10 Interior and Exterior Home Improvement Tips
There are many ways you can improve your home, both inside and out. Not only does home improvement increase the value of your property, but it also provides extra functionality and comfort. However, many people may feel lost, not knowing where to start. Here are 10 tips that you can consider next time you decide to do interior and exterior home improvements.
Clean and Declutter – The first thing you want to do before any drastic home improvements is to clean and declutter. Always maintain the cleanliness of your home, inside and out. Get rid of all the stuff that’s creating clutter. You could ask these questions whether an object should stay where they are; Is it still working? Do you need to use it? Does it match with the overall appearance of the room? If the answer is no to all of these questions, then the chances are that it’s only clutter to your home. Decluttering your home can give you more space to work with, and help you identify which areas of your home need improvement.
Recycle and Reuse – After decluttering, most people will throw away all the objects or keep them in storage permanently. While it may be the case for most items, you’ll want to consider first whether they are reusable or recyclable instead. For instance, old furniture can turn into a garden planter. You can also dismantle it and use its wood for other purposes. Of course, you can also consider selling the objects for extra cash, especially if they are still in excellent condition.
Improve Outdoor With Plastic Decking Materials – Most people value having an outdoor living space. So installing a deck is one of the best home improvement projects, in terms of increasing value and adding comfort and functionality. If you already have an existing deck, you can consider upgrading the materials. For most people, wood is the default choice. While it still is a good option, there are other materials far more superior than it. For instance, plastic decking materials are easier to maintain and can last longer. They are also more durable than most wooden decking materials.
Maximize The Use of Your Spaces – Not everyone has a big home, especially in crowded areas like in the cities. Regardless of how much space your home has, it’s helpful to make use of every little space available. For instance, you can use the space under the stairs for a study area, where you can place some a bookshelf or two. Have a spacious backyard? Try setting up an outdoor living area. However, be careful of creating unnecessary clutter to your home.
Use The Right Colours – Painting is one of the cheapest, yet most effective ways of redesigning a home. However, many people fail to use the right colours when doing so. When giving your home a new paint job, make sure that you’re making a cohesive look. For the exterior, neutral colours, such as shades of greys, whites, and beiges work well in most home designs. Bright and bold colours will also work as long as you plan the colour schemes beforehand. For interior rooms, consider the purpose and size of the room. You can find many tips on the internet on how to choose the right colours for interior design.
Create Focal Points – Focal points are areas of your home that attract visual attention and highlight the best features of your home. Unique architectural designs and fireplaces work as natural focal points for the interior. If you don’t have those, you can make use of amazing paintings and eye-catching furniture. Of course, focal points are also essential for your home’s exterior. You can use statues, water features, exotic plants, or ornamented fences and gates in your yard.
Choosing Doors is Important – Deciding what doors to install may seem an easy task, but it’s an important one nonetheless. Doors, especially the front makes the first impression. So it’s crucial to select the right one. How? For interior doors, make sure to consider the purpose of the room, the material you’ll be using, and the colour that will match with the room. For the front door, consider the size, the style, and the material, all the while having safety and security in mind.
Make Use of Proper Lighting – Lights can affect rooms in many ways. If you want to increase your home’s curb appeal, you’ll want to select the right amount and type of lighting for your home. To choose the best lighting design, consider the purpose and the atmosphere of the room you’re aiming for. Softer ambient lighting is better suited for relaxing and intimate places. As for lively and active rooms, go for the brighter task lighting. You can also install both types, and use either one depending on the situation. Installing outdoor lights is also crucial. For this, you can use deck lights, lanterns, and string lights. Choosing ambient or task lighting also applies.
Place Some Plants – One of the best ways to improve your home is by adding more plants. Of course, you’ll need to plant flowers and trees for your garden. Choose easy to grow and maintain flowers, such as perennials. But the garden is not the only place where you can put your plants. Plants also work well as interior decorations. They can add a splash of colour to a room, and some of them can also act as excellent focal points.
Lower the Cost of Your Bills – When doing home improvements, you can consider during projects that can lower your energy consumption. For starters, check your insulation and make sure that it’s maintained properly. Inspect your doors and windows for leaks, and replace or repair them if necessary. When upgrading, replace old appliances with energy-efficient ones. Planting a tall tree outside at certain locations can also reduce your cooling costs.
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