Fall is the perfect time to refresh certain areas of your home, using these easy, cost-effective ideas.
Curb Appeal.
Take a picture of the entrance to your home on your phone so you’ll have it for easy reference while shopping. Does it look bare or need a wipe down? Is the wreath past its prime? Are the lights dated? How about adding a new door mat? Arrange pumpkins on the steps or porch for fall color, and add flowers like pansies and mums for more color. For covered porches, do the furnishings need new cushions or to be completely replaced? Fall is a great time to buy, with all the summer outdoor furniture sales.
Paint.
We know this one can make a dramatic difference, but what about painting more than the walls — trim, moldings, ceilings, fireplace, hand railings, furniture? Having a monochromatic room in a deep, rich, moody color is very trendy. Paint the ceiling, trim and walls the same color, with different sheens, for a lovely result. Another trend I love is leaving the walls white and painting the trim a color, what I call “reverse trim.”
Lighting.
Lighting can elevate a space in no time. Changing hard-wired items like chandeliers is wonderful and recommended, but sometimes, we need something quicker that doesn’t require an electrician. Battery-operated sconces can be used on a wall art gallery or over a window. Flank an entry table with two sconces. A second lighting change is lamps. Nothing’s easier than changing a shade or replacing a lamp all together. Try Rub’n Buff to change a metal finish or spray-paint wood to bring old pieces back to life.
Prepare now for the holidays, so you can focus on family and friends, confident that your home looks its best.
– Betsy Manley is a proud University of Georgia alumna, who started House Therapy, which brings home makeovers to Acworth. She documents the process and provides tips and tricks along the way.
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