Building a home was one of the most rewarding (exhausting, but rewarding nonetheless) experiences, especially since we finished up in time to bring George home to it. But there’s something really fun about having a fixer-upper or a home that just needs a good polish. I’ve lived in spaces like this before and even now I’m always thinking up little projects here and there. Whether it’s with seasonal decor, a small painting project or throwing down a new rug, there are endless ways to spruce up a space without having to break out the sledgehammers.
I know I’ve gotten lots of questions from you all on this topic, so I hope these ideas are useful and you can implement them in your home. xx, Ashley
FRESHEN UP YOUR DECOR
The easiest way to spruce up any space is to reevaluate your home decor. Maybe you’re feeling the need for something new because your style has evolved and swapping out simple accessories like vases, trays, candles and coffee table books can make a huge difference. This gives the opportunity to transform the color palette of the room too, and without painting! So before you start buying things, think about what colors you want in the space and what ones you don’t.
PLAN SOME DIY PROJECTS
If you’re willing to roll up your sleeves a bit, there are a ton of small projects you can tackle without full-on renovating. Simple things like adding hardware to your kitchen and bathroom cabinets (Amazon has great options – like this simple style), bringing in new doors for your bedrooms and bathrooms (might sound weird, but it makes a huge difference and can be relatively inexpensive) and adding details like floating shelves can make your home feel instantly updated and even custom vs builder-grade.
ADD ART AND PLANTS
You guys know I’ve really enjoyed using plants and art in our home to give different rooms that special touch. I’m a firm believer that especially artwork can really transform a space. If you currently have art or photos hanging on your walls but want a different vibe for your home, this is honestly where I’d recommend starting. I linked a lot of the artwork we have in our home below – you’ll see that it’s very budget-friendly because most of it comes from Etsy!
And speaking of Etsy, never forget to check there for things like throw pillows, knick-knacks for coffee tables and shelving, wall decor, etc. It’s such a great resource and most of it is handmade by a small business owner. Here’s a quick list of some of my favorite shops.
PAINT
I debated on whether or not to include painting because if you’re doing it yourself it is a crazy amount of work and can feel just as daunting as a renovation. However, it’s an extremely impactful way to update any space for a very little amount of money. Whether you’re painting a piece of furniture, a door or an entire room, paint packs a big punch. I just recommend getting samples before going all-in on a color, especially if you’re painting a room. The last thing you want is to paint an entire space only to realize the color looks totally different at home than it did at the paint store.
We loved Farrow and Ball paint. We chose “All White” for our walls and “Off Black” for out cabinets and trim.
LIGHTING
Last, but definitely not least, consider updating your lighting. This can take your home from 80s drab to 2020 in the blink of an eye. If you have to pick and choose what areas to do first to keep things budget-friendly, I’d tackle the common spaces first – the places people see the most. So, above the dining room table, any hallway lights, the kitchen and maybe the bathroom. From there you can also add floor and side table lamps for an extra personal touch.
Speaking of home decor, tomorrow’s newsletter is all about my Secrets to Styling Shelves which I consider a hobby at this point. You don’t want to miss it. Sign up for it here.
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