Author: Mason

If you want to increase the value of your home, then you should take the time to beautify the exterior. This will also help you if you plan on selling your home in the future. There are several inexpensive ways that you can beautify the exterior of your home.

Go Green

One of the easiest ways that you can beautify the exterior of your home is to go green. Add some flowers and greenery. If you don’t want to plant a garden, then you can add some window boxes and planters.

Take Good Care of Your Lawn

Maintaining your lawn will help improve your curb appeal. You will need to make sure that you keep the grass cut. You will also need to spend some time raking leaves and pulling weeds. Additionally, you should keep your lawn watered in order to prevent brown spots from developing.

Lawn care shouldn’t take a lot of your time if you make it a regular part of your routine. However, if you find that caring for a lawn is too tedious, then you can get artificial turf.

Clean Out Your Gutters

Your gutters are responsible for keeping water away from your home. However, they won’t be able to do their job if you do not keep them clean. That is why you will need to clean out your gutters on a regular basis.

Pressure Wash Your Home

Power washing your home can remove years of grime and dirt. You will also need to power wash your sidewalk, walkway, siding, and porch. If you don’t have a power washer, then you rent from Lowe’s or Home Depot. A pressure washing service could be your best option for this.

Fix It Up

Small repairs can make a major difference in your home. You will need to replace burnt-out bulbs and paint over chipped areas. Walk around your home and see if there is anything that needs to be fixed.

Use Outdoor Furniture the Smart Way

You can enhance your home with outdoor furniture. However, you have to use the furniture the right way. Too much or too little furniture can defeat the purpose. Too little furniture can look neglected and scarce. Too much furniture can appear cluttered.

You should try to find a happy medium. You will also need to keep your furniture clean.

Makeover the Mailbox

Your mailbox is probably not something that you pay a lot of attention to. However, it can make a major difference in your home. If you have had your mailbox for a while, then you may want to upgrade to something that is more stylish. It typically costs $50 to $20 to replace a mailbox.

A thoughtful lighting design has the power to transform your space! While many consider it to be a mostly functional necessity, lighting can do so much more to bring personality to your home. It can be used in creative ways to highlight special areas of your home, and can be leveraged to simplify day-to-day life!

The Right Bulb

There are many types of bulbs, and perusing the aisles of the hardware store can be daunting. DIY extraordinaire and home designers recommend focusing on Lumens instead of watts, as Lumens measure the actual light emitted rather than the energy used. Kelvin is the other important measurement and determines the temperature color of the bulb, impacting the mood of a space. 3000K and 750 Lumens bulbs are her recommendations for most lamps.

Types of Lighting

There are three basic types of lighting: ambient, accent, and task lighting. Ambient lighting provides overall, even lighting to a space and is the first type of lighting you add to your room. Ambient lighting includes overhead lighting and stairwell lighting that helps you see what you’re doing. Accent lighting is non-essential light that shows off special items or places in your home. Accent lights are often wall sconces, track lighting, recessed lights, or any lights in a very small area, such as a cabinet. Task lights help you get a particular job done, such as reading or cooking. More utilitarian spaces such as the bathroom and kitchen should focus mainly on task lighting.

Layer and Diversify

One light source cannot perform well in every situation. Start with ambient light and layer from there. In a living area where you spend your time relaxing, standing and table lamps are a must. The light from these lamps is high enough to see around you without the harshness of overhead lighting. Accent lighting from library lights or sconces will heighten the ambiance and create a more laid-back feeling. The fixtures you choose can serve as beautiful jewelry for your home; Wayfair has hundreds of affordable choices, while companies like Schoolhouse and Rejuvenation boast more upscale options.

Unexpected accent lighting under cabinets, in closets, or in pantries brings a “wow” factor that will totally elevate your small space. Puck lights or LED strip lights are great options.

Make It Work for You

The most important part of any design plan is its ability to meet your needs. If you pile high your nightstand with stacks of reading material, forgo the lamp and try out a stylish hanging light that will leave room for only books! If you appreciate extra convenience, look into voice-controlled smart lights. Some lighting projects might require you to get help from a licensed electrician.

It might take a few tries to find the right setup for you, but that’s part of the fun in making your home feel truly yours!

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