8 Ways To Instantly Spruce Up Your Home

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Your home is where you return to after a long day at work; it’s where you entertain guests and sit back and relax on the weekends. It makes sense that you’d want it to look organized and be a welcoming and inviting space you can enjoy year-round.

You’ll be delighted to know that there are a few practical ways for how you can instantly spruce up your home and create a better living area for you and your family. You won’t regret the time, money and energy you put into this project because of how lovely your house will look after your updates are complete.

Add New Paint

Applying a fresh coat of paint to the interior and even exterior is a great way to spruce up your home instantly. It’s also an excellent DIY project if you’re in the mood for tackling this update by yourself. Pick your colors wisely and always bring home paint samples and apply them to the walls before committing to any hue in particular. This is also a good time to paint old furniture and outdated cabinets to help increase the attractiveness of your home. The best part is that paint is easy to change if you decide you want to head in another direction later on.

Create A Backyard Oasis

Instantly spruce up your home by paying more attention to your backyard and giving it a nice facelift. You’ll love being able to spend more time outdoors during the warm summer months or have an extra space where guests can flow to. Consider installing a new deck or patio, planting more bushes to add privacy, investing in nice furniture and setting up a nice grilling area. It is your opportunity to turn your backyard into an area where you can go to read a good book in your free time and throw a big party when a special occasion arises.

Remodel Your Kitchen & Bathrooms

The two most important areas in your home are your kitchen and bathrooms, so it’s definitely worth you looking into updating them. It’s where you spend the most time, will get the most return on your investment and homebuyers alike will appreciate your efforts. Learn more about hiring the right company that can help you out and guarantees you’re going about this project the right way. Your goal should be to implement a mix of features that include your own personal taste with elements that are currently trending in the industry.

Take Advantage of Small Spaces

Go on a quick tour of your home and make a note of which rooms are going to waste and not being used properly. Spruce up your home by taking advantage of small spaces by building a reading nook area or turning an awkward room into a guest bedroom and den. This way you’ll have a quiet place where you can work from home and house guests when they visit. The key is to make sure you’re not ignoring these areas and that you’re using your creativity to turn them into a functional space you and your family can use.

Wash or Replace Windows

Old, dirty windows are bringing down the look of your entire home and blocking all that natural light from entering. Instantly spruce up your home by washing or replacing windows all together so you can brighten up your space. Your property will not only look better from the inside, but this will also improve the look and feel of your home from the exterior. Go a step further and dress up your windows by adding shutters or window treatments which will help them to appear more attractive and not so bare. Drapes will also add additional privacy and block the light from entering in the evening hours.

Improve Your Curb Appeal

You should care about curb appeal for many reasons, including making a good first impression on passersby and potential homebuyers. Improve your front space by taking the time to landscape, power wash or replace your driveway and paint your front door an eye-catching color and add some décor such as plants and a bench to your porch. Instantly spruce up your home by caring about what it looks like when you pull up to or walk past it. Show others how much pride you have in your home by paying attention to the details on the exterior.

Take the Time to Decorate & Declutter

Your home life will feel a lot less chaotic and be more enjoyable when you take time to decorate, clean and declutter your space. This is a good opportunity to get organized and spruce up the area by adding fresh flowers, plants, and your own personal touches. Hang colorful artwork on blank walls and place a few family photos out where people can see and admire them. Have fun with this project and remember to keep it simple and tasteful, so you’re not creating more disorder.

Install More Lighting Options

Lighting matters a great deal when it comes to how much you will or won’t enjoy your home. It has the ability to set the right mood and make you feel cozy and comforted in your space. Add more lighting options throughout your home to spruce it up such as sconces, recessed lights on a dimmer switch and new fixtures that create a focal point. Your goal is always to have options for what lights you do or don’t want to turn on when entering a room in your home. Pay most attention to the spaces you regularly occupy such as the bathrooms, kitchen and main living area.

Conclusion

Instead of sitting back and complaining about what you don’t like about your house, use these tips to get you thinking about what changes you might want to make. While it will require some extra time and money on your end, keep in mind how wonderful it’ll look when all the upgrades are finished. You’ll finally have the house of your dreams and can relax and enjoy your space for years to come.

Home Upgrades To Consider

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Your home is where you spend a lot of your time so it only makes sense you’d want it to look nice and put together. There will likely come a time when you’ll glance around your property and realize that there are certain features that are outdated or that could use a little extra attention.

Know that there are a few upgrades in particular that you may want to consider implementing in your space to make it more appealing and attractive. Start by reviewing all of the possibilities and then narrowing it down to what you want to begin tackling first.

Remodeling Your Bathrooms

Bathrooms are an important part of a house because it’s where you spend a lot of time and sprucing them up will also help increase your resale value. Now is the perfect time to look into making a few updates that will help enhance the appearance of your bathrooms. A few ideas include replacing an old vanity, installing a new shower and adding a fresh coat of paint. Also, take time to decorate and make the space your own by adding a couple of personal touches here and there. You won’t regret the time and money you put into improving the look and feel of your bathrooms since they’re an essential part of your home.

Updating Your Kitchen

Your kitchen is another area you should evaluate and start considering what upgrades you might want to move forward with in your home. Determine if you need to refinish or replace the floors and countertops, add an eye-catching backsplash and invest in new appliances. You could also think about installing a kitchen island and replacing old cabinet hardware to boost the overall ambiance. If you like to cook or entertain, then it’s a wise idea to put a lot of your efforts into updating this space and having it truly make a statement when you walk in the room. Taking the time to create a stunning kitchen will certainly make your space more enjoyable to be in, and it’ll be a good selling point to show potential buyers one day.

Installing A New Roof

Although you can’t see it that well, and may not even pay much attention to it, it’s possible you have an old, leaky roof that could need replacing. Get someone to check it out and see if it’s time to completely replace and upgrade it all together. One idea is to turn to solar power San Diego and install panels that are going to help you save on energy costs and make your home more energy efficient. It’s a great time to make the switch and finally get on board with going solar, so you can help save the planet and upgrade your home all at the same time.

Enhancing Your Landscaping

Curb appeal matters a great deal, so don’t wait any longer to start working on the outside of your home. One area that will help the appearance of the exterior is to update your landscaping by planting trees, bushes and beautiful and colorful flowers and plants. Get on a schedule so your grass is being cut on a regular basis and you’re continuously working hard to upkeep the appearance of your outdoor space. In addition, consider building a deck or patio in your backyard and planting a few extra shrubs to provide you with more privacy around your property. Either find the time to do it yourself or hire the professionals to come out and assist you with maintaining a good-looking yard.

Creating Lighting Options

It can be easy to forget about the importance of lighting when considering what upgrades you want to make to your home. However, it can make or break a space and has the ability to set the mood in each room of your home. For example, sconces could be attractive in your bathroom while you may want to install recessed lights that are on a dimmer switch in your living room or finished basement. The key is to always have lighting options in each space so you can adjust them according to the time of day and what you’re doing at the time. Don’t forget about the outside and backyard when thinking about new lights such as illuminating the area around your garage, a walkway or your patio area.

Cleaning up Your Windows

Another home upgrade you may want to consider looking into is replacing or power washing your windows, especially if you have a lot of them throughout your property. The more natural light you have available to you the better, and the cleaner your windows are, then the more likely it is that you’ll be able to enjoy this benefit. Also, your windows will appear nicer overall when you dress them up with attractive window treatments on the inside and shutters on the outside. Bare windows do much for your home, so it’s worth your time and energy to research your options further and move forward with making them look complete. Utilize what is already there to add an extra touch to your home.

Adding A Fireplace

One home upgrade that you may not have considered because you don’t currently have one is to install a new fireplace. They truly help create a better atmosphere in rooms such as your dining or living area and add warmth in the cold winter months. If you have one but don’t use it or like the appearance of it, then this could be your chance to make a few upgrades to it such as painting it or replacing the old material with a more striking option such as stone. There are more choices for types and styles of fireplaces then you may think so be sure to do your homework before making a final selection.

Conclusion

Your home is where you go to unwind after a long day of work and where you should feel the most comfortable. Make it an even better space to dwell in by thinking about following through with some or all of these upgrades. Take one step at a time and work your way to tackling each project until you feel your property is at a place that brings you the most satisfaction and enjoyment.

Best Value-Add Home Improvements

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Whether you are new to the property market or are settled in your beautiful home, there is always that niggling thing in the back of your mind of how you potentially add value to it if you were to sell. Unless you are in your forever home, most people will be looking to make money on their investment, whether this is a short-term solution or something for long-term family goals. For small additions, you can perhaps add some initial value, but if you’re looking to make a substantial impact on the sale price, renovating is likely to be the way forward.

Of course, with renovation work comes initial investment and costs so considering the amount you spend compared to the value you can add will weigh up whether it is the right option for you. There is also the issue of building control and regulations in the property location and checking the legal aspects of structural change and renovation that will need to be carried out before you start work. This, in turn, can also add time and money to your project, which needs to be factored in the cost.

Financing your project is also something that has to be considered, as there are several options including sourcing finance from lenders such as Bonsai Finance or perhaps using the equity in your home already to undertake the work. Whatever you choose this finance cost will also have to be considered alongside the overall costs to get the true value of your investment.

To consider whether it is a worthwhile investment, a few questions need to be answered before you start planning your big change. These big decisions can offer value but how much can depend on how you change the property. Check out some of the best ways to add decent value to your home to make the renovations worthwhile.

Adding an extension

This is one of the most popular renovation projects for homeowners as they see it as a surefire to add value due to the increase in space inside the property. Although this is mostly the case, there are several factors to consider to make it a worthwhile option. Speaking to a property expert before deciding on a large project such as this will help you understand whether this type of extension will fit in with what people want to buy in the area. There could be elements such as the renovation eats into the garden space which makes your external areas look smaller, or perhaps extension ideas won’t be large enough to add a fully functioning space for your interiors, which will actually hinder the property rather than increase its value.

Building permission is also another significant factor for this type of renovation as you won’t just be able to start a project without getting everything signed off beforehand. This can eat into your budget, and if there are modifications to be made on original designs, you may have to reapply or wait for a decision before starting. However, this type of renovation is one of the best options for making more money on your property, and strategically extending areas such as the back of your home for added kitchen or living space is ideal for families looking to enjoy a more spacious and inviting family home.

Property presentation

Most people get a feel for a property from the moment they arrive at the curbside so if your home doesn’t present the wow factor then it is less likely to attract the type of buyers willing to pay the asking price. Improving the appearance might not seem like a difficult task, but if you have lots of little things that need completing, then this can start to mount up. By investing in these areas, you can add some value (although it might not be a substantial amount) to your property. Alongside adding value, it will also make your house more appealing to potential buyers, which will help sell faster, and closer to the asking price.

Check out some of the top areas to address to boost its appeal:

• Windows can make or break the outside appearance of your home so it might be time to upgrade them to add a little more value.
• If the roof is in need of some TLC, fix it to ensure there are no apparent signs of damage.
• For properties that have garden frontage, ensuring this area is tidy and well presented can help to draw people in.

Kitchens and bathrooms

These are often two rooms that can sell a property so ensuring they are looking clean, fresh and attractive will help to improve the selling power of your home. The beauty of renovating these spaces is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to make some decent money back, but designing a multifunctional space in the kitchen is a must to ensure it presents the perfect room for the hub of the house. When redesigning kitchens and bathroom, you should consider everything by replacing from the ground up, so flooring, cupboards, appliances and wall décor all have to be changed. Both areas also need to be practical as they will be in use all the time, so thinking about the layout and how it can work in the space you have will ensure it suits all users from adults to kids. The finishing touches can also make all the difference in these rooms too, so door handles, lighting fixtures, and even light switches can help to boost the aesthetics of these essential rooms.

There are several things you can do to help improve the look and value of your home, and these are just some of the best examples to get you started. Whatever your budget, adding some value, however small, is achievable, but it can also assist in beautifying your home to attract potential buyers when you come to sell. By considering your options and making the best choice for the space, you will reap the rewards in the long term. 

Renovating Your Home on a Budget

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With the housing market so unpredictable, many people have chosen not to look for another property if they want to change. Instead, they choose to renovate the home they already have and make it as they would want. There are many advantages to this, you don’t have the hassle of moving, and you can make the home as you like it. However, if you are short on budget, it can make things more complicated, but here are a few tips to help you renovate your home with limited funds.

Refresh the Front Door

Your front door is the gateway to your house, and the first thing your visitors see. If your front door is looking a little worse for wear, then you should think about giving it a refresh. Sometimes with a wooden door, you can sand it down and give it a new coat of paint. It can make the door look good as new and won’t cost a lot of money. If you do take this option, then ensure you use a suitable outdoor paint that can withstand the rigors of the weather without cracking or flaking. If your door is too damaged, or if you want something that is more secure, then you should invest in a new door. Although new front doors can be a little expensive, the security they will give your home is invaluable.

Use Luxurious Panel Curtains

Fabric can be expensive, especially if you are looking at the more luxurious fabrics. However, with a panel curtain, there are no pleats so you won’t need any additional fabric. Because of this, you might be able to afford a better-quality fabric to use. Another option is to scour the local charity shops to see if there are any curtains that you can reuse. They don’t necessarily have to match completely, but if they have a similar pattern, then that is a bonus. It also helps if you or someone you know is good with a sewing machine as you can then create the curtains and adjust them yourself.

Kitchen Tiles

Kitchen tiles might look hard to do, but they are actually fairly easy to fit. All you need is the time and the patience to see it through, and the right cement and tools for the job. Having tiles, especially around the worksurfaces is essential to being able to keep the area clean. Choose tiles that are not too expensive, and if this is your first-time tiling, then think about the size of the tiles as well. You might think that larger tiles will be quicker because it covers a greater area. However, you might also need to do more tile cutting to fit them in. Smaller tiles can usually be fitted with less cutting, although it might take slightly longer to place them all. Time is the key factor in this job, you need to be slow and steady, or you will make mistakes. You also need to give the tiles the time they need to set.

Kitchen Work Surfaces

If your countertops need to be replaced, then there are cheaper options than going for a stone or marble effect. For example, you can get a laminated MDF type board that is great for kitchens and can be easily cut to size. Not only will this be cheaper than other types of worktop, but it will also likely be something you can fit yourself. Think about what the overall look of the kitchen will be before you choose the worktops as they will need to blend in nicely with the tiles and paintwork.

Add Blinds to Your Windows

Adding blinds to your windows can create a great look and also give you instant privacy. There are usually a few types you can choose, made from wood, plastic, or metal. Plastic and metal are ok, but they don’t always give you the look you want. Wooden ones are usually thicker and larger and give your windows a great look. If you have windows that aren’t the standard shape, then you will most likely need to cut the blinds to fit. It is a fairly simple task providing you have the right tools to do it. You can buy blind cutters that snip the metal and plastic blinds, but these have to be done individually so can be difficult to line up. An easier idea is to mark where the blinds need to be cut, and use a miter saw to cut them all at one time. It will give you a nice neat edge, and they will all be aligned.

Update Your Shower

Once you have mastered the art of tiling, you can use it anywhere including your bathroom. Many people are now choosing to tile their whole bathroom rather than just the wall near the shower. It makes cleaning easier, though it will take time and money to complete. While you are tiling, think about replacing your shower or creating a wet room instead. Building a wet room take some work, and you also need the budget for materials, but it can be done as a DIY project. If you have low water pressure, then you should probably invest in a pump to increase the power of your shower. You might be able to fit these yourself, but you will need tools such as those on wrenchguru.

Make Use of Existing Features

If you live in an older house, then there might be some beautiful existing features that have been covered up or painted over. For example, there might be a lovely original floor in your hall that could be restored to its former glory. Not only will it add some character to the house, but it will also be a cheaper way to make the room look different. Don’t be afraid to look under the carpets or to strip off the wallpaper to see what you might find.

No matter what size your budget may be, there are always things you can do to your home that will make it look and feel refreshed and new.

Switzerland Trip in July

We spent eight amazing days in Switzerland back in early July, and I am still mesmerized by the breathtaking sceneries this country has to offer. If you are like me who grew tired of the European old towns and their similar architecture, and was in search of something more refreshing and mind-blowing, I strongly recommend giving Switzerland a try. However, being the world's richest country, Switzerland definitely ranks very low on the affordability ladder. So don't be surprised if you ordered a bowl of ramen and the bill came back at $100! 

Picture below: the stunning scenery from the Lauterbrunnen Valley in the Bernese Oberland. Every corner put me in a constant state of awe. 

Our itinerary went like this: 

• Day 1: departure from Toronto, 3-hour stopover in Milan. 
• Day 2: arrival in Zurich in the late afternoon. Our hotel Glockenhof Zurich is in the downtown core (financial district to be exact), so the location makes it easy for us to explore key tourist sites. I recommend booking directly with the hotel. We saved over $2,000 from it. 
• Day 3: Zurich Kunshaus (Art Museum), Altstadt (Old Town), Limmat river banks. Enjoyed lunch and snacks at the La Rôtisserie.  
• Day 4: Zurich -> Interlaken -> Lauterbrunnen, took a cogwheel train to Kleine Scheidegg; another train to Jungfraujoch. Took the Grindelwald route back to Zurich. 
• Day 5: Zurich -> Berne -> Thun.
• Day 6: Zurich -> Lucerne -> Engelberg -> Mount Titlis. 
• Day 7: Zurich -> Rapperswil-Jona -> The Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen. 
• Day 8: return.

If you are considering renting a car in Switzerland, don't. We rented a 7-seater because we were travelling with my friend and her family from Copenhagen. It was probably the most stressful place to drive on earth! There were traffic cameras every where, so a slight violation would trigger the cameras to go off. We are still biting our nails over how many tickets we might be getting in the mail! That said, driving through all the alpine winding mountain roads with windows done was truly an amazing experience. 

Picture below: Lindenhof avails you the best views to the Limmat and Zurich old town. 

The sunset in Zurich was magical. 

We spent a few hours at the Zurich Kunshaus. As usual, we were attracted to the modern collections and sculpture garden. There's a lot of construction (expansion) going on at the Kunshaus but you wouldn't notice it from the inside. 

Bird in Space (L'Oiseau dans l'espace) sculpture by Romanian sculptor Constantin Brâncuși. 

The iconic Staubbach Falls in the Lauterbrunnen Valley. 

Paragliders from Schilthorn. 

Jungfraujoch, one of the most recognizable peaks that make up the Alps. I could feel my ears popping as we hiked up. Oxygen level did get pretty thin inside the train station and caves, but it was hardly noticeable outside. I felt a bit light-headed at first but soon overcame it and was completely distracted by the otherworldly views.  

I believe this is the Eiger. 

Berne old town

Thun

Mount Titlis

Mount Titlis Suspension Bridge

I highly recommend the Rotair (cable car) ride to the top of Mount Titlis, if you are not acrophobic. Make sure we take a stop at the 1,800-m and hike around the Lake Trübsee. 

The iconic Chapel Bridge in Lucerne. 

Seedamm Rapperswil-Hurden Bridge in Rapperswil-Jona. 

Rhine Falls in the Schaffhausen