Like any good relationship, sometimes the romance becomes stagnant- No, it’s not because the flame has died out. Rather, the relationship has become some comfortable that the same routine has created stale habits. Your relationship with your home began as an exciting, new adventure.
Head over heels with its charming structure and positively smitten by the endless possibilities of decor, you’re probably unaware that somewhere along the line you’ve become neglectful. Show your home how much you love it this spring with these home improvement tips. Your relationship will be better than ever!
Affordable Ways to Love Your Home Again
Bring in Color
Adding new color into your space is a quick, easy, and affordable way to bring new life into your home. You moved into your house because you fell in love with certain characteristics it possessed- use color to accentuate these qualities! If most of your foot traffic is in your kitchen, or your living room blends into your entryway and serves as the focal point of the house, consider bringing a power color into the space.
To prevent overwhelming the area, opt for a splash of color on one wall, either with paint or patterned wallpaper (If you choose a bold print, keep the additional accessories in the room simple!). If you’ve just repainted not too long ago or are hesitant to utilize bold colors in a permanent way, rely on pillows, rugs, or funky colored small appliances to spruce up the room.
Upgrade the Old
Okay, so maybe full renovations aren’t necessarily the most low-cost way to show your home a little TLC. However, as your home ages, you may start encountering things that could use an update. Pushing back much-needed upgrades for the sake of saving can cost you double in the long run. It’s important to keep on top of home improvement not only for the sake of aesthetics but also to prevent additional damage.
If your roof is in dire need of replacement or repair, waiting to do so can lead to severe water damage in your home, leaks, and eventually toxic mold. The same goes with your bathroom- neglecting to upgrade old pipes to newer and stronger materials (goodbye, PVC piping, and hello galvanized steel!) can help you prevent damaging leaks. Additionally, if your water heater is out of date, you may notice a significant jump in your energy bill as it will take it more power to provide your home with hot water.
Making the upgrade to a modern version will utilize less energy and help you save! A quick call to a home professional or hiring a local plumbing expert will help you identify and fix these shortcomings. Your house will feel like your forever home in no time.
Switch to DIY Organic Cleaners
When you’re ready to give your home a good scrubbing this spring, you’ll want to know that your efforts are truly benefiting your space. Although the regular household brands can certainly get the job done, the chemicals that help support its efficiency will leave toxic residue on surfaces and pollute your homes air supply.
Moving over to non-toxic, organic cleaners will help you keep your home sparkling with the use of ingredients you know, love, and can definitely pronounce! Transitioning to natural cleaners doesn’t have to cost you a small fortune, either- try whipping up DIY versions of your favorite cleaners. These recipes are comprised of low-cost ingredients that will cost you pennies per batch you match.
Declutter
You’d be surprised how impactful a true spring cleaning can be- no massive remodeling project required. Decluttering can bring new life into the room, adding the illusion of more space and light. After all, who really wants to spend quality time in a room that has so much anxiety-inducing clutter?
Set aside time to declutter the rooms in your home. Restoring order by organizing messes in your home promotes good mental health and can help you re-discover the love you have for each room. Take inventory of everything in the room so you have a compact list to easily decide what you need and don’t need. If you have difficulty letting go of your possessions, enlist the help of friends and family who won’t have a hard time pushing you to toss your junk.
Turn your spring decluttering into an opportunity to give back by donating gently used items to be appreciated by someone who may need them more. If you own a lot of one item, such as books, rely on boxes and bins to keep everything in one place. There are plenty of stylish organizational accessories that will help you stay clutter-free without compromising the unique look of your room.
Start Living In Your Home Again
You’re probably confused- But I’ve never stopped living in my home! If you’ve hit a plateau in your relationship with your home, you may feel like it’s a space you solely go to rest rather than a place you enjoy being in. Take advantage of the small updates you’ve made to bring new life into your home and begin loving the time you spend in it again.
Make an effort to eat dinner in your kitchen or dining room every single night. Go one step further and host a dinner for your friends and family to bring laughter and memories into the space! Don’t declutter your living room just to let it sit there and collect dust, make a point to enjoy a book as you relax on the couch or watch a movie with your family every weekend. Every relationship takes time and effort. Spending quality time with your house will transform it into a loving home.
