A Guide to Reviving Your Home Without Spending a Bunch

image1.jpeg

Watching home makeover shows is a great way to get ideas of how your home could look. Unfortunately, most of those shows display homes that are revamped with no holds barred and unlimited funds. So what are you to do to make the most out of your own home? Revive and refresh your living space by following a few affordable tips. 

Revive Old Furniture

When it’s time to unwind, chances are good that you spend much of your time at home curled up on your favorite chairs and couches. But if these items are starting to display signs of wear and tear from all the heavy usage, it may be time to revive or replace them. 

Here are some options to consider if your furniture could use some updating:

  • Reupholstering. Unless your furniture requires structural repairs or you’re unhappy with its comfortability, style or shape, reupholstering is a great way to revive your favorite furniture pieces. You can choose a new fabric that fits your style and personality -- all without investing in new furniture pieces. However, the cost of reupholstery will be a big deciding factor, averaging between $750 and $3,500 to reupholster a couch, according to FIXR.

  • Replacing. Since the cost of reupholstering varies widely by furniture size, type and fabric, replacing your furniture may be the most practical choice in some cases. Most household items don’t last forever and will need to be replaced at some point.

  • Decorating. Instead of reupholstering or replacing your furniture, decorative pillows or throw blankets could be just the thing you need to revive and refresh your living space. As a bonus, you’ll be so comfy and cozy that staying in won’t seem so bad at all.

Liven Up Your Walls

Color has the power to affect our feelings and emotions, and the right interior paint colors can help calm, relax and uplift us. Since many of us are coping with stress, anxiety and other psychological concerns amidst the coronavirus crisis, there’s no better time to brighten up our walls with a fresh coat of paint. According to Kelly Allen of House Beautiful, the most calming paint colors range from sky blue and sage gray to soft green and mauve. 

In addition to painting your walls, there are some other ways to liven up your wall space. From painted murals to DIY photo galleries and floating shelves, now is the perfect time to dress up your walls and try something new. And don’t overlook the possibility of adding wallpaper for a bit of flair. Modern peel-and-stick treatments allow you to forgo the mess, and if you use Spoonflower wallpaper, you can even test-drive different looks with sampler packs. It’s a great way to give a space a facelift that’s both stylish and unique!

Adopt a Few Houseplants

Houseplants are beneficial for a variety of reasons, especially now that so many of us are spending the majority of our time at home. In addition to reducing stress, cleaning the air, and boosting focus and mood, houseplants beautify our living spaces and make our homes more aesthetically pleasing. Plus, it’s possible to order plants online if you can’t visit a local nursery or home improvement store. A few possible places to buy plants online include The Sill, Amazon and UrbanStems. 

Once you’ve received your new houseplants, there are several different ways you can arrange them throughout your home. Modsy recommends hanging them from ceilings, displaying them on tables, and mixing them in with books and other knick-knacks. 

Spruce Up the Outside

Reviving the green spaces outside the house is beneficial in two primary ways: you gain outdoor living space, and you boost curb appeal. Simply keeping up with mowing and planting and maintaining flowers and greenery will suffice in your effort to create a functional outdoor living space, and, in addition, your property’s curb appeal will get a boost. It’s a wise investment, as alluring curb appeal is one of the most sought-after amenities for future buyers -- should you decide to sell one day -- which makes for a productive open house and a potentially faster sale. Your appraisal value also increases.

There are simple steps you can take to revive your living space and make time spent at home that much more enjoyable. Whether you paint or paper a wall or add some indoor greenery, aim for solutions that express your personality and fit your wallet. You’ll feel that much more at home in your own space. 

Are you ready to purchase or sell a home in New Hampshire? Atherton Real Estate Group is standing by ready to help! (603) 305-6073

Li Wang