DIY Projects For The Weekend

Spring is coming Ottawa! Early spring in Ottawa usually means there are a few snowbanks lingering and we can look forward to some rain jump-starting flower growth. The sun is coming out a little more often and temperatures are getting warmer. That means it is time for spring cleaning.

Whether you are looking to get your home ready for sale or just need to spruce the place up a bit. We have the DIY projects and ideas that can help liven up your home for the spring! 

Boost Curb Appeal
This is especially good for those listing in the near future, but it’s great for those who just want to show their home some love too! You can boost the personality of your front entry with these tips:

Front door: Clean that door, if you have windows on your door, grab the Windex. Grab a new welcome mat and a potted plant and you’re good as new.

Replace your address numbers. There are many new contemporary typefaces available, but as well, you can order decals on websites like Etsy to really personalize the look. These numbers are something you rarely think about but it can really add personality to your home.

Update the lighting: Replacing the post light and the front sconces will make your home seem brighter and newer! If you're feeling more adventurous, add some string lights to the front porch and your home will look like a Pinterest post.

Redecorate a Room
Focus on one common area room first, like the dining room, for example.

Walls: Repaint the walls. You could also add an accent wall with a complementary colour or with wallpaper. Change your room design often? Peel and stick wallpaper is a great option. Removal is much quicker and easier than traditional wallpaper.

Ceiling: Remove a popcorn ceiling or add crown molding. If it’s been a while, paint the ceiling first. A bright white ceiling makes a room look larger and cleaner.

Windows: It’s amazing what Windex will do. After the windows are cleaned, replace the window treatments for a fresh look. If you decide to replace the curtain rods, hang them halfway between the top of the window molding and the ceiling. It’ll make the windows seem bigger and the ceiling seem higher.

Furniture; Pick up some new furniture or simply reorganize your arrangement of furniture. You would not believe how relaxing you can make your home feel by decluttering your furniture and improving the flow of the home. 

Spice Up The Kitchen

The kitchen is where we spend most of our time. A clean, well-decorated one is easier on the eyes and makes everyone feel comfier.

Hardware: Update the cabinet hardware- be sure you know how wide the existing hardware is. It’s recommended you bring one to the store to make sure the holes line up with the new pulls you pick.

Update that old faucet to make the sink more functional and feel new. It doesn’t have to be the same finish as the cabinet hardware anymore. People are mixing it up! Make sure the new one complies with the holes already drilled in your sink or countertop. A new faucet will make cleaning your dishes twice as fun for at least a week, guaranteed! 

Backsplash: If you’re really handy, replace the tile backsplash with new tiles.If you're not, you may want to get a professional for this one. The most classic look is a white subway tile with white or charcoal grout. For those who want a quick facelift without all the power tools, your local hardware store will also likely carry adhesive tiles that stick directly onto the wall!

Re-organize Your Storage

If your basement and linen closet resemble the aftermath of an earthquake, this project should go to the top of the list. As overwhelming as it can be to stand in a disorganized room, once you start it becomes therapeutic and cathartic to get rid of the old, dead weight. If you need help with this we have a full blog on the topic that can help HERE. 

Design tip: Paint the insides of your built-in shelves or bookcase a contrasting color. It takes no time and gives an unexpected pop of interest!

Landscaping

This could be more than a weekend project because it’s something that needs care almost every day. But it does take a weekend to get it ready for the season. Seeding the grass, spreading new mulch, pruning overgrown bushes and trees are just the start. Planting annuals for seasonal color and perennials and long-lasting growth keeps the garden looking fresh and well-groomed. After all, landscaping does add value to a home!

You may need to wait for the snow to melt and ground to fully thaw but sprucing up your yard will create a better overall home environment and leave you with a sense of pride.

Mini-Projects

The little details still count and they all add up! 

Sometimes just replacing the curtains in a room makes it seem updated. For those on a time crunch consider these minor DIYs:

Paint the insides of your built-in shelves or bookcase a contrasting color. It takes no time and gives an unexpected pop of interest!

Turn an entryway into a mudroom: A foyer with shoes and backpacks all over the floor is hardly a welcoming space to walk into. Add hooks to the walls for backpacks and get a storage bench to tuck shoes away and you have yourself a functional entryway!

You don’t have to be an interior designer to make your home feel fresh and cared for, but it can be overwhelming when it seems like there is a lot to do.

Break it up by project and try to tackle one thing at a time! Whether you’re sprucing up your house, or prepping your home for sale, these projects can be done by anyone on a weekend!

For more home-owning tips head here!

To find out how to prep your home for sale in spring head here.

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