Congratulations on your new place! As you begin getting situated and unpacking those boxes, how about we talk about a dozen or more ways to spruce up the place?
The walls may have been freshened up prior to your move-in, but what about the built-in furniture, window treatments, and fixtures--or lack thereof?
One of the easiest ways to give new wood an aged look is by applying dark glaze or gel stain as instructed on the label. Let dry, then repeat with a lighter, warmer-toned stain. Once dry, top with a clear protective finish.
How about hanging shades with a natural look? Neutral wood or woven grass window coverings easily blend in with the most decor, and they screen out harsh sun, keeping the room cooler.
Highlight the inside of a bookcase or glass-front cupboard by brushing on semigloss paint in a bold hue, like a bright blue or vibrant red to make the shelved collections pop!
Install vintage-looking fixtures, such as a ceiling fan to add more atmosphere and to lover summer cooling costs, and reverse the blades' spin in winter to circulate warmed air.
Upgrade your address! Draw curbside attention with bright, bold house numbers at least three inches high. Metal, ceramic, design, what ever your style or neighborhood allows.
Add carved corbels underneath an island countertop to add bling to your breakfast bar. Check salvage yards for Victorian-era ones with a warm patina.
Add your distinctive touch to your kitchen or the island in your kitchen. To give the island a more custom furniture look, change run-of-mill hardware for something more dazzling; such as colored glass, themed knobs, or other creative handles--leave the existing pulls on the wall cabinets (unless they need to be replaced!) to create a contrast.
Tuck a window seat into an alcove by supporting a 3/4-inch plywood seat on 2x6 hanging strips anchored into walls. Simply glue and nail in place plywood dividers to create cubbies, and face the assembly with 1x4 poplar, and paint.
Turn your sink into a prep space! Measure the length and width of the opening, adding half an inch to each side. Trim cutting board to size, and remove half inch of material around the edges to create an underside lip so that it rests securely on the countertop.
Paint your porch ceiling sky blue! Haven't you been to Vegas? Create a more spacious feeling simply by painting the ceiling blue--you can even sponge paint clouds if you're feeling froggy!
Turn a closet (or pantry) into a home office. Been there, done that. The space's width and depth often offer a perfect fit for stock cabinets and a desk you have on hand. Trim the opening to match the molding in the rest of the room.
Put coasters on a table for dual-purpose dining and food preparation surface in a small kitchen.
Swap in a cross-handle faucet to warm up a bathroom. A compact, centerset design--for basins with holes spaced four inches apart--preserves countertop space and looks beautiful!
Enjoy your new place! I hope you make the house a home in no time:)
The walls may have been freshened up prior to your move-in, but what about the built-in furniture, window treatments, and fixtures--or lack thereof?
One of the easiest ways to give new wood an aged look is by applying dark glaze or gel stain as instructed on the label. Let dry, then repeat with a lighter, warmer-toned stain. Once dry, top with a clear protective finish.
How about hanging shades with a natural look? Neutral wood or woven grass window coverings easily blend in with the most decor, and they screen out harsh sun, keeping the room cooler.
Highlight the inside of a bookcase or glass-front cupboard by brushing on semigloss paint in a bold hue, like a bright blue or vibrant red to make the shelved collections pop!
Install vintage-looking fixtures, such as a ceiling fan to add more atmosphere and to lover summer cooling costs, and reverse the blades' spin in winter to circulate warmed air.
Upgrade your address! Draw curbside attention with bright, bold house numbers at least three inches high. Metal, ceramic, design, what ever your style or neighborhood allows.
Add carved corbels underneath an island countertop to add bling to your breakfast bar. Check salvage yards for Victorian-era ones with a warm patina.
Add your distinctive touch to your kitchen or the island in your kitchen. To give the island a more custom furniture look, change run-of-mill hardware for something more dazzling; such as colored glass, themed knobs, or other creative handles--leave the existing pulls on the wall cabinets (unless they need to be replaced!) to create a contrast.
Tuck a window seat into an alcove by supporting a 3/4-inch plywood seat on 2x6 hanging strips anchored into walls. Simply glue and nail in place plywood dividers to create cubbies, and face the assembly with 1x4 poplar, and paint.
Turn your sink into a prep space! Measure the length and width of the opening, adding half an inch to each side. Trim cutting board to size, and remove half inch of material around the edges to create an underside lip so that it rests securely on the countertop.
Paint your porch ceiling sky blue! Haven't you been to Vegas? Create a more spacious feeling simply by painting the ceiling blue--you can even sponge paint clouds if you're feeling froggy!
Turn a closet (or pantry) into a home office. Been there, done that. The space's width and depth often offer a perfect fit for stock cabinets and a desk you have on hand. Trim the opening to match the molding in the rest of the room.
Put coasters on a table for dual-purpose dining and food preparation surface in a small kitchen.
Swap in a cross-handle faucet to warm up a bathroom. A compact, centerset design--for basins with holes spaced four inches apart--preserves countertop space and looks beautiful!
Enjoy your new place! I hope you make the house a home in no time:)
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