If you’re looking for a change of pace, sprucing up your home with fun, new features this year might be the place to start.
Updating your space can be energizing, especially at the start of a new year.
These changes can be decorative or functional—whatever best meets your needs.
Whether you’re looking to modernize an outdated style or try out some creative design ideas, there are endless ways to spice up your home.
Here are eight ideas to get you started:
1. Accent Walls
We all know how a fresh coat of paint can transform a space, but painting an entire room can seem daunting.
Maybe you don’t have the time, or perhaps you don’t want to commit to a bold new color. Trying out an accent wall might be the solution.
Choose just one wall in your room to test out a bright color or pattern. You can even go for a temporary wallpaper that gives you the option to remove it if you change your mind.
Either way, an accent wall will change up your space with less effort while looking intentional.
2. Outdoor Lounge
Utilizing your outdoor space is a great way to have more fun at home.
Whether you have a porch, patio or yard, there are plenty of ways to transform your space into a cool lounge area.
Installing a fire pit or hammock would encourage kids to spend time outside or give mom and dad a place to relax. A picnic table can make family mealtime more fun in warmer weather.
You can really customize your space to fit your lifestyle.
3. Smart Appliances
Smart appliances have been on the rise over the past few years.
Whether it be voice-activated lighting or a smart home security system, new technology can make your home feel modern and high-end.
You can splurge on a smart refrigerator or go for a practical option like security cameras you can check from your phone.
Smart technology can provide the convenience and freshness your home has been lacking.
4. Gallery Wall
Another way to redecorate a room is by creating a gallery wall. This technique is simply putting up a cluster of picture frames and art together on a wall.
Rather than placing one piece on each wall of a room, try focusing on one statement wall.
This option can be cheap, too. You might already have picture frames at home that could be put to better use. You can also buy unique frames at thrift stores or repaint plain frames.
Once you collect a few frames to work with, fill them with photos, your children’s drawings, or images you find online.
Then, hang them on the wall in an interesting configuration, playing around with asymmetry rather than putting them in a straight line.
5. Reading Nook
Try transforming an unused corner in your home into a cozy reading nook.
Find a comfy chair perfect for relaxing with a book. Add a lamp, bookshelf or end table nearby, and your reading nook is complete.
Having a designated space for reading is a fun way to encourage you or your family to pick up a book. Imagine cozying up in a nice lounge chair and reading fairy tales to your kids before bed.
6. Vintage Pieces
Vintage furniture and decor can add an intriguing flare to your home.
Scope out your local thrift store or ask your older relatives if they have any pieces they don’t use anymore. Some will be in great condition, while others might need a touch of paint or new fixtures.
Giving a vintage item new life will be worth it.
Repurposing an older item is also a more sustainable option than buying new furniture.
As an added bonus, your vintage furniture will stand out from the department store pieces everyone else has.
7. Pops of Color
While neutral color schemes have been in style for a while, bringing color to your home can breathe new life into it.
Try adding colorful pillows to a beige couch or a fun backsplash to an all-white kitchen for some visual interest.
This idea can also be fun for children. If their bedroom is painted white, let them pick out their favorite paint color or a bright new bedspread.
Color can encourage them to be creative and surround themselves with something that brings them joy.
8. Bonus Room
Do you have a guest bedroom that hasn’t been used in a while? Or a dreary basement your family avoids?
While these spaces may have been useful at some point, think of how they could better serve you and your family.
Maybe a home gym or office would make it easier to form better exercise or work habits. If you’re struggling to find ways to spend time with your kids, a movie or game room could do the trick.
Make Your Home More Fun This Year
Updating your home may sound like a big investment, but even the smallest change can make a difference.
Think about what spots in your home are due for an upgrade, or ways you could make your space more functional. If you consider functionality along with style, you’ll be more satisfied with the end result.
Whether you’re breaking out the paint or hunting for new furniture, be sure to have fun in the process!