As a homeowner with an interest in interior decorating, chances are you have so many ideas for beautifying your home that you aren’t sure where to start first. This is a common issue, as the excitement of home renovation is reined backed by budget and time constraints. Naturally, you will want to carefully choose home design projects that are going to make a big impact, thereby increasing your own enjoyment of your home as well as increasing your home’s overall value.
Here are 3 upgrades that may seem simple at first but have a significant payoff in completely changing up the look of your home.
1. Spice Up Plain Countertops by Adding a Backsplash
Completely replacing countertops isn’t usually worth the effort if they are still functional and clean. However, plain countertops and cabinets do little when it comes to adding style to a kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, etc. Repainting the space between your cabinets and countertops is always an option, but if you want a bigger impact then go with a tile backsplash.
Tile backsplashes come in an incredible range of designs and colors. Regardless of the current color scheme in your kitchen, a complimenting backsplash tile can be found. If you are fully renovating your kitchen you can even pull your color palette from the backsplash. Better yet, tile backsplashes are just as functional as they are ornamental, protecting your walls from moisture from sinks or your stovetop.
2. Add Warmth and Richness with Wood Paneling
Wood is one of the most versatile materials in home design. Much of the furniture homeowners choose will be made of or incorporate wood in some manner. Other homeowners add rough sawn exposed beams to add a hint of rusticness to their dwelling. If you feel your home is lacking natural richness, reclaimed wood wall panels are the perfect solution.
Reclaimed wood has a history to it and it’s highly sought after weathered appearance often can’t be replicated. When used as a wall panel you are able to effectively cover up an existing wall quite simply, without having to do any extensive remodel. The result is a natural wood wall that speaks for itself. Wood wall paneling is best showcased in living rooms or bedroom. In both settings, it looks beautiful as a statement wall, perhaps as an impressive but cozy backdrop to your bed or sofa. Home libraries and studies will naturally look picture perfect with wood paneled wall offsetting a reading nook or desk as well.
3. Update Your Kitchen Cabinets without Breaking the Bank
If your kitchen is looking drab, an easy but very effective way of upgrading is to change up the look of your cabinets. Often repainting is the first step for a drastic new look and often is an excellent choice if you have plywood cabinets, which naturally take paint very nicely.
If you have real wood cabinets made of an expensive wood, such as cherry, slapping paint on it would nearly be considered a sin for many interior decorators. In this situation, or if you simply enjoy the current color of your cabinets, you can change up the hardware. Replacing chrome with oil rubbed bronze, black, or copper makes a huge difference. Just be sure to try and match your hardware to your kitchen sink and other appliances.
Don’t forget about under-cabinet lighting, replacing glass door fronts with chicken wire, removing doors completely, and/or adding ornate molding are all other options to consider.
Upgrading your home is a very rewarding process and, as you can see, these projects don’t have to be overwhelming intensive or expensive to yield dramatic results.
