Style

Small Changes = Big Results

story by Anna Stockton

Whether you’re selling your home or making your home your own, we all have things we would like to do to spruce up our space. But you’re probably thinking you don’t want to take on a big project, you don’t want to spend a ton of money or your weekends arguing with your partner over tile colors in the store. Relax, these simple changes will make a big diff erence in no time and allow you to get back to arguing with your partner about what to watch on Netfl ix, in the comfort of your own fabulously updated home.

Live, Laugh, Love…that color

Let’s face it, we’re spending more time at home and perhaps our world could use a little brightening, a pop of color on your kitchen cabinets is an easy and inexpensive way to change the look of your kitchen. Now I’ve painted kitchen cabinets before and while it ranks right up there with going to the dentist as far as enjoyable activities go, it makes a dramatic impact. Blues and greens do a great job of refreshing your cabinets, especially when paired with a neutral countertop. Bringing outside colors into your kitchen is sure to lighten and brighten your kitchen and your mood. Maybe you don’t want to commit to a bold, new color on your cabinets, simply changing out the hardware can give your kitchen a fresh look.

Calling Curtains on the Drab

Do your living spaces need a little pick me up? Does your bland furniture fail to show off your fabulous personality? Custom curtains are the way to go to show off your personal style. By simply going into a fabric store and checking out at all the patterns to choose from, you will be inspired to change up your space. If you don’t have mad sewing skills you can always turn your project over to the experts. You’ll be amazed at how custom curtains can tie your room together and give it a classy, polished look.

Remember when every prospective buyer on house hunting shows declared wallpaper “outdated” and “it HAS to go.” Well, we’ve come full circle and wallpaper is back and more popular than ever. Whether you go wild or whimsical, tropical or traditional, there’s something for everyone’s style. Wallpaper on a single wall or small space is an easy way to update a room and show your personality, and I’m not just mentioning this because I recently found out that Golden Girls wallpaper exists and “might” be perfect for my laundry room. Hanging wallpaper has been putting a strain on the hanger’s patience (and possibly mental health) for decades but recently wallpaper has become more user friendly, pre-pasted and peel and stick wallpapers are here to help you jazz up your space and keep you from losing your cool.

Corralling Chaos

If you’ve got kids (or a messy spouse), you’re probably sick of tripping over shoes, bookbags, lacrosse sticks and well, everything. A mudroom might be just what your home needs -- no additions or remodeling needed. Taking an unused space and putting hooks, shelving, cubbies, or even lockers is a great way to minimize clutter in other areas of your home and make your space more presentable to drop in guests. Plus, having a place for everyone to put away their gear might just minimize the chaotic morning questions like “Where are my shoes?”, “Has anyone seen my shin guards?” and “Mommy, why are you drinking already?“

Outdoor Galore

Small changes with big results don’t just happen inside the home. Focusing on your outdoor area can not only improve your quality of life but it can also expand your living space. Investing in a new outdoor dining set and indoor/outdoor rug will bring a de ned gathering space to your outdoor area and encourage your family to en oy meals together. ou may want to add some citronella tiki torches as well, as us Floridians know too well, mosquitos are like that one relative that shows up uninvited and sucks the fun out of a good time. f you want to make more of a change in your outdoor space, adding a repit will de nitely take it to the next le el. ome of the ma or hardware stores e en sell easy to put together repit kits, so you can end up with a beautiful new gathering place with minimal back pain and maximum credit taken.