by Mike Ohrberg, Director of Restores
Summer is upon us and so are longer days and extended sunlight. Take this opportunity to upgrade your home and breathe new life into your living space. If you focus your resources in the right areas, little changes can make a huge difference in the way your home looks. Supplies for all suggestions below can be found at the Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley ReStores, located in Temecula and Lake Elsinore.
Start with the Front Door! It’s the first thing that you and your guests will see. A fresh coat of paint on the door and the trim will make a huge difference. Add a new door knob and you’ll have the front of your home looking brand new.
Decorate the Porch. Add a few large planters on either side of the door. Include healthy plants with bright colors and blooms that complement each other and the color of your home. Plants should be twice as tall as the pot and include blooming and non-blooming varietals.
Clip Away. Trim back the trees and shrubs that block the street view of your house and windows. You might find that by trimming your yard, more light comes into your home, brightening things up.
Paint. Paint. Paint. The biggest change you can make to any room is painting the walls. A fresh coat of paint can make everything look new again. Additional ideas for getting the most out of new color include painting trim in a contrasting color to the wall for a little extra punch, painting your ceiling a different color, or painting or staining your kitchen cabinets. All or just one of these ideas can give your home a completely different and new vibe.
Picture This! Pick a few of your favorite photos and have them blown up. Inserting them in larger, more dramatic frames will personalize your space. If your paint color is on the brighter side, convert photos to black and white for a bigger and better pop.
Light Things Up! Add accent lighting options like spotlights that plug into existing outlets to direct light on features like plants and art. Install track lighting to the perimeter of a room to give a more “gallery” appeal. Or, change your window treatments to lighter fabrics to let in more sunshine.
Throw Away Old Junk. Get rid of furniture and appliances that you no longer use or need and donate them! This will give your home a more spacious feel. Habitat for Humanity ReStores will pick up your donations at no charge to you.
For more low-cost home improvement ideas and materials, visit a Habitat for Humanity ReStore located in Temecula or Lake Elsinore. Directions to each location can be found at www.Habitat4InlandValley.org or call (951) 676-1221 for more information.