Happy New Year from the Ebby Blog! We thank you all for making 2013 our best year yet, and we hope you all had a wonderful holiday season! To start of the new year, we’re bring you five tips, big and small, for adding value to your home. Even if you’re not selling, we hope these tips will inspire you to update and make 2014 the best year yet for your home.
1. Light and bright: Light and ambiance are important in every home, no matter the size.
Keep it simple: Add table and/or floor lamps, having light at different heights is important in achieving the right ambiance. Open your blinds and pull back your curtains to make the most out of natural light.
Go big: Knock down a wall to create a more open floor plan, which will allow natural light to flow more easily around your home. Or widen doorways, which should be less costly and will also allow more light in.
For inspiration: A Place to Build or A Place to Entertain
2. Curb appeal: They say don’t judge a book buy it’s cover, but most of us still do.
Keep it simple: Mow your lawn. It’s really that easy. Invest in a lawnmower, or borrow one from a neighbor, either way it will make a huge difference in an unruly yard. Plant some flowers and maybe some bushes, too. No matter the color or variety, they will add life and interest to your yard.
Go big: Add a path to your front door or fix up your driveway, you can find many DIY’s online or hire someone to help you out. Then, plant some trees to add interest and height. They’ll take time to grow, but, like so many other things, your home is a worthy investment for time and money.
For inspiration: A Place to Notice
3. Outdoor space: A deck or patio creates an entirely new way to experience your home.
Keep it simple: If you’re pinching pennies this year, you can find cheap outdoor furniture at many of the big box stores. Throw down an outdoor rug, some chairs, and a table to create a gathering area in your backyard.
Go big: DIY or hire out to create a wood deck or laid-stone patio. From there the possibilities are endless- cozy furniture, a fire pit, an outdoor kitchen, an arbor- let your imagination run wild!
For inspiration: A Place to Go Outdoors
4. Apply a fresh coat: Paint is one of the most inexpensive ways to update your home.
Keep it simple: Apply some fresh of paint, in the same or a new color, to refresh your walls. You’d be surprised at the difference a few coats it can make!
Go big: Buy painter’s tape or hire a pro to detail your walls in the latest chevron or whatever design tickles your fancy.
For inspiration: A Place to Create or A Place to Welcome Others
5. The kitchen: Many say it’s the heart of the home, so give it the attention it deserves.
Keep it simple: Buy some new stools or chairs to change things up. Or paint your cabinets and switch out the hardware.
Go big: Islands are all the rage and don’t seem to be going anywhere any time soon. If you have the space and the budget, consider adding an island with some seating. Updating your appliances and your backsplash are also very effective ways to update the look and feel of your kitchen.
For inspiration: A Place to Cook
We hope these tips will help you start your 2104 on the right foot. If you need some inspiration for updating your home or a specific room, head over to our Pinterest page. Thanks for joining us for OTD!