Guest Blog: How to Make an Old Home Feel New Again

If you’re tired of the way your home looks or want to spruce up the outdated house you just bought, there are plenty of ways to do it while still preserving the home’s character. And don’t worry—you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars or an endless amount of time on renovations just to give your house a fresh breath of air. Here are six simple ways you can make your old home feel new without breaking the bank.

1. Declutter

Not only does clutter make your house look like a complete mess, but it can also have negative impacts on your health by increasing stress levels and triggering respiratory issues. To tackle the clutter in your home, spend a few minutes each day tidying up and organize all of your stuff into three piles: one for keeping, one for donating, and one for throwing away. For items you haven’t used in over a year, move them to a more convenient place where you will use them, or get rid of the objects altogether.

2. Upgrade your walls a fresh coat of paint

Paint is one of the most cost-effective and easiest upgrades for homeowners. The average cost to paint a 120-square-foot room is around $100 (this includes the cost of painting supplies like masking tape and paint rollers), and it shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours to complete the job.

If you don’t feel like changing up the color in your home, consider painting your front door. Choose a vibrant color, like teal or deep red, that will make the exterior of your home pop, or opt for a fresh, neutral color that matches the color schema of your house. Be sure to check with your homeowner’s association (if you have one) to determine if there are rules and regulations outlining what colors you can and can’t use on your home.

3. Replace dated fixtures

Swap out old, rusty door knobs and handles for brass or crystal ones — this is an easy and efficient way to make your home feel more contemporary. Before buying a new fixture, remove one of your current knobs or handles to determine how many screws it requires. Your new hardware should match this configuration.

4. Repair (or replace) old appliances

If your dishwasher is on its last leg or your dryer has stopped working, it might be time for an upgrade. However, before you drop a hefty amount on a new appliance, check your home warranty to determine if your appliance is covered. Typically, a home warranty will cover appliances that have failed due to normal wear and tear, letting you replace your old appliance for a new one at a minimal cost.

5. Install new lighting

Lighting can have a huge impact on the entire feel of a room. Replace old light fixtures with modern sconces and LED overhead lights, or incorporate a repurposed chandelier in your dining room or living room for more of an impact. If you don’t want to purchase new lights, keep your curtains and blinds open to let in more natural light.

6. Dress up your furniture

Another way to make an old home feel new is to accessorize your furniture. Dress up your couch with colorful furniture covers, throw pillows or blankets. Add an elegant table runner to your dining room table. Place hand-woven coasters on end tables, organize some books on your coffee table, and leave a vase of flowers (tulips are my favorite) on your entryway table. Swap out weathered drapes in your family room for beautiful linen curtains and make your bathtub pop by adding a beautiful shower curtain.

About the Author:

Kay Carter is a freelance writer from Raleigh, NC. When she isn’t writing about interior design or the latest wellness trend, she enjoys reading, practicing photography, and perfecting the art of making a great cup of coffee.