Projects you can get done in a weekend
5 quick and easy ways to make your home feel upgraded
For those with busy schedules, tackling home improvements can seem overwhelming. But upgrading your space doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive. These five projects will rejuvenate your space without the stress of an extensive remodel.
1. Erase wall markings
Over time, scuff marks and grime can build up on your walls and make your space seem dingy. Spend a few hours scoping out marks, fingerprints and dirt on your walls, and attack them with a melamine sponge. Simply wet the sponge, squeeze out the excess water and rub spots away. This quick wall refresh will make your paint look cleaner than it has in years.
2. Tackle grout stains
You fell in love with your tile floors because they’re durable, water-resistant and cost-effective. But you’ve started to notice that the grout is dirty, stained or discoloured. With a toothbrush and an afternoon spent scrubbing the grout, you can make it look as good as new. One cleaning agent popular for the task is a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. If you want something fast, use a grout whitening pen to fill in discoloured places as needed. The result should be crisp, restored grout lines.
3. Get an instant accent wall
No time for a paint project? No problem! Use self-adhesive wallpaper for an ultra-fast accent wall that will instantly transform your space. These wallpapers come in all kinds of styles, including stick-on inspirational quotes, high-resolution photographs and solid colours and patterns. If you’re craving a change but don’t want to mess with your walls, consider sticking wallpaper to the risers on your stairs for a multidimensional effect. No matter where it goes, self-adhesive wallpaper will add texture to your home and revive your space.
4. Fix little nicks
If there’s noticeable wear and tear on your wood finishes or furniture, there’s no need to get them replaced. Just show them a little TLC. Use wood filler putty to fill in big nicks and cracks, then wait for it to dry. Next, sand the putty smooth and stain it to match the rest of the wood. For smaller scratches, use a stain marker to fill in the chipped areas. And for something even simpler, crack open a walnut and rub it on microabrasions to smooth them out.
5. Swap out hardware
Outdated cabinet hardware can make your kitchen or bathroom look drab. Choose some replacement pulls, knobs and handles to give your space a quick, high-impact update. Pro tip: If you’re having a hard time deciding between a few different hardware styles, buy one of each and test them out before committing to an entire set. Once you choose the perfect hardware, simply unscrew your old knobs and change them out for a whole new look.