Big Impact Improvements That Are Easier Than You Think

When we think about home improvements, our minds can often wonder to thoughts of knocking down walls, scaffolding, a hundred different trades filing in and out of your home, and months of mess.

But this doesn’t need to be the reality, especially if you look to smaller projects that still add big impact without the hassle.

So, if your home is feeling a little tired, but you haven’t quite got it in you to undertake a full-scale reno, here are six easy home improvements you can probably tackle this weekend.

1. Give your home a fresh coat of paint

A really easy way to make your property feel bright and contemporary is to give it a fresh lick of paint.

Your interior walls are an obvious place to start, but you could also consider painting your doors, window frames and skirting boards, and fireplaces to make them feel more up-to-date.

2. Switch out your fixtures and fittings

Items like taps, cabinet handles, doorknobs and toilet seats may seem like minor features, but newer ones can make a major difference to the overall feel of your home.

They’re also incredibly simple and quick to install, meaning you can do a DIY job in just a few hours – although, taps are a little trickier, so consider calling in a plumber.

Plus, you can choose from a range of styles and materials to suit your taste – from moody and modern black tapware to antique bronze drawer pulls.

3. Install new window coverings

You’ve got windows in every room in your home, so updating the coverings throughout makes a big statement – yet requires little effort.

High-quality softshades, like Pirouette Shadings from Luxaflex, can help your home feel clean and sophisticated, while plantation shutters are ideal if you’re after a Hamptons aesthetic.

If you’ve already got window coverings like blinds and shutters installed in your home, layering them with sheer curtains adds depth and elegance to your space.

4. Refinish your floors

Floors are some of the hardest-wearing parts of your home – especially if you’ve got pets or kids – so it doesn’t take long for them to appear worn out.

If you’ve got floorboards, have them resanded and repolished to get them looking good as new. If the wear is fairly negligible and you’re up for the task yourself, you can buy some floor polish to remove small scuffs.

Got carpet? Book in a professional carpet clean to remove any stains, embedded dust and dirt, and get your carpets looking immaculate.

5. Update your lighting

Lighting has a huge impact on a room, particularly when it comes to ambiance.

If you’ve only got overheads in your living room, for example, consider purchasing a few floor lamps with warm white bulbs to make the space feel cosier and more inviting.

If you’re struggling to see what you’re doing in the kitchen, a cleverly placed lamp can help illuminate the darkest corners of your counters.

And if you’d like your garden to have a bit more wow factor at night, think about installing some uplights, spike lights, lanterns or deck lights. Bonus points if they’re solar-powered.

6. Improve your facade

Impress your guests as soon as they arrive (and improve your property’s curb appeal) by sprucing up your home’s facade.

Paint the front door, replace your house numbers, update your awnings, get a new letterbox and add some plants to your entryway.

You can go for a more neutral and homely look for a more understated first impression, or opt for an eclectic and brightly coloured aesthetic to help your home stand out.