DIY projects are all the rage and (mostly!) fun to do, but they’re even better when they’re adding value to your home. If you’re thinking of selling or just want to spruce things up, improvements are always a great idea. Here are some of my favorite ways to increase the value and beauty of your home that you can do on a rainy day (or three)!
Add a Backsplash
A backsplash can work wonders in a dated kitchen. Ceramic tiles are inexpensive and popular in kitchens because they can withstand heat. Glazed ceramic tile can be finished glossy, matte, or semi-glossy, so you have lots of options. There are hundreds of YourTube videos that take you through how to install the tiles, and generally it’s a pretty easy thing to do. I’m a big fan of smaller square tiles, as shown below.
City Lights Glass Frosted Mosaic Tile by Daltile. Available on Wayfair.com for $21.21 per square foot.
Paint Your Cabinets
This fairly easy DIY project can update kitchen cabinets of just about any age or condition. You can find tutorials for painting you cabinetry online. Painting them white or black can add a lot of sophistication to your kitchen. Or opt for a pop of color. Warning: choose your color wisely. You may love lime green, but future buyers may not!
Photo: HGTV
Molding Molding Everywhere!
Add molding to anything – ceilings, doors, floors. It’s one of my favorite and easiest ways to make your home look more elegant and up the wow factor. You can just grab what’s on the shelf at your local home improvement store and go.
Photo: Michael Luppino, This Old House
Update Your Hardware
Now that you’ve painted your kitchen cabinets, their dated handles will give away the age of kitchen, so don’t forget the hardware! You can find lots of different styles at your local hardware or home improvement store. This is a great tip for refreshing your furniture as well. New drawer pulls can breathe new life back into your dresser!
So many options!
Beautify the Bath
Next to the kitchen, bathrooms are the most important rooms to update. Simple things, like a new toilet seat and a pedestal sink are easy to install and they make a huge difference in the overall look of the bathroom. You can even cover old flooring with easy-to-apply vinyl tiles. If your tub and shower are looking dingy, consider re-grouting the tile and replacing any chipped tiles.
A pedestal sink and a fresh coat of paint instantly updates this small bathroom.
Allison DePesa Real Estate 