With frigid temperatures hitting the midstate this winter, the last thing on your mind is your ever-growing list of remodeling projects. But instead of hibernating this weekend, make a dent in your to-do list. Bonus: All that handy work is bound to make you break a sweat, which sounds pretty toasty right about now.
Making a Splash
If your kitchen could use an update, take a cue from all those home improvement shows. Funky backsplashes are in right now. And, thankfully, you don’t need a degree in rocket science to install a splash of color and protect the wall around your sink. Look for glass, metal or stone tiles in your favorite hues.
Make sure to measure the entire area you want to cover — multiplying the width by the height — to purchase the correct amount of materials. Use the manufacturer’s preferred adhesive to attach the tile to the wall using spacers. After the adhesive has dried, use grout to fill the spaces in between the tiles. Be sure to wipe off excess grout before it dries and hardens onto the tile.
Tackle Your Entryway
Winter has a habit of reminding families just how much stuff they need to leave the house. Entryways quickly become a maze of backpacks, snow boots, mittens, hats and scarves. If you’re overwhelmed by the dumping ground inside your front door, get organized.
Hang hooks to catch coats — one for each family member, if possible. Build and install a simple bench in your basement workshop to do double duty: Kids can sit on it while putting on shoes, and bins for accessories can be stored underneath. Install extra shelving and a shoe rack in the entryway closet — if there’s a place for everything, there’s a good chance it all will be put away.
Update Your Cabinets
Your bathroom relies a lot on the state of your vanity. If it’s old and dated, chances are the rest of your space will feel that way, too. Sand and paint your vanity to give it a fresh look. If your cabinet doors are smooth, add a bit of detail with moulding before breaking out that brush.
Easily swap out drawer and cabinet hardware to match your faucet fixtures for a cohesive look. And don’t forget about updating accessories such as towel racks and your toilet paper holder to match.
Image: Marcelle Guilbeau
