Six Quick Fixes for a Winter Home Facelift
Chelsea O'Donnell
If the cold weather means you’re spending more time indoors, it can be easy to get cabin fever. So why not use a chilly weekend to give the inside of your house a little update with a few quick, fun fixes? Here are my ideas on how to breathe new life into your home on a budget.
The Pantone® Color of the Year is Greenery, a vibrant spring green that can easily lift the spirits of anyone suffering from the winter blues. I love the idea of bringing the outdoors inside during the winter months but if you’re not a big plant fan, you can create an energy filled accent wall or even refinish an old dresser with some mood boosting paint. Another great way to fill a room with nature is to update your artwork with some bold plant-based prints. A little green can go a long way.
A room can look completely different with a bit of furniture rearranging. Try something new by moving a few things around and spruce up the living room with a bunch of bright new throw pillows and a blanket. Also, it’s always a good idea to move furniture that you spend a lot of time in away from the windows. A bed or couch that sits in a drafty area could contribute to a nasty winter cold.
Give the kitchen a new look by updating your backsplash. Tiles can sometimes be expensive but there are tons of other options including pressed tin, wood, pegboard or paint. Cabinetry can also be refreshed with some modern, updated hardware.
Wallpaper is making a real comeback, with fresh designs that can make a bold statement in a small space. Self-adhesive wallpaper is easy to apply and can make a fun accent wall. You just peel off the backing and stick it to any painted or primed surface. It’s also a great way to give the kids room some personality without damaging the walls.
Adding a candelabra or cluster of pillar candles can add a warm glow to an unused fireplace, and replacing that dated 1970’s mantel can give a living room lots of life. Just make sure to choose one with enough depth to hold artwork, picture frames, and stockings for Christmas next year.
New winter drapes or curtains can really add some color to your living room and they also help to insulate your home from any drafts coming from old, aluminum windows. Choose a heavy fabric and have some fun with bright, bold prints.
Do you have plans to update your home this winter? What small projects do you plan on undertaking? I’d love to hear from you. Send me a message on Facebook at facebook.com/odonnellbros
Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro”. All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.