Essential Home Improvement Tips
Essential Home Improvement Tips 
Are you ready to revamp your home but don’t know where to start? Home improvement is a necessary (and often overwhelming) task for home owners. Getting started can be the most difficult part of the process, so we’ve compiled a list of five simple projects that can be completed in just a few hours and will make a huge difference in your home’s functionality and appearance.
- Transform the Mood of Your Rooms
Unwinding after a stressful day becomes much easier without glaringly bright lights in every room. Change the ambiance of your home in an instant by adding dimmer switches, which typically fit into a standard wall box and are easy to install. Unlike old school dimmers, modern versions are energy efficient. A dimmer switch can be purchased for less than $20, making for an affordable upgrade you’re likely to utilize and appreciate every day!
Helpful Hints: Pick up a voltage detector and dimmable light bulbs when purchasing your dimmers, and be sure to turn off the power to the existing switch before beginning this project.
- Make a Magnet Wall
Avoid adding unnecessary holes in your walls, and create a designated space for artwork and other keepsakes by using magnetic paint. Simply choose a small area, as magnetic paint tends to be pricey, and use 2-3 coats for a strong magnetic surface. For best results, paint over the area using the same shade as existing wall after the magnetic paint dries.
Helpful Hint: Opt for heavy duty magnets to ensure your keepsakes stay in place.
- Turn a Dresser into a Kitchen Island
Installing a kitchen island can be an expensive, time-consuming task. Get creative by transforming an old dresser into a makeshift island. If you don’t have a suitable dresser at home, consider looking at nearby thrift stores, garage sales, or online auction sites. Choose a dresser that is a comfortable height for cooking or dining. Adding legs is also an option. You’ll also want to add a wood top slightly bigger than the dresser. Simply paint (and distress, if you wish) and you have a beautiful, functional furniture piece your family can gather around.
Helpful Hints: Add antiquing glaze for a pretty, vintage aesthetic.
- Add a Nostalgic Touch to Existing Furniture
If you have a coffee table in your living room, consider creating a collage of photos, pressed flowers, and other memorabilia and topping it with a piece of custom glass. Many home improvement stores will cut glass to meet your specific needs.
Helpful Hints: Thicker glass is often heavy and hard to maneuver, so opt for glass up to ¼”. Change out photos and décor seasonally to keep the area a fun, ever-changing focal point.
- Renovate Outdated Appliances with Stainless Steel Contact Paper
If upgrading your kitchen appliances is on your to-do list, why not buy time with stainless steel contact paper? The elegant finish will completely transform the appearance at a fraction of the cost.
Helpful Hints: Clean the surface well with warm water and dish soap before applying the contact paper. Measure each surface in advance to ensure you have enough paper.
These simple home improvement tips will save you time, energy, and money. Why not try all five?