Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Simple DIY Home Upgrades That Will Transform Any Space

By Stephanie Rogers


A common misconception for many people looking to upgrade their living space is that there is significant expense associated with doing updates. This is not necessarily true if one considers doing DIY home upgrades. There are simple but very effective changes that anyone with even a small budget can achieve.

Adding crown moldings draws the eye up and makes any room seem larger. Buying these already made to install is pricey. Choosing several smaller boards and putting them up together saves a lot of money and makes them look unique as well. Carefully measure before purchasing. Cut the boards to fit the room, and paint them before installing. Baseboards can be completed in the same way, making them appear glamorous and expensive, with very little expense.

Nothing dates a kitchen or bathroom like old cabinets but a kitchen renovation can cost thousands of dollars. Painting is a simple, inexpensive, and excellent way to get an updated look at a fraction of the cost of replacing cabinets. Start by selecting a primer and durable paint in whatever color desired. Doors and hardware should be removed and any surface that is to be painted must be sanded to help the new paint adhere. A coat of primer will also help the paint adhere and will make it easier to cover darker colors with the new color. Two coats of paint over the primer is always advised. The hardware can be reused, and even changes with a coat of spray paint, or, check second hand stores for next to new hinges and handles that will make everything look different.

A popular theme is sliding barn doors. These can give a rustic look to any room and can easily be built in a couple of hours. It will be necessary to buy a kit to have the hardware for the sliding part of the project. The door itself is easy to build with whatever size of boards is desired. These boards can be stained or painted either before they are put together. Always measure what is needed and lay out the pieces before putting together to ensure the right size and board placement.

Swapping out old light fixtures makes a big difference in any room. There are many ways to find inexpensive fixtures such as second hand stores or local websites for buying and selling new and used items. Of course, if unsure about how to install one, it is always best to recruit help from someone experienced in making small electrical repairs.

Instead of simply painting walls, consider using stencils for a unique and updated look. Stencils can be purchased, but for geometric patterns, a great way to accomplish this is by designing it using painter's tape. The design can be whatever is desired and can be a couple of colors or many different ones. Either use the existing wall color and tape off areas to paint to add contrast, or start fresh with a new base color. Always make sure paint is completely dry before moving to a new color and carefully peel tape to ensure it doesn't remove paint beneath it.

Adding a wooden frame around a plain bathroom mirror gives a fresh and pricey look. Measure the sides and cut wood to fit. The wood can be stained or painted, whichever is desired. Mount the frame carefully and use small nails to attach it to the wall. It could also be glued to the edges of the mirror using a construction adhesive. This is a quick and easy project that can be completed quickly and will look great.

Simple and inexpensive updates to the home are something that anyone can learn to do. With a small budget and a little bit of know how, along with basic tools, it is possible to make changes that will make any space seem brand new.




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