10 Budget-Friendly Ways to Refresh Your Home for the Holiday Season

As the holidays approach, it’s the perfect time to add a little magic to your home without breaking the bank. Here are ten affordable, creative ways to give your space a new look and impress your guests.

1. Revamp with Rearranging
   One of the easiest (and free!) ways to refresh your home is simply to rearrange your furniture. Consider swapping pieces between rooms or even shifting the focal point. Moving your sofa to a different wall, for instance, can make your space feel brand new. Experiment with different layouts to create a cozy flow for holiday gatherings.

2. Update Your Walls
   Adding a fresh coat of paint in a new shade or even an accent wall can make a big impact on a room’s ambiance. For a quick and budget-friendly update, try peel-and-stick wallpaper on a feature wall or behind open shelving.

3. DIY Seasonal Centerpieces
   Seasonal centerpieces instantly lift a room’s holiday vibe. Fill a bowl with pinecones, berries, or ornaments, and place it on your coffee or dining table. You can also create simple, elegant wreaths with fresh greenery, eucalyptus, or dried flowers, for an all-natural festive look.

4. Swap Out Pillows and Throws
   Changing your throw pillows and blankets is a quick way to transform the color scheme and feel of a room. Look for rich, cozy textures in holiday hues like deep greens, burgundy, and gold. Stores often have budget-friendly options this time of year, or you could swap covers on your existing pillows for a fresh look.

5. Revitalize with Rugs
   Rugs can anchor a room and give it warmth and style. Try layering a smaller, affordable rug over a larger one to introduce a new color or texture. You can find budget-friendly options in natural fibers or faux fur, adding a soft, inviting touch for holiday guests.

6. Add Greenery
   Bring in the outdoors with houseplants, which give any space an instant lift. For the holidays, add a few small evergreen trees, poinsettias, or mini rosemary plants, which double as décor and delightful natural scents.

7. Light Up with Candles
   Candles add warmth and ambiance that feel especially festive. Arrange them on shelves, tables, or even along your entryway for an inviting touch. For a low-cost option, grab a few pillar candles in holiday colors or a set of LED lights to keep it safe for family gatherings.

8. Introduce Festive Scents
   Scent is a subtle but powerful way to make a home feel refreshed. Simmer some cinnamon, cloves, and oranges on the stove for a cozy, holiday aroma or find affordable holiday-scented candles. Reed diffusers and essential oils in seasonal scents like pine or peppermint can also add a fresh twist.

9. Declutter and Deep Clean
   Sometimes, the best way to freshen up a space is to remove what doesn’t belong. Clearing away clutter can make a home feel more open and welcoming. Take the time to deep clean surfaces, especially in areas where guests gather like the kitchen, living room, and bathrooms.

10. Switch Up Art and Décor
    Rotate artwork or photos for a different vibe, or consider framing festive wrapping paper or postcards to make temporary, budget-friendly seasonal art. Small décor pieces like ornaments, garlands, or fairy lights in new places—like around a mirror or above a doorway—can add that holiday sparkle.

With these 10 tips, your home will feel cozy, inviting, and ready for the holiday season without requiring a huge investment.

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. 

Five Simple Ways to Keep Your Home Toasty This Season

As chilly weather sets in, making your home cozy and energy-efficient becomes essential. Cold drafts, poor insulation, and outdated heating can make winter uncomfortable and expensive. The good news? You can keep the warmth in and the bills down with a few practical adjustments. Here are five smart tips for a warmer, more comfortable home this season.

1. Plug Drafts and Seal Openings Drafts are the silent culprits that let cold air sneak in. Check your windows, doors, and even spots like electrical outlets or pipe entrances for gaps. Weather stripping, caulk, and draft stoppers can work wonders in sealing these areas, ensuring that the heat stays inside where it belongs.

2. Boost Your Insulation Effective insulation is a game-changer. By adding or upgrading insulation in your attic, walls, and floors, you can dramatically reduce heat loss, keeping your home at a stable, comfortable temperature. Older homes, in particular, often benefit from an insulation upgrade.

3. Embrace Natural Sunlight Letting the sun work for you is both easy and free. Open your curtains or blinds during the day to allow sunlight to warm your space naturally. When night falls, close heavy curtains to create a barrier that keeps the day’s warmth in and the cold out.

4. Improve Your Heating System A well-functioning heating system is key to warmth and efficiency. Schedule a maintenance check to ensure your furnace or heat pump is in top shape. Upgrading to a programmable thermostat is also a simple way to customize temperatures based on your daily routine, saving energy without sacrificing comfort.

5. Consider an Energy Audit Want a professional edge? An energy audit can help pinpoint where your home is losing heat and identify opportunities for savings. Many providers, like Eversource, offer in-home audits that include air sealing, rebates, and tips for energy-efficient upgrades.

As winter approaches, implementing these small changes can make a big difference. Not only will they keep your home warmer and cozier, but they’ll also lower your energy bills, making your home more sustainable and cost-effective. Enjoy the season knowing your home is prepared for the colder months.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions 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 http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

The Benefits of Resealing Your Driveway

As fall settles over Connecticut, bringing cooler temperatures and changing leaves, it’s an ideal time for homeowners to focus on important maintenance tasks. One job that’s often overlooked is resealing the driveway, a simple process that can significantly extend its life and enhance the curb appeal of your home. Here are five reasons why resealing your driveway should be at the top of your to-do list this autumn.

Protection from Harsh Weather

Connecticut experiences a range of weather conditions throughout the year, from heavy snowfall in winter to intense summer sun. Resealing your driveway creates a protective barrier against these elements. Asphalt driveways are particularly susceptible to damage from moisture, UV rays, and extreme temperatures. By applying a fresh sealant in the fall, you shield your driveway from cracks and fissures that can develop due to freeze-thaw cycles in winter and sun exposure in summer.

Cost-Effective Maintenance

Resealing your driveway is a cost-effective way to prevent more extensive repairs down the line. Regular maintenance can help you avoid the need for complete replacement, which can be a substantial investment. A well-sealed driveway can last up to 10 years with proper care, saving you time and money in the long run. In Connecticut, where the average cost of driveway replacement can range from $3,000 to $7,000, resealing is a fraction of that cost and can keep your driveway in good condition for years.

Enhanced Curb Appeal

A freshly sealed driveway not only protects your investment but also boosts the aesthetic appeal of your home. As the leaves change colors and fall settles in, a well-maintained driveway can enhance your home’s overall look. A clean, dark surface can create a striking contrast against the autumn foliage, making your property stand out in the neighborhood. This curb appeal can be particularly beneficial if you’re considering selling your home, as first impressions matter significantly to potential buyers.

Safety Considerations

Safety is another important factor when it comes to driveway maintenance. Cracks and potholes can pose hazards for vehicles and resealing your driveway helps to create a smoother surface, reducing the risk of accidents. In the fall, with wet leaves and rain, a well-sealed driveway can provide better traction for vehicles and pedestrians, enhancing safety for everyone.

Environmentally Friendly

Finally, resealing your driveway can be an environmentally responsible choice. Many sealants are now made from eco-friendly materials, helping to minimize your environmental footprint. By extending the life of your driveway, you reduce the need for new materials and limit the environmental impact associated with more extensive repairs or replacements.

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.