10 Affordable mini home makeovers pt.2

Trimwork and crown molding are jewelry for walls, doors, and windows. Whether you’re replacing old trim or starting fresh, you can transform a room with trim in a weekend. Give your home a complete look for less with affordable, off-the-rack moldings from a local home improvement center. For a classic, custom look, layer pieces of crown molding around entryways and ceilings.

Give windows a custom look at a cheaper price using DIY window treatments. With a mini blind and midweight upholstery fabric, you can create a charming roman shade to block out sun and boost your color scheme.

A landscaped walkway is a small way to deliver big personality and keep your home fresh, lively, and inviting. Create natural beauty and texture along your front walkway with an assortment of stout perennials.

Start your morning routine on the right foot with the perfect shower experience. A handheld or sliding bar showerhead is easy to adjust for different heights, from tall adults to small children — and pets, too.

An unused hutch, armoire, or bookcase can quickly transform into a beverage station with a little paint and creativity. Store bottles and beverage glasses on open shelves for easy access while entertaining. You can also free up shelf space by outfitting the underside of a shelf with hanging storage for wine glasses. Use drawers and cabinets below to store serving trays, utensils, and linens.

Create a dedicated zone to serve as a central area for often-used games, movies, and media. Here, a media cabinet keeps family members from having to search for game-night accessories. Divided shelves and a combination of shallow baskets, bins, and photo organizers help the space stay organized. Tip: Face boxes and DVD spines outward so they are readable at a glance.

Savor warmer seasons with a simple path that leads the way through your yard or garden. An understated path of irregular-shape flagstones creates a casual, welcoming atmosphere.

Jump-start laundry day by streamlining your sorting ritual. A three-bag laundry sorter encourages organization as a daily routine. The open design with easy-to-read labels helps the whole family see where to place items, saving you time sorting clothes on washday. Small-space solution: Opt for laundry bags that can hang from over-the-door hooks rather than hampers that take up floor or shelf space.

Regulating your home’s temperature is a breeze with a programmable thermostat, and it will save you in the neighborhood of $150 in utility bills each year if used correctly. A new thermostat will be mercury-free and more energy-efficient than an old manual thermostat and can be purchased at local home improvement centers.

Bonus:
Illuminate your deck stairs with low-voltage lighting that will provide long-lasting style and efficiency. Deck and outdoor lighting adds safety and beauty to alfresco spaces and allows you to enjoy time outside well past sunset.