The beginning of December is when plans begin to form for celebrating the Holiday season at home with family and friends. Fixing up your home for Christmas creates a festive and welcoming place for people to gather. To get things started, you may want to tackle a few DIY upgrades before you haul out your Holiday decor and start decorating.
Here are ten DIY upgrade ideas that have big style impact and can be done over the span of a weekend. Avoid taking on too many projects so you can enjoy the end of the month with those important to you, and avoid the stress of rushing or not completing a project. This may seem like a lot of work during a very busy month but getting a few projects done will be rewarding long after the Holidays are over.
1. Replace a faucet
Choosing a new faucet is a great kitchen or bathroom update. The finish colour in the bathroom should match the other metal finishes but the kitchen faucet can be completely different. New faucets incorporate modern technology for better water conservation and can include wireless technology to offer hands-free, voice or app-controlled operation for water flow and temperature.
2.Improve lighting
Old light fixtures can drastically date a room because of their style or finish. A new light fixture in a current style instantly modernizes your room and using LED bulbs saves energy. Choose a new light fixture in the right scale and size and avoid today’s novelty or extreme trends. Classic or transitional styles stand the test of time and are less likely to go out of style quickly.
3. Install floating shelves
Adding shelves to any room provides storage for practical items like books, dishes or plants as well as decorative items like photos, art or collectibles. The floating shelf’s invisible support system creates a clean, contemporary look that complements many decor styles. They are easy to build for the average DIYer or are available in kits that include the hidden hardware.
4. Invest in new door entry hardware
Replacing door handles and locks improves the security of your home while giving your door a fresh new look with a current style and colour. You can also give your door new functionality with a keyless entry system or integration with a smart home system.
5. New backsplash
A tile backsplash is designed to protect the walls around food preparation and make cleaning easier. A backsplash is also a great way to bring personality into your kitchen. Choose tiles that work well with your countertops and cabinets.
6. Install coat hooks
Maximize the space by your entryway by utilizing empty walls. Coat hooks provide an immediate spot for guests to hang their belongings and are available in various styles and sizes. Look for deep, sturdy hooks that are durable enough to hold heavy coats securely.
7. Replace cabinet hardware
This small change has big visual impact and is one of the easiest DIY projects, often requiring only a screwdriver to install. To simplify, choose handles or knobs with the same hole pattern as your current hardware.
8. Fireplace facelift
A fireplace makeover can be as simple as a fresh coat of paint or replacing the mantle. For a bigger fireplace makeover, think about floor to ceiling wood panels or stone veneer. Adding built-ins for storage or seating around your fireplace will make a big style statement.
9. Install tall wainscotting
This is a classic look created with trim and goes with both traditional and contemporary styles. The height should be two-thirds of the wall but can vary depending on your room’s features. For a professional finish, use painter’s caulk to fill the gaps around the trim.
10. Paint furniture
Give new life to old furniture with a fresh coat of paint in a current colour to match your decor. Paint is a cost-effective way to update old furniture’s appearance and hide scratches and damage. Paint several thin coats for a smoother finish and to prevent drips and sags.
