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Posted by Melissa Lynn Galland on Feb 12, 2019 10:20:16 AM
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The beginning of a new year is always a great time to think about how you can spruce up your home. Sprucing up your home is also an excellent indoor activity to keep you occupied during the colder months. Of course, you can do any of these 15 ideas at any time of the year, so pick a few and plan them out to keep your home decor fresh year-round.

1. Paint Striking Stripes

An accent wall with a bold and vibrant color can transform any room, so why not take it to another level with stripes? Whether you use two neutral shades or bolder, contrasting colors, this Pinterest user has some great tips for painting perfect stripes in just a few hours. Stripes go well on the walls behind bed frames, couches, and other large pieces of furniture. They are also great in rooms that have a simple layout and not much other decor, like a dining room or den. You also don’t have to limit yourself to just two colors for your stripes. Get creative and make your space all your own.

2. Stencil Inspiring Phrases

If you have a favorite quote or phrase, make a permanent statement by painting it on the wall. You can put quotes above door frames, centered on walls, or in the typically blank wall space above the windows. Stencil some motivational phrases in your home office or put a meaningful quote on the stairway wall so you see it every time you enter your home. Whether you use a delicate script or a bold font, you will always be reminded of the words that mean the most to you.

3. Perk Up the Laundry Room

Laundry might not be your favorite chore, but you can make the laundry room more inviting with a few simple Pinterest tips. Hang framed images of clothespins, paint “Laundry” on a rustic barn board, or tidy up the space by putting decorative bins on the shelves to store supplies. A fresh coat of paint in a color that makes you smile will at least make laundry day a little bit less daunting. Paint wicker baskets to match and use them for a practical and pretty place to stow things, or put in an industrial clothes rack for extra-stylish storage.   

4. Build an Outdoor Bench

Sometimes all it takes to transform a patio or porch is some creative seating. Build your own bench with a variety of materials from standard wood to cinder blocks, concrete, and stones. Make a simple cedar seat with built-in planters to add some greenery to your deck. Repurpose other chair parts for an eclectic and rustic-looking bench. Make simple, multiheight platforms and use cushions to make them pop. The options are limited only by your skill set and creativity. Fortunately, many of these DIY bench ideas require few tools or building skills, and you can customize them with paint, fabrics, and materials to match your style.

5. Brighten Up Your Bookcases

Whether they are packed with books or creatively curated with mementos, bookcases and shelves could often use a little livening up. Try this fabric-backed bookcase idea to take your storage to another level. Choose a bold two-tone pattern, an understated floral print, or an elegant symmetrical design to customize your otherwise simple shelving. This idea can also be used in built-in china cabinets or other storage solutions. This is also a great opportunity to let the kids choose the patterns for the shelves in their bedrooms because you can always change them later as their tastes evolve.

6. Get Creative in the Corners

Do you have an empty corner of the house that is just begging to be spruced up? Use some of these ideas for decorating empty corners. Sometimes all you need is a large potted plant to liven up an otherwise dead space. If you’d like something more functional, corner shelves provide both storage and a visually pleasing element in any room. Corners are also a great place to hang beautiful blankets on an old ladder or create a cozy reading nook with an overhead lamp and comfy chair. Decorative baskets also provide extra storage, or ottomans with lids can serve a dual purpose and provide additional seating as well.

7. Put In a Giant Pegboard

You’re used to seeing pegboards in the utility room or garage, but if you increase the scale, giant pegboards provide a practical and artistic way to present your favorite items. One of the greatest things about pegboards is that they are always customizable. When you get tired of one configuration, you can mix it up by moving the pegs around. Pegs can be used to hang ornaments or wreaths and prop up shelves for plants or vases. Put one in the mudroom for hanging scarves and jackets. You can always paint them for a pop of color or leave them as natural wood so the items you place on them stand out on their own.

8. Rethink Your Kitchen Storage

If the kitchen is looking cluttered, it might be time to overhaul your storage solutions. Perk up the pantry with matching jars for dry goods. Use baskets made from natural materials to give it a more homey and rustic feel. Don’t forget to label the bins you can’t see into with pretty script on elegant cards or chalkboard labels that can be easily updated as the contents change. If you prefer to always see inside, look for wire baskets or clear plastic bins for maximum visibility. You’ll always know where everything is, and best of all, it will stay better organized.

9. Pump Up Your Curb Appeal

It might seem like a simple idea, but painting the front door can completely change the way a house looks from the street. Refresh the feel of your house with a sunny and cheery pastel that blends well with the plantings on your porch. Go bold with a bright orange that pops perfectly in autumn and lightens up the drab days in winter. If you’re not quite ready to commit to a paint color, add a seasonal wreath and a new doormat to cheer up your entry.

10. Step Up Your Stairs

Both interior and exterior stairs can be transformed with a little paint or printed contact paper. Use contrasting colors for the risers and treads for a more dynamic look. Put a pattern on the risers that lifts the eyes and puts a spring in your step. You can also use patterned runners to protect the stairs and give them a totally new look. If you have younger kids in the house, use chalkboard paint to give them an indoor creative outlet or to leave sweet messages.

11. Get a Gallery Wall

If you have a pile of pictures waiting to be hung because you don’t know where to put them, design a gallery wall above the couch or in an area where you have plenty of blank space. By mixing materials and objects, you can create your own customized look and vibe. Use frames with different shapes and colors, put in a couple of shelves for small plants, or use various textures to make it feel dynamic and visually stimulating.

12. Give the Guest Room a Touch of Luxury

Give your overnight visitors the experience they deserve by adding a touch of luxury to the guest room. If you’re using the room for extra storage, find a new solution and dedicate the room entirely to guests. Make sure they have plenty of space to stow their own items and add a few touches to make them feel truly at home. Simple touches like a well-stocked coffee station and Bluetooth speaker will allow them to enjoy the space. Put in a comfy reading chair or window seat and upgrade the bedding if it’s been a while since you last did so.

13. Bring Some Life to the Bath

Bathrooms are not often the first place people think to put indoor plants, but they can be the perfect addition to these small spaces. Bath and shower plants can make an otherwise utilitarian space feel more welcoming and comfortable, especially if there are no windows. Choose these plants wisely depending on how much natural light the bathroom gets and make sure they like a more humid climate.  

14. Get Creative with Cushions

Sometimes all you need to do to refresh the look of a room is get creative with the cushions and throw pillows. This goes for the living room, the bedrooms, and possibly even the dining room. Change the arrangement, get new covers so you can mix and match patterns, or try new shapes for an even more dynamic look.

15. Upgrade Your Lighting

Putting in or upgrading pendant lighting can completely change the look and feel of a room. Whether you prefer traditional or modern aesthetics, a well-placed pendant light can make your style choices shine. If you have multiple pendants above an island or in the dining room, consider different heights or shapes to make a truly unique statement.   


Of course, one way to spruce up your home is to start from scratch and build new. When you customize one of the dozens of Adair Homes floor plans, you can get the built-in shelves you’ve always wanted, add a fireplace to decorate every season, or design an outdoor patio for summertime entertainment. Our Home Ownership Counselors are here to guide you through the entire process, so even if you’ve never done it before, you can build a brand-new home. Contact us today to learn more.

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