There’s nothing quite like adding a fresh coat of paint to your house, adorning your favourite spaces with new works of art, or giving your floor a polish. Breathing new life into your indoor and outdoor areas doesn’t take much! If you’re craving a change or upgrade to your home, you can do so without starting entirely from scratch. Whether it’s new lighting fixtures, a gorgeous decking stain, or repurposing existing furniture – you don’t have to break the bank to achieve a fresh new look!
Consider the following ideas to spruce up your interior and exterior areas:
Interior Design
A Fresh Coat of Paint
Craving a new colour palette or wish to spruce up the old one? From a warm, neutral tone to a vibrant, inviting colour – the options are endless. Collect those colour samples, compare your favourites, and choose a shade that feels right for the space. It may even be the same as the existing colour – which may have slightly faded or collected a few bumps and bruises over the years.
You can add an accent wall with a bold, contrasting colour to change the ambience of a room and create a focal point. This is often popular for bedrooms, living rooms, and office spaces. Applying floor paint can also breathe new life into your space, concealing imperfections and providing a fresh, updated appearance.
Update Lighting
Consider replacing outdated light fixtures with modern, statement pieces to enhance the room’s aesthetic and improve functionality. You may even get creative and choose lights that accentuate the room’s features and decor. LED strip lights, for example, are affordable and popular when fixed above and under kitchen cabinetry, under vanities, and even inside wardrobes. This simple trick can add charm to your spaces and convenient illumination for even the trickiest of spots.
Whether you opt for sleek, contemporary fixtures, bold, eye-catching chandeliers, or ambient twinkle lights – the right lighting can instantly transform your indoor atmosphere and elevate the overall appeal of your living areas.
Flooring Spruce
While you may be tempted to completely overhaul your flooring with materials like hardwood, laminate, or tiles for a dramatic transformation, it’s worth considering more budget-friendly options if you’re looking to refresh your existing floors. A complete replacement is always necessary. There are plenty of ways to pour a little love onto your existing flooring and let those babies shine!
Floor finish products, including oils, can deeply nourish your timber surfaces and ensure they never lose their colour. These cost-effective solutions not only revitalise the wood but also allow you to experiment with different colours and finishes to achieve your desired aesthetic. Another effective way to rejuvenate your floors is using a floor polisher, which can help restore the shine and lustre of worn surfaces.
Restore or Repurpose Your Furniture
Furniture plays an important role in shaping the character of your home. Instead of splurging on all-new pieces, consider restoring or repurposing your existing pieces. You may replace the fabric of your beloved couch, repaint side tables, oil stain furniture, replace handles and doorknobs, or use fun stencils on cabinetry. You could even turn a gorgeous old door into a tabletop or a dresser into a bathroom vanity if you’re feeling crafty! This sustainable approach not only reduces waste but also allows you to infuse your unique style into your indoor and outdoor areas.
Whether it’s restoring and preserving a beloved heirloom or repurposing an old piece for a new function – the art of restoring or repurposing is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to revamp your living spaces.
Decorate
Channel your inner interior designer and add or switch out decorative items to introduce new textures and patterns, including:
- Artwork
- Rugs
- Cushions
- Indoor plants
- Curtains
- Mirrors
Whether you’re creating a wall full of framed photos, incorporating a large mirror statement piece that you’ve had sitting in the shed, or sprinkling plants around to add freshness and colour – the possibilities are endless.
Exterior Design
Landscaping
Tidying up your backyard and giving it some structure can make a world of difference. You may even update your outdoor landscaping with new plants, trees, shrubs, and hardscape elements like pathways or rock gardens to give it an edge.
Exterior Paint
Just as you’ve done to your interiors, you can give your home’s exterior a facelift with a new coat of paint or freshen up the trim and accents for a cleaner look.
Front Door Makeover
Consider giving your front entrance a fresh look by painting or adding a finish to your front door. These simple steps can instantly transform the curb appeal of your home, offering a vibrant first impression. Adding an exterior wood filler can protect your front door from the elements – safeguarding against water damage, scratching, and other forms of weather damage.
Updating hardware, such as handles and locks, can also improve functionality and aesthetics. To add an extra touch of personality, incorporate decorative elements like a stylish door knocker or a seasonal wreath that complements the changing seasons and festivities.
Enhance Your Decking and Patio
Love entertaining out on your decking? If so, there are many ways to create a more inviting space. The decking itself might simply need a decking oil or even a deck stain to accentuate the wood’s natural warm tones. This high-quality wood stain not only protects your decking but also adds a new layer of aesthetic appeal. Add some comfortable outdoor furniture and greenery to the mix, and you’re ready to host your next gathering!
Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting serves a dual purpose in the art of reviving your exterior spaces, enhancing both visual appeal and safety. By strategically installing outdoor lighting, you can highlight architectural features, adding depth and character to your home. It also ensures safe navigation along pathways, driveways, and walkways.
Outdoor lighting also accentuates the natural beauty of your landscaping, illuminating trees, shrubs, and garden features to create captivating focal points. To set the desired mood for outdoor gatherings or relaxation, consider incorporating string lights, lanterns, or sconces – creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Window Shutters
As seen in the classic television show – Bewitched – adding a few window awnings or shutters to your home can instantly create a more welcoming curb appeal and charm. You may choose a bright, bold colour to stand out or choose a colour scheme on brand with the rest of your home’s exterior.
Green Solutions
In the spirit of revitalisation, you may feel motivated to incorporate eco-friendly design elements such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, or even a green roof for sustainability, energy efficiency, and temperature regulation. These systems offer several benefits, including lowered utility costs and a decreased carbon footprint.
The art of reviving your interior and exterior spaces offers a multitude of creative possibilities that don’t break the bank or require you to start from scratch. A fresh coat of paint, a gorgeous decking stain, a restored family heirloom, or strategic uplighting can make a world of difference. Sometimes, all your home needs is a little extra love and attention to reveal its hidden charm and beauty.