If you've done the spring cleaning but still want something more, there are lots of ways to give your house a quick sprucing up. Even if you're not the kind of person who thinks the perfect weekend involves ripping out dry wall (or if you're not even that clear on what dry wall actually is), here are some easy, high-impact ways to give your house a fresh new look.
1. Paint.
Decorators always recommend painting and that's because it works. Paint is inexpensive, somewhat difficult to mess up and any mistakes are easily fixed. The timid can start by adding a pop of color to a chair, end table or accent piece. Try touching up a scuffed wall in a high-traffic area. Go bold by painting one wall a vivid color, brighten a dark room with a cheery yellow or create a serene mood in a bedroom with subtle blues and greens. Give kitchen cabinets an easy facelift by scrubbing them down and covering with a fresh new color.
2. Update window treatments.
Take down dated venetian blinds or heavy curtains and replace with light breezy curtains, a fun print or a simple roman shade. Some windows might actually look better with no window treatment beyond a thorough cleaning and a fresh coat of paint around the frame. And if you have curtains, try this trick: A curtain rod that extends about 4-6 beyond the frame will make windows look wider.
3. See the lights.
Give an overhaul to your home's lighting by changing lampshades, updating sconces or adding a pendant light over a table. Add a reading lamp to create a cozy reading nook or brighten a dark corner with a metal can light. Install dimming wall switches around the house to add the option of low mood lighting. Adding lights under kitchen cabinet is extremely easy and adds subtle lighting for the whole room while providing focused task lighting on counters. For an ultra-low cost fix-up, replace the charms on light or fan pull chains and give the fixtures a good cleaning.
4. Textiles
Yes, there's the good ol' throw pillows trick (new throw pillows=whole new look), but try going deeper with a whole house textile change-out. Go with all white bedding for a pristine minimalist look in the bedroom or layer on lush, colorful prints to create the feel of an exotic getaway. Give the bathroom an instant overhaul by switching out the shower curtain and adding a new set of thick luxe towels in a gorgeous color. New throw rugs add color and texture and warmth to any space that could use a boost.
5. Mini-Bathroom Makeover
Give the bathroom a quick upgrade by cutting out old stained caulk with a utility knife. Scrub away any remaining mold or mildew stains and apply fresh lines of caulk. Put up new robe hooks and towel bars. Replace the sink spigot and handles for an easy change with a big effect. It's not that difficult to change out the entire vanity and sink, but sometimes just repainting the cabinet will do the trick. And something as simple as replacing an old showerhead with a new luxe model will provide a little bit of pleasure with every shower.
6. Hardware Change-Out
Change the pulls or knobs on cabinets, dresser doors and closets to strengthen a theme in a room or to give a fresh look to older pieces. Go a bit further and install new door knobs and locks around the whole house. Think of this small hardware as an accessory, and picking piece that echo your home's style--whether modern, quirky, or traditional--will give it a more finished look.
7. Make the entryway more welcoming.
A beautiful entryway is a pleasure to come home to every day. Give the front door a fresh coat of paint for a nice clean look or a pop of color. Put an interesting plant by the door or find an weather-proof piece of sculpture to add visual spark. Even a good door scrubbing and a thorough sweeping makes a big difference. Put out a fresh welcome mat to complete the look.
8. Yard Fix-Up
Change the look of your yard each season by planting a rotation of annuals in an island, around trees or other accent area. Plant a fruit tree for the future fruit as well as shade and privacy. Create a gathering space by placing lawn chairs or cushions around a fire pit, a water feature or other welcoming space in the yard. Beginning gardeners can start with a small children's garden, a charming strawberry patch or simple herb garden. Make an outdoor eating area with comfortable seating, a large umbrella for shade, and a big inviting table. Finish it all off by laying down fresh mulch and sweeping up.
9. Appeal to the senses
Choose elements in each room that appeal to several senses. Create a truly sensuous environment by adding a thick soft throw in a chair for snuggling and piling big cushy pillows on the beds and couches. Add sensual elements by putting up fragrant cedar shelves in a bathroom or closet and adding new art or sculpture. In the yard, plant something fragrant like rosemary or lavender by a window so breezes will bring the scent inside. Add bamboo wind chimes and a water features to add aural appeal. Keep senses awake and aware by rotating art, fragrant things like candles and textiles like pillow cases and rugs.
10.The Magic Powers of White
White will make just about everything disappear -- from heavy fireplace mantles and dated brick to looming ceiling beams. If there's an architectural element or detail you don't like, paint it white.
