable lamps are perfect on a kitchen counter top or in a dimly-lit powder room. (More stylish options here.)
8. New accent pillows in a favorite fabric can make us fall in love with a room all over again. Etsy is a great source for custom-made options in a wide range of designer fabrics.
9. Scent is an essential, yet often overlooked, element to a stylish home. Selecting a beautiful candle or diffuser is one of the easiest ways to make a home feel more joyful and luxurious. See some of our favorites here.
10. Original art – Consider splurging on a statement piece to instantly lift a room’s energy or add to a collection that brings you joy. Remember that art need not be expensive so buy what you love! Once again, Etsy is a great source for unique and vintage finds, while Well and Wonder and the Charleston Artist Collective feature work by an array of emerging artists.
