The median age of a home in the U.S. is reported to be about 37 years old, so if you just purchased a place among the Houston houses for sale or in any other city, odds are, it’s an older one. If you want to give it more of an up-to-date look, there are a number of ways to upgrade it that won’t cost you a fortune.
Get Rid of the Wallpaper
Many older homes have wallpaper and if yours is one of them, getting rid of it is one of the first steps you should take to make it look newer. If it’s really old, there may be mold underneath which makes it essential for your family’s health too. “Strippable” wallpaper is much easier – all you have to do is use a utility knife to pry up a seam edge and tug at it gently. Pull down at an angle and it should come off easily, peeling down in a long sheet without leaving residue. Otherwise, rent a wallpaper remover/steamer from your local home improvement store. While you could apply wallpaper paste, soak it in warm water and liquid detergent, and scrape, the minimal cost of renting will be worth avoiding that very challenging job.
Paint Your Cabinets
You don’t have to replace all your cabinets – if the paint is chipping or they’re just looking dull, refreshing them with a new coat of paint.
Switch out Hardware and Doorknobs
Switching out hardware like cabinet handles and drawer pulls, as well as doorknobs can make a dramatic difference. Cooper can provide an especially chic new look although brass and nickel work well too. Doorknobs are another one of the most inexpensive ways to make an old home look new. Brass knobs with a clean, modern silhouette or octagon doorknobs in satin brass provide a more modern, contemporary feel.
Replace the Backsplash
Replacing the backsplash in the kitchen also has a big impact that comes at a low cost – most older homes have outdated backsplash that’s gotten dull or chipped, making the entire space look dated. You don’t have to tear it out if it’s not in your budget, sometimes the simplest approach is best. A new coat of paint is an affordable easy way to change the look.
If you want to do more than paint, for a sleek, modern design, consider a mirrored backsplash. You can even find it in adhesive sheets that can easily be applied over an existing design. Or, all you need for a rustic kitchen look is wood of your choice and liquid nails that will help adhere the planks over existing material.
Improve the Lighting
Brighten up spaces in your home by adding more lighting like floor lamps and table lamps. For dark corners, consider metal can up-lights with the light directed at the dark area. In the kitchen, you might want to install under-cabinet light strips. If overhead lighting is outdated in your kitchen, living areas and/or bathrooms, consider replacing it. You can also install dimmer switches which will allow you to change up the mood of your rooms which can help save on energy too.
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