DIY Home Facelifts

For some reason, windows are just one of those things that are always overlooked. Treatments can be hard to pick out and hang up — plus, honestly, they are flat-out expensive. But you don’t have to go custom to dress up your windows. Places like Amazon and Wayfair sell stock curtains that will have you questioning whether they’re actually custom or not. You can choose bold, graphic curtain panels, minimalist bamboo shades or the easiest option — simply match the treatments to your walls. Stylish window panels will go a long way toward giving your home a facelift.

Let’s talk about those antiquated ceiling fans that were installed in the early 2000s. You know the ones I’m talking about — they have chunky bases, old on/off hanging strings and some sort of tacky design on the blades.

Ahem. It may be time to switch them out for something new. It doesn’t have to be anything expensive. Amazon has some really good, affordable options.

Next, switch out your light fixtures. Lighting, whether floor lamps or ceiling lights, is one of the elements that can make a huge difference to elevate a whole house. Replacing that old-school flush mount with a sparkly chandelier could turn a simple hallway into one of your favorite moments in the house!

Styling your couch and bed with some new pillows could make them feel brand new. The first step is to choose your color palette. Start with your couch and comforter colors as your base and go from there. Try pairing neutrals — like tan, beige, gray and white — with a subtle linen fabric. Then mix in your bolder tones, like mauve, blue or dark green. Make sure these colors can still gently flow with each other, though. Try to avoid using more than six colors, as it can get a little overwhelming at that point. And if you’re feeling really adventurous, add in a funky throw or blanket for a final, cherry-on-top moment.

With a home facelift, you don’t need to go out and buy all new décor. Instead, get rid of the stuff you really can’t stand anymore and then mix in a few new pieces. This will work to your benefit, creating a dimensional look that balances great “vintage*” accents with your updated décor. Layering items like this will give off an inviting and lived-in, yet modern feeling.

*If you take anything away from this tip, let it be this — always call your existing pieces “vintage” instead of “old.” These words technically mean the same thing, but vintage sounds exponentially cooler.

This might seem simple, but don’t underestimate the power of newly painted walls. A fresh coat of paint really renews a room that may feel outdated, or even archaic. It’s a chance to hit the refresh button and incorporate your personality into your home.

If you’re feeling risky, try an accent wall, or even statement wallpaper. Dare we say a matte black wall or some colorful floral wallpaper? It’ll bring character, dimension and a little bit of funkiness to the space. But remember, before diving into any crazy idea, test it first with a few different swatches.

Just as a fresh coat of paint can make a huge difference, the same goes for new hardware in your kitchen. Honestly, nothing dates a kitchen more than worn, dirty knobs and pulls.

It’s pretty easy to switch out your hardware, and there are so many stunning finishes to choose from, like stainless steel, nickel, copper, brass, bronze and more. For an extremely luxe look, go for the solid brass options from Rejuvenation. You might spend a pretty penny, but that unlacquered brass will be well worth it.