How to Update Your Home Amidst COVID Delays
Over the last year and a half, home updates have risen in popularity due to more people spending time inside. This desire has created a huge demand for home furnishings. If you’re one of the people trying to update your home, chances are you’ve run into delays for a lot of furniture and home goods. Production shutdowns in other countries, ports that have no room to unload cargo, and worker shortages for ports and shipping companies have created these unprecedented delays. Often, the most considerable delays are with pieces that use wood or motorized parts.
But this doesn’t mean that you can’t update your home amidst these COVID delays. Instead, look for alternative options that can help you makeover your home in no time.
Here are seven tips for updating your home amidst COVID delays:
1. Buy Local
A Chagrin Falls, Ohio interior decorator says, “Seek out local craftsmen instead of traditional furniture stores. Local artisans can be a great source for side, coffee, dining, and kitchen tables. Some of these designers even have upholstered pieces such as chairs and loveseats.” When you shop locally, you’re supporting your community, and you may have less of a wait time since you might be able to buy pieces already in stock.
2. Go Vintage
Another option is to go vintage. Depending on your style, this could be mid-century, classic, retro, or traditional. Timeless pieces and styles retain their value, especially when they are high-quality pieces. You can search eBay, Etsy, 1stdibs, and other auction sites for vintage pieces. Just be sure to get lots of pictures from all angles before buying, so you know what you are getting.
3. Don’t Customize
Right now is not the time to splurge on custom-designed pieces. In some cases, it can take up to 40 weeks for a customized piece of furniture to arrive at your doorstep. So, if you really need new furniture and can’t wait, don’t customize your selections. Stick with fabrics and models that the retailer has in stock.
4. Refurbish
Another way you can refresh your home amid COVID is to save the new furniture purchases for a later date and update what you have. You can refurbish and reupholster old furniture, which can completely transform a piece and in less time. Who knows? Maybe with a fresh new look, you won’t even want that new furniture down the line.
5. Try Floor Samples
If you still must have new furniture, another option is to check with the retailer about purchasing floor samples. Since these pieces are already on-site, there’s virtually no wait time. And because these are floor samples, you may even be able to negotiate a discount, saving you some money.
6. Shop at a Thrift Store
Another option to avoid long wait times is to visit a thrift store. If you haven’t considered this in the past, it’s worth giving it a try now. With so many people updating their houses, there can be some good home furnishing finds at these places. Make sure to stop in your local thrift stores frequently since items don’t stick around long at these places.
7. Don’t Delay
And lastly, if you’re looking at new home furnishings and see something you like, don’t delay. Now is not the time to wait and see if the price will come down. It might be gone before you decide, and the website or store may not know when, if ever, they will get it back in stock again. So, if you see something you really want, be sure to buy it right away.
Refresh Your Home With No Delay
Long delays don’t mean you can’t update your home right now. Consider it an opportunity to explore some new places. That could be a local artisan, auction sites, or even shopping at a thrift store. If you must purchase new pieces, don’t customize. Instead, ask about floor samples, or buy what’s in stock. And lastly, don’t delay, as it could be gone for good if you wait.
Modern Home Renovation Tips
I know what you’re thinking—home renovations are too much work. But, if your home feels outdated and boring, a quick makeover will be worth the time and effort. Say goodbye to trends of the past with a modern update. But, before kicking off your revamp, read these essential modern home renovation tips.
Embrace neutral paint colors.
When it comes to a home renovation, it is crucial to update your paint. Depending on when the last time you gave your home a makeover, your wall colors may be faded or chipped. The professional painters in the CSRA say the best colors for a modern home are black, white, gray, beige, and tan. Neutrals give you more leeway when decorating your home. If you want to incorporate color, you can do it through your decor and accessories. Think area rugs, throw pillows, artwork, or even an accent wall, in earth tones.
Hang new artwork.
If you want to make a statement in your home, hang up a new piece of artwork. Abstract paintings in vibrant colors are guaranteed conversation pieces. The bigger, the better!
Cut the clutter.
Modern homes are all about the idea that ‘less is more.’ Decluttering puts you on the pathway to minimalism. Consider storing items you can’t get rid of in cabinets or multifunctional ottomans—out of sight, out of mind. You’ll have easy access to these items when you need them, but they won’t overpower the room.
Use clean lines.
Similar to contemporary homes, modern homes feature clean and simple lines. Your furniture, decor, and the architectural elements of your own should be made up of horizontal and vertical lines.
Consider an open floor plan.
There is a sense of fluidity in modern homes. Open floor plans help to achieve a natural flow from one room to the other. Use the same flooring in your living room, dining room, and kitchen area so all of the spaces tie together.
Invest in large windows.
Another staple of a modern home is using outdoor elements and natural lighting. Whether you have floor to ceiling windows or a large bay window with a beautiful view, the more natural light that can flow in, the better. If your windows are on the smaller side, use sheer curtains or no curtains at all.
Update your cabinets.
Wood cabinets are right at home in modern kitchens. To give yours an update, refinish the wood cabinets you already have or paint them white or gray. Changing the color of your cabinets to white, gray, or black is a simple project that will make your kitchen feel brand new.
Modernize your furniture.
When choosing new furniture, remember simplicity is best. An interior decorator in Chester Springs, PA, says you should choose pieces with clean lines and natural fabrics. Wood tables, accents, and chair bases work perfectly in any modern-styled home.
If you’re eager to start a modern home renovation but not sure where to start, hire a professional interior decorator. They’ll be able to help you with everything from color palettes to hardware finishes.
Best Interior Paint & Furniture Colors to Brighten a Room
Natural light can work wonders in a room. But doesn’t it seem like every house has a place that lacks precious natural light? To bring light to the space, many homeowners use white furnishings and accessories. Contrary to popular belief, this doesn’t work all that well. Bright white furniture reflects natural light. When there’s no natural light for the furniture to reflect off of, the room can end up feeling flatter and darker than it initially did.
Fortunately, there are plenty of colors you can use on your walls or for your furniture to lighten and brighten a space. When it comes to brightening the rooms in your home, the color experts and house painters in The Woodlands, TX, have some suggestions!
Gorgeous Gray. Adding light to medium shades of gray to a dark room is surprisingly beneficial. Colors like Dove Gray or Greige keep things feeling warm and cozy whether you’re decorating a living space or a bedroom. If you’re not in love with the idea of gray walls, other warm-toned neutrals can work. Stick to the lighter hues like cream and beige to avoid making the room feel smaller and darker.
Pretty Pastels. If you prefer light and feminine colors, try lavender or pink on for size. Both hues can instantly lighten up a room, whether you use them on the walls or purchase furniture with soft curves in these colors. Lavender and pink both come in a wide range of shades, from dusky pink to purple-based taupes. Contrary to popular belief, these colors don’t have to be overly feminine, which means they’ll work in virtually any room in your home. Incorporate accents of gray or white to complete the look.
Yellow. For small bathrooms or bedrooms with minimal light, yellow is a great color option. Yellow can instantly add the feeling of warmth in a space, whether you use it as a wall color or spruce up an end table or dresser drawers with yellow accents. Remember, if you choose to work with yellow, incorporate enough general and accent lighting so that the yellow doesn’t fall flat.
Rich Chocolate. While it’s generally true that you should avoid dark colors in spaces with low-lights, chocolate brown is an exception! This warm, inviting shade can make a low-light space feel ultra cozy. To balance out the rich tone, use furnishings made from light or white wood. Accessories, like window treatments and carpeting, should be light and bright to keep the room from feeling too heavy.
Choosing the right colors for your home can be tough! Whether you’re choosing a color for your walls, your furnishings, or both, consulting with a color expert can help. Contact CertaPro Painters today to schedule your free color consultation.
How to Choose Paint Colors for Your Home
One of the most stressful parts of decorating your home is choosing a color scheme. Do you want to play it safe or make a statement? And just how many different shades of greige are there? With so many paint colors to sort through, deciding what color your walls should be can become time-consuming and frustrating. Here are tips on how to choose paint colors for your home and avoid color mistakes.
Get inspired
The best advice for starting any new project is to find your inspiration. Designing a vision board is a great way to get your creative juices flowing. Think about what kind of feelings you want the room to evoke, like calming and serene or bright and playful. Whether you make your board online via Pinterest or cut out photos from magazines, you should be looking for scenes with colors that resonate with you.
Choose your furniture
Do you already have furniture you love? This can help narrow down your paint choices and makes the whole process a little bit easier. You want your furniture to complement your wall color so the room is cohesive. For example, if you have dark couches and end tables, you may want to paint your walls in a lighter shade to brighten up the space.
Always get a sample
Most home improvement and paint stores offer samples for those who are torn between a few colors. Get as many as you want and then paint small patches of the colors in the desired room. Having the colors on the wall will allow you to see how the paint looks in natural light and throughout all hours of the day. Keep the samples up for about a week so you can get a feel for which one you like the best.
When in doubt, go neutral
If you really can’t decide on a paint color, it’s best to go basic. When you doubt yourself on color, chances are you don’t want a lot of attention drawn to the walls. Neutral walls allow you to add color throughout other elements in the room, like your art, furniture, pillows, blankets, and other decor.
Have a color consultation
Sometimes you have to leave it up to the professionals. Most professional painting companies are ready and willing to help you. At CertaPro Painters West Hartford, CT, an expert will come to your home and give you a color consultation. A color consultant will help you navigate the sea of options to find a color that matches your home’s interior aesthetic and stands up to your family’s daily routine.
Sure, choosing paint colors can be a daunting task, but always remember – paint is not permanent. You can always change it, so don’t be afraid to explore!
Home Improvement Projects to Do Over a Weekend
Transforming a house into a place you call home can take a while. Major renovations, like kitchen upgrades and bathroom remodels, often require a big budget, a lot of time, and a lot of patience. Other home upgrades don’t require much time or money at all, but they can make all the difference when it comes to converting a space into one that feels like your own. In fact, all you need is a weekend! Discover how you can make beautiful updates to your house over a weekend.
Spray paint your hardware. Sometimes, a simple swap is all you need to totally change the look and feel of a room. To refresh the look of your kitchen, bathroom, or even doorways, remove the hardware and spray paint it! Drawer handles and doorknobs usually have a dated silver or gold finish on them. The color experts at CertaPro Painters of Winston-Salem, NC suggest using spray paint in dusted bronze or nickel to give any door or cabinetry a facelift.
Give purpose to your entryway. A few simple modifications can make a statement in your foyer. Install decorative hooks or a cubby system (if space allows) to serve as a storage space for coats, book bags, and purses. A slim table also works wonders in an entryway since it’s both stylish and functional. You can use this piece to toss mail, keys, and other items when you enter your home. Depending on how much space you have and how you decorate the area, you can create the look and feel of an entirely different room in your entryway.
Spruce up your laundry room. An often neglected space decor-wise, your laundry room doesn’t have to be a dull, lifeless part of your home. While it is a place to get your family’s clothing clean, it can also be a place that’s packed with personality. Rachael Lane, an interior decorator in Pensacola, FL, recommends covering bland, white walls with printed wallpaper or stick-and-peel wood planks. This little trick instantly creates interest in the room, regardless of how much time you spend there. Lacking storage in your laundry room? Install shelving to keep your detergent, dryer sheets, and fabric softener within arms reach. Store these laundry supplies in decorative glass jars for an elevated look of luxury – without the price tag!
Update interior molding. Installing or even replacing the interior molding around your home is a quick, easy, and affordable project you can tackle on any weekend. All it takes is a saw for trimming and a nail gun for installing. You can find trim at any local home improvement store. It comes in strips of varying sizes, making it easy to find the width you need to frame any wall, door, or window in your home. There’s also decorative molding that can turn the plainest wall into a work of art.
If you’re itching for a home upgrade but don’t feel like you have the time or budget to achieve that, you do! Anyone can complete these projects in a weekend with very little damage to their wallet. What projects will you get done in a weekend?
Six Warm-Weather Home Improvement Projects
Summer is the perfect time to revamp your home from the inside out. The warmer weather allows you to get started on outdoor projects you can’t do in the winter. Plus, temperatures are more desirable for some indoor tasks as well. There are projects you can tackle on your own or with the help of qualified professionals without having to sacrifice all of your summer weekends.
Here are six warm-weather home improvement projects that will add value to your home and make it more enjoyable!
- Makeover Your Backyard:
- What comes to mind when you think of summer? Is it relaxing outside? Maybe it’s sitting by a fire or having a barbecue. Consider buying a new patio set, hanging a hammock, or installing a fire pit. Another easy way to spruce up your backyard is to add some lawn games like croquet, horseshoes, or cornhole, so entertaining guests is a breeze.
- Paint a Room:
- A great way to freshen up your house is through painting; you can paint one room, several rooms, your deck, or even the exterior of your home. The professional painters in Southern Westchester, NY say repainting your home has a return-on-investment since it’ll make it easier to sell your home in the future.
- Power Wash your Home:
- The colder months are rough on your house, so your home’s exterior could use a bit of love in the summer. Power washing your house makes it appear brand new, adds value and improves curb appeal. If you don’t feel comfortable power washing yourself, it may be best to hire a professional. They are trained in the proper ways to power wash your siding, driveway, deck, and fences without creating damage.
- Install Windows or Window Treatments:
- Having newer windows or the right window treatments can help keep your house cool during the hot summer months. Plus, it’ll keep the heat in during the cold months. The right windows can make your room more aesthetically pleasing and lower your energy bill. Sealing, repairing, or waterproofing your windows are some ways you can conserve energy. Consider getting new drapes, blinds, or curtains to cut down on the UV rays and glares that enter your home.
- Clean Out Your Gutters:
- After the fall and winter, it is common for dirt and debris to become jammed up in your gutters. Cleaning them out is a simple way to prevent damage from happening to your home in the future. If gutters are not properly draining, water damage can occur, or your roof can become leaky.
- Organize your Closets:
- If you want to improve your home but stay indoors as you do so, organizing is a great option. Go through your winter clothes and decide what to keep, what to throw out, and what to donate. Summertime clothing can be brought out and organized. You can organize by color or style. Browse Pinterest for additional organizational ideas.
Check some of these warm-weather home improvement projects off your to-do list this summer, and your home will be in tip-top shape for the fall!
Five Simple Ways to Makeover Your Kitchen
When was the last time you updated your kitchen? Since the kitchen is a natural gathering place in the home, you want to make sure the space is optimized and up-to-date. Some kitchen makeovers require a complete gutting, but that doesn’t have to be the case.
Here are five simple ways you can remodel your kitchen:
- Update your appliances: Are your appliances still working properly? If so, that’s good news! You don’t have to toss them. An easy, budget-friendly appliance upgrade is slapping on a coat of paint. If your appliances are making funny sounds or have stopped working altogether, it’s probably time for a replacement. Splurge for a new stainless-steel refrigerator or range. If you have room in the budget, make the switch to smart appliances, as they are becoming more and more popular.
- Redo your kitchen cabinets: The easiest way to update your kitchen cabinets and drawers is to replace the hardware. Their knobs and handles come in a variety of finishes, colors, and designs. Choose a hardware style based on the other elements in the kitchen. Another option is to stain or paint your kitchen cabinets. This will require more time and effort, but the results will be a drastic change. You can also remove the cabinet doors completely if you’re into the open shelving look.
- Refurbish countertops: Kitchen countertops come in many different materials. The key to having them stand the test of time is to opt for something classic and durable like granite. If you like chopping your food without a cutting board, you can get butcher block countertops. Other materials to consider include quartz, copper, marble, or stainless steel.
- Paint the walls: If it’s been more than a few years since you’ve last painted your kitchen walls, now is the time to do it. Granbury painters say you should choose a neutral color if you have an interesting and bold backsplash. If you want to go a more playful route, pastels like marine blue, pale lime, or citrus orange can really stand out in a kitchen. Dark colors like navy, forest green, and black are also making a comeback.
- Add a backsplash: If your walls are strictly painted, consider adding a backsplash in between your cabinets and countertops. This is one area of the kitchen where you can really take risks. Bold patterns, mirrored or metallic finishes, and alternative materials are all welcome. You can also think about extending the backsplash past the bottom of the cabinets all the way to the ceiling.
We spend a lot of time in our kitchens cooking, entertaining, and eating. That’s why we want them to be both functional and beautiful. Start thinking about the ways in which you want to makeover your kitchen today.
Wise Home Improvements For Fall
When you think of fall, your mind probably goes to decorating with pumpkins, sipping apple cider, and enjoying time with the family. Many homeowners don’t consider fall as a time to make home improvements – that’s for the springtime, right? Contrary to popular belief, there are several home improvements you can take advantage of this autumn. Discover the best projects to tackle once the weather starts to break.
Insulate your pipes. Frozen pipes can happen at any point when the temperatures drop. To prevent your pipes from freezing, wrap them in electric heat tape, fiberglass insulation, or pipe jackets. This will help keep the pipe’s temperature regulated and ensure water can flow through them continuously.
Reseal doors and windows. Improperly sealed windows and doors can cause valuable heat to seep out of your home on cold days, increasing your home heating costs drastically. Prevent this problem by having your windows and doors re-sealed this fall. Examine the weather stripping for cracks or missing portions of sealant. If you notice major damage, remove the old stripping and apply a new layer for an instant fix in energy efficiency.
Enhance your yard. If you’re not sure what your yard needs, connect with local landscapers. They’ll be able to provide you with a layout that compliments the look and feel of your home’s exterior, boosting your property value. Plus, they’ll know what kind of care your existing plants and shrubs will need to withstand the winter temperature drop.
Pressure wash the exterior. Over time, your home’s siding will collect a layer of dirt, dust, and debris. Remove this layer with a pressure washing machine. You can simply use water or mix a solution designed to clean your siding. Once the siding is clear, use the pressure washer to remove dirt and stains present on your concrete surfaces.
Clear the gutter. Throughout the fall, leaves flutter down into your yard and can cause major issues with your gutter. Make a habit out of clearing your gutters this fall to remove built-up leaves. This will prevent larger, more expensive home improvements in the future. While you’re clearing them out, make sure the gutters are draining properly and there aren’t any cracks present.
Make a list of everything you didn’t get done last spring and put off to relax this summer to tackle this fall. This post brought to you by Triumph Building Group, custom home builders in Montgomery County.
7 Quick & Easy Home Upgrades
Maintaining your home is one thing, but home improvement projects are important for retaining its value. Plus, upgrading your home helps to make it more aesthetically pleasing. While most of the time this is easier said than done, there are some quick fixes that you can work on to keep your home modern that won’t cost you a ton, brought to you by Amy Ahearn, a Williamsburg, VA interior decorator.
- Freshen up your paint. Repainting the walls in your house is a simple way to make your house appear more modern and lively that won’t break the bank.
- Pick up some new furniture. Simply getting rid of the old and incorporating new pieces into one or all of your rooms will make a huge difference in regards to how contemporary your home appears to be. Something as small as an ottoman can make all the difference.
- Invest in a smart thermostat. A programmable thermostat makes dealing with fluctuating weather throughout the seasons much more tolerable. Smart thermostats let you program your preferences – for instance, you can set a temperature but have it rise or lower based on the time of the day. If you’re in the market to sell your home, this small addition to your home makes it much more attractive to potential buyers.
- Add a backsplash to your kitchen. A backsplash can give your kitchen a more polished look. It also makes maintenance easier. If you spill anything on your walls while cooking or prepping food, cleanup on a tile backsplash will is a breeze when compared to trying to scrub down your bare walls.
- Install a low-flow showerhead. Low-flow showerheads are beneficial not to just the environment, but to your water bill as well. The flow rate is slower than standard showerheads, thus cutting back on how much water you are actually using. This leads to savings on your water bill each month!
- Create a landscape or garden. Whether you are looking to grow your own vegetables or just plant a few flowers, landscaping or gardening will help liven up your home’s outdoor appearance. In addition, gardening has proven to be great for relieving stress and clearing your head.
- Choose new window treatments. Adding new window treatments in your home is an easy way to revive the appearance of any room. With blinds, drapes, curtains, and shades to choose from, it’s easy to achieve the look you are going for in no time.
Follow these suggestions for a quick and easy way to revive your home this year! For more home improvement suggestions, contact the experts at CertaPro Painters of Southern New Hampshire.
Clever Bedroom Storage Ideas
Finding a luxuriously large bedroom equipped with a walk-in closet isn’t easy. In fact, finding storage for all of your belongings can be a challenge in any size room. Fortunately, with a tiny-to-mid-sized bedroom there are clever ways you can create storage. Regardless of the size of your room, clutter can make the space unappealing, causing stress. These clever bedroom storage ideas will keep you clean and organized, no matter how big your bedroom is.
- Buy a bed frame that doubles as storage space. Some bed have drawers and shelves built right into their frames. Depending on what you want to place in drawers, you may not even have to get a bureau or armoire to house the rest of your things. If your bed frame lacks drawers but has space between the floor and the box spring, use plastic containers to stow extra bedding.
- Go vertical and hang shelves. Every inch counts when it comes to figuring out ways to create storage in small spaces. Use the entirety of your wall from top to bottom. Place a floor to ceiling unit next to the nightstand beside your bed to create an appealing visual. Hang shelves to get items up and off the ground. Consider over-the-door hanging storage for bulky items like shoes, scarves, and hats. This is also a great place to stow jewelry!
- Make your own built-in storage unit. If a part of your wall juts out, this creates the perfect opportunity for more storage. Installing custom cabinetry into the wall allows more room for clothes or accessories. The experts at Birmingham painters can help you match the doors of your cabinets to your existing wall color to give off a secret passage vibe, or use glass paneling so you can see what you’re looking for before you even open the doors.
- Mount a nightstand next to your bed. Traditionally, nightstand tables sit next to the bed, taking up valuable floor space. If you mount your nightstand to the wall, you can use the space under there for shoes or miscellaneous items that you don’t want laying around. If there isn’t space for a full on nightstand, a wide shelf mounted on the wall next to your bed can be a makeshift table top.
- Create a display using a bookcase. Are you a shoe fanatic or a lover of handbags? If you consider these items a work of art, use a bookcase or staggered shelves to showcase them! Doing this can give off the vibes of an art installation right inside your bedroom and save valuable space in closets.
- Don’t neglect the space above your headboard. Instead of hanging a painting or photo above your headboard, shelving or cabinet units can be a great installation above your headboard. Display a few of your favorite collectibles, but avoid cluttering the space, as this area will quickly collect dust.
Don’t feel discouraged by the amount of storage space in your bedroom. Using these tips can help expand the storage options in fun, clever ways. For more storage tips, reach out to St. Johns, NL interior decorator Robin Stairs.