12 Easy Home Improvement Projects

12 Easy Home Improvement Projects

With so much extra time spent at home these past few months, it’s likely that you’ve noticed some parts of the house that could use a little touching up. Home improvement projects can leave your home feeling refreshed, but you don’t always have to spend a lot of time or money to accomplish them. 

If you’re looking for a change, take a look at these 12 easy home improvement ideas that won’t break the bank or your clock: 

Pressure Wash Your Siding

It’s amazing what pressure washing can do for your house, windows, and outdoor settings. A quick spray with the pressure washer and your home will look polished and fresh. You don’t necessarily have to buy a pressure washer, either. Most home improvement stores have pressure washers available for daily rentals. 

Brighten Your Entrance

Painting a front door is easy and inexpensive. For maximum effect, choose a color that contrasts with the colors of your brick or siding. You could even go bold with an unexpected color, like purple or lime green. Boost your curb appeal even more with a seasonal wreath, outdoor plants, and stylish foot mat. 

Tend to Your Floors

You’d be surprised at how much dirt accumulates on your soft flooring. Renting or purchasing a shampooer is an easy way to polish your carpets and rugs. For wooden floors, you can use wood markers and fillers to hide scratches. 

Enhance the Outdoors

If you have an outdoor space, taking the time to deep clean outdoor furniture and add extra touches, like fairy or walkway lights, will give you a sanctuary right in your own backyard. If you have a green thumb, try your hand at a backyard garden. 

Freshen Up Your Kitchen

You don’t have to buy new cabinets to refresh your kitchen. Instead, give your cabinets a fresh coat of paint. You can also replace the knobs and handles with newer, more updated hardware. After you’ve hit the reset button, take the time to organize your pantry and toss out old kitchen utensils.

Add Inexpensive Upgrades

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get home upgrades that keep your home up-to-date. If you have an older thermostat, you can upgrade to a programmable edition for less than $200. You can also add a smart smoke detector, like the Nest, a smart door lock, or a video doorbell. 

Organize Your Closets

Tackling the closets is a spring cleaning favorite, but adding a few storage baskets,  racks, and shelving is an easy way to keep your wardrobe neat anytime of the year. For utility closets, take the time to label containers for easy access. Clear containers, too,  are great choices for storage, because you can immediately see what you’ve stowed away. 

Bring Plants Inside

Whether fresh or faux, plants make a home feel lively and vibrant. Adding a pop of greenery to your living spaces can also give rooms contrast and provide a strong focal point for the eye. Just make sure that any living plants you bring inside are safe for pets and curious children

Hang a Mirror on the Wall

Mirrors are terrific statement pieces and help direct natural sunlight into your home, making your space look large and cozy. They’re also a safe choice when you’re not sure how you’d like to decorate a space, like a guest room. You can find mirrors in a variety of styles and sizes. 

Create a Backsplash

Peel-and-stick tiles are an easy way to create an eye-catching backsplash on an otherwise plain wall. Backsplashes are especially popular in kitchens and bathrooms, just behind the sink. Can’t find any wall tiles of interest? You can also use adhesive flooring on your walls for an inexpensive backsplash in a variety of patterns. 

Try a Stair Runner or an Area Rug

Switching out your rugs or placing a runner on your stairs is an easy way to give your home a new look. Try out carpets with unique designs and textures to add interest to your rooms, or strive for a minimalist look with solid colors. You might also try an anti-fatigue mat or chef’s mat in the kitchen for a put together look with added comfort. 

Add Plantation Shutters 

Plantation shutters are a classically beautiful way to control the natural light that enters your home. Lighting is a powerful tool for any home, making rooms look larger and more inviting. Plus, plantation shutters offer a layer of privacy to your home. They are also energy-efficient. The structure of plantation shutters helps them to insulate your home, keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter without overworking the thermostat. Many people find that plantation shutters decrease heating and cooling bills. They are also safer for young children than blinds, thanks to the lack of cords. Custom made, hardwood plantation shutters also boost the resale value of your home, making this a home improvement project with a strong impact.

Shenandoah Shutters has been handcrafting custom made, hardwood plantation shutters for 30 years. We service Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia homes from our woodshop in Richmond. At Shenandoah Shutters, we use high-quality American woods and a stunning silken lacquer finish to build beautiful plantation shutters that will last for years to come. 

Ready to Schedule an Appointment for Plantation Shutters?

Contact the team at Shenandoah Shutters today for the ultimate home improvement project. We’ll show you samples, answer your questions, and measure your windows. 

At Shenandoah Shutters, we customize every plantation shutter to fit your window, no matter how unique the size. Have oddly shaped windows? Hoping for a certain plantation shutter style? We can handle it all. You’ll choose from rich stains, creamy whites, and custom colors. We have traditional and contemporary plantation shutter options for all home designs. That’s why we invented the Softedge design, a clean look that hides the hinges of the plantation shutters when they’re closed. 

Explore our products and gallery for a closer look at our plantation shutters.