Owning a home requires maintenance – certain things need to be cleaned or changed, paint needs to be refreshed every once in a while, the weeds need to be pulled – but have you ever considered doing an upgrade to freshen up your home? While a home renovation can be costly and stressful, there are some things you can do to make your home more conducive to your lifestyle without the help of an outside contractor. Here are some easier upgrades to consider for your Southern Maryland home.

Give the Cabinets a Makeover

Outdated kitchen cabinets can make your home feel dated and drab, but there’s no need to break the bank by ripping them out and installing new ones – just paint them. Painting your kitchen cabinets will take a bit of time and energy, but the end result will certainly be an upgrade. Be sure to remove the hardware and sand them down prior to painting. Once the paint job is complete, update the drawer and door handles to something a bit more modern or with a bit more character. If you like the look of the finished product, do the same in your bathrooms.

Landscape

Landscaping can do wonders for your home’s curb appeal, but unfortunately it’s often overlooked. Not everyone has a green thumb, but with the help of gardening websites and the gardening professionals at your local nursery, your yard can be transformed. Consider creating some raised flower beds, or planting additional trees or flowering shrubs. The options are endless. It’s best to layer the plants with the tallest towards the back, and be sure to pay attention to spacing instructions when planting to ensure the plants have enough space to take root and thrive.

Increase the Storage

Storage is a hot commodity for any homeowner, but it also can add some architectural elements to your home. Floating shelves are a quick and relatively inexpensive upgrade for smaller spaces such as bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms. In larger areas such as a living room or family room, consider adding a built in bookshelf.

Wallpaper

Wallpaper has come a long way and is now quite easy to install and remove. We aren’t talking about that wallpaper that was in your grandmother’s kitchen either – today’s designs are bold with amazing designs and graphics, making your room look as if it was done by a professional.  This wallpaper is easily installed and can be reused, so don’t be intimidated by the horror stories of wallpapers past. When using bold patterns, it’s a good idea to do one focal wall in each room.

Add an Outdoor Space

Don’t have a deck or a patio? No problem, you can still create an outdoor living space without breaking the bank, but how lavish you make it will depend on your budget. Your outdoor living area can be as simple as a few chairs with end tables and some potted plants, or it can be a bit more on the fancier side by laying down pavers, installing a pergola, hanging some string lights, furniture, and a fire pit. Either way, you’re adding square footage to your living space and you’ll be encouraged to spend some more time outside.

 

 

It’s good to stay on top of general upkeep, but also treat yourself to an upgrade. What are some of your favorite home upgrades?