Life, Styled

DIY Home Improvement For The Win:

Projects to Keep You Productive During the COVID-19 Pandemic

By now, you may be over the whole quarantine thing. Sure, the first week or two was kind of refreshing. Being stuck at home was an opportunity to shift your life perspective, spend time with loved ones, and refocus your priorities. But that was a couple of months ago.

If you’re like most Americans, you’re still self-quarantining at some level, and you may be looking for new ways to stay productive. That’s where DIY home improvement projects come in. Below, you will find some practical ideas on home improvements you can make during the pandemic — some simple and others requiring a little more effort.

Cash-Out Refinancing

Your first order of business should be to consider whether or not you will be taking on any major projects and whether you will be able to pay for them. For instance, remodeling the bathroom or kitchen can add a lot of value to your home, but it also costs a significant upfront expense. And with interest rates as low as they are, right now is the ideal time to consider a cash-out refinance. With this kind of refinancing, you can use the cash you receive to complete the larger home improvements on your to-do list.

There are several options for cash-out refinancing, the three most popular being conventional, FHA, and VA cashouts. Do your research to determine which type would work best for your situation, and then contact your lender to see if you qualify.

Refreshing The Bathroom

Out of all the rooms in a home, the bathroom is generally one of the most valuable when it comes time to sell. That’s why giving your bathroom some attention can pay off in the long run. If your master or guest bathroom needs work, take advantage of being home and tackle it now. Things like repairing cabinet doors, re-caulking around the vanity and bathtub, putting in contemporary lighting, and giving the walls a fresh coat of paint can spruce up your bathroom.

Updating The Kitchen

The kitchen is typically the other most valuable room in a home, so consider any ways to boost your kitchen’s appeal and quality. For instance, replacing cabinet handles/knobs, updating the appliances, painting the walls, and adding an island can make a big difference.

If you want to make a significant investment, consider installing new countertops and/or flooring. Moreover, new cabinetry can also transform a kitchen; if your cabinets have seen better years but you don’t have room in your budget for new ones, refacing or repainting them might be a project worth looking into.

If you’re looking to boost productivity while you’re stuck at home, making improvements to your home is one of the best things you can do. Remember to consider cash-out refinancing if you need funding to pay for some of your projects, and look into DIY home security systems if you don’t already have a quality security system. Finally, pay special attention to your bathroom and kitchen to add both appeal and value to your home.

Visit Greenbrook Design’s showroom located in beautiful Uptown Shelby. They proudly serve 16 counties, including Cleveland County, Mecklenburg, Buncombe, Greenville, and Watauga.

DIY Home Security

When it comes to your home, nothing is more important than security. Therefore, if you don’t have a reliable, easy-to-use security system in place, now is the perfect time to change that! And the best part about modern home security is that there are a lot of DIY options.

DIY systems are cost-effective and easy to install, and allow you to monitor your property remotely through a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Research the best DIY home security system for your needs and budget online.

decorating your home for the season

Home is the one space that is dedicated not just to being our place to crash, but also to connection. It’s where we gather with those we love, spend time together doing things we enjoy, and express ourselves through decorating. How we decorate our home matters—it sets the tone, reflects our personality, and makes our space feel warm, inviting, and personal. Adding a few seasonal touches not only personalizes your home but also prepares it for the changing weather, helping it function more efficiently. Even a few simple adjustments can transform your space, and many pieces can be reused year after year. Gather inspiration from decorating blogs like Better Homes and Gardens and start creating a home that feels just right for every season.

Designing a kitchen involves various elements that come together to create a space that is not only functional for your lifestyle but also a reflection of your personal taste. That’s why elements like color, hardware, and lighting are important—but when it comes to the working parts of the kitchen, buying appliances requires a little extra thought. It’s essential to determine which appliances will work best for you, where they should be positioned within the layout, and even how many you’ll need. These decisions can significantly influence your overall design and impact the choices you make during the initial planning phase of your renovation.

When decorating your home, the last thing you want is to look like a cheap knockoff of something elegant. That is why it’s essential to choose your furniture and accessories wisely. You don’t want stuff that will make your space look drab or outdated. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to spruce up your digs without breaking the bank. In this article, we’ll look at simple ways to make your home look elegant on a budget.

The kitchen is one of the most functional areas in the home, as it serves a multitude of needs. It is where we cook for our family, host special gatherings, and celebrate the wins. This is why including these kitchen design features matters, as it means creating a kitchen that works for and with you, leaving you more time for the things that truly matter. Take the time to evaluate your space and the things you do every day, so that when you attend your design meeting, you can share exactly what you need with your designer, and they can tailor your space to meet your needs. We also invite you to visit our showroom located in Shelby, NC, and browse our numerous displays.