With Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, now is the time to finish up those little projects to prepare your home for entertaining, cooking, and making memories with your family. Here are some ideas to make your home and hearth warm and inviting for the holiday season:
1. If you don’t have time to remodel your kitchen, add a little flair by painting those old cabinets! Painting cabinets can be transformative for a kitchen because it instantly updates the look and feel of the space without a complete renovation. Benefits of painting cabinets instead of replacing them:
- Modernized Outdated Finishes: Older cabinets often have wood tones or finishes that may feel dated. A fresh coat of paint, especially in neutral or trending colors, brings them into the current style.
- Cost-Effective Refresh: Replacing cabinets can be costly and time-consuming. Painting them is more budget-friendly and can often be done as a DIY project.
- Adds Visual Interest: A new color can add contrast and depth to your kitchen. For example, painting the lower cabinets a darker shade while keeping the upper ones light creates a visually pleasing contrast.
- Brightens the Space: Many kitchens feel dark because of heavy wood tones. Painting cabinets in light colors like white or light gray can make the space feel more open and inviting.
- Easier to Clean and Maintain: Painted cabinets with high-quality, washable paint are easier to clean, which is a big plus in a high-use space like the kitchen.
- Increases Home Value: A fresh, modern kitchen can appeal to potential buyers, as it’s one of the most valued spaces in the home. Painting cabinets is a relatively simple way to make the kitchen look more valuable without breaking the bank.
2. Refinish your stairs (railings, treads, and steps) with paint or stain. Refinishing stairs with paint or stain can completely elevate the look of your entryway, adding personality and warmth. For the best results, choose durable, non-slip finishes. This simple update can create a significant impact, making your entryway feel new and thoughtfully styled. Benefits of staining or painting your stairs and railings include:
- Creates a Welcoming Atmosphere: Stairs are often one of the first things you see in an entryway. A fresh finish, whether paint or stain, can make them look inviting and reflect the style of the rest of your home.
- Enhances Natural Beauty: Staining highlights the wood grain and brings out the wood’s natural beauty. This can look timeless and add richness to the entryway. It’s a classic option for a warm, organic look.
- Provides Modern, Clean Lines with Paint: Painted stairs, especially in contrasting colors like black and white or two-tone shades, give a clean, modern aesthetic. This approach works exceptionally well in contemporary or minimalist homes.
- Cost-Effective Refresh: Refinishing with paint or stain is a relatively affordable way to upgrade the look of your stairs without a complete overhaul, which is particularly valuable if you’re renovating on a budget.
- Adds Durability: High-quality paint or stain protects the wood from wear and tear. Adding a layer of clear sealant on top enhances durability, making the stairs easier to clean and maintain.
- Customized Look: With paint, you can add patterns like stripes or stenciled designs or even paint just the risers for a unique look. On the other hand, Stain offers varied shades to match or complement other wood finishes in your home.
3. Update your fireplace and mantel as the holiday-ready focal point for your family and friends’ holiday spirit, festive warmth, and, of course, your Christmas stockings! Preparing your fireplace and mantel for the holidays is a wonderful way to create a festive, cozy focal point. Here are some ideas to make it magical:
- Paint the Fireplace Surround: A fresh coat of paint, especially in bold or neutral colors, can transform the fireplace surround. Light colors like white or gray can make it look modern and bright, while darker shades like navy or charcoal add drama and sophistication.
- Add a Tile or Stone Overlay: Tile or stone to the surround creates a sleek and updated look. This change can set a new tone for the space, from classic marble to trendy geometric tiles or rustic stacked stone.
- Install a New Mantel: Replacing or adding a mantel provides a stylish ledge to display decor. Wooden mantels bring warmth, while metal or stone mantels offer a more modern edge.
- Use Shiplap or Wood Paneling: Adding shiplap or other paneling to the wall above the fireplace gives it a charming, cottage-inspired feel, making it a cozy focal point.
- Update with a Glass or Metal Screen: Switching out an old fireplace screen with a new glass or metal design can add a contemporary touch. Glass doors create a sleek look, while a metal screen can add industrial or rustic charm.
- Install Built-Ins or Shelves: Adding built-in shelves or floating shelves on either side of the fireplace can frame it beautifully, giving the whole wall a cohesive, custom look. It’s also a great way to add storage and display space.
- Use Decorative Fireplace Surrounds: Add depth by placing a decorative surround or hearth. Carved wood, cement, or cast-iron surrounds create a unique, finished look that enhances the fireplace’s character.
- Add a Mirror or Art Above: Hanging a large mirror, piece of art, or even a stylish TV above the fireplace draws the eye upward, creating visual height and making the whole area feel grander.
- Update the Hearth with a New Material: If it is outdated, try swapping it with slate, marble, or concrete for a clean, modern look. This small change can enhance the whole aesthetic.
- Install Fireplace Lighting: Wall sconces or recessed lights on either side of the fireplace add a warm glow, drawing attention and creating ambiance.
4. Freshening up your front door and porch can infuse the holiday spirit before guests enter. Updating your front door and porch for the holidays creates a festive and welcoming entrance! Here are some ideas and updates to make your front porch and door feel inviting and ready to welcome guests throughout the holiday season!
- Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint: Choose a seasonal color like deep red, navy, or forest green, or go classic with black or white for versatility year-round. A fresh paint job brightens the door and makes it stand out as an inviting focal point.
- Powerwash the Porch: Powerwashing removes built-up dirt, grime, and moss, making the porch look cleaner and more vibrant. To refresh the area, focus on the floor, railings, siding around the porch, and steps.
- Add a Festive Wreath: Hang a holiday wreath on your newly painted door for a pop of seasonal charm. Evergreen wreaths with pinecones, berries, or ornaments are traditional, but you can also choose wreaths with dried oranges, eucalyptus, or even a frosted look for a wintery touch.
- Layer Doormats for Extra Warmth: Place a large outdoor rug in a seasonal pattern under a “Welcome” or holiday-themed doormat. Layering adds texture and dimension, making the entrance feel cozier and well-dressed.
- Decorate with Garland: Drape garlands around the door frame, the porch railing, or even the windows near the door. Add fairy lights, pinecones, or ornaments for extra sparkle and depth.
- Light Up the Space with Lanterns and String Lights: Place lanterns on either side of the door or along the porch steps, and fill them with LED candles or fairy lights. String lights around the porch railing or wrap them around nearby bushes to give a cozy, twinkling glow.
- Incorporate Holiday Planters: For added greenery and height, flank the door with large planters filled with winter greens, mini trees, or poinsettias. Decorate the planters with ornaments, bows, or fairy lights to match your color scheme.
- Add Seasonal Signs: Display a “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Holidays,” or “Welcome” sign on the porch for a cheerful, welcoming touch. Rustic wooden signs or chalkboards work beautifully and can be styled to match any decor.
- Include Cozy Blankets and Pillows on Seating: If you have porch seating, add plaid or faux fur blankets and pillows in seasonal colors for a cozy, lived-in look. Choose outdoor fabrics for durability and tie them into your holiday theme.
- Use Pinecones, Berries, and Natural Accents: Add pinecones, holly berries, or even faux snow on the planters, lanterns, or along garlands for extra texture and a natural, festive touch.
5. What is the most used room in the house when you have guests? Besides the kitchen, it’s all about that guest bathroom! How can you make an impression with your bathroom without spending too much time or throwing money down the toilet? Here are some ideas to transform your bathroom into a sanctuary of style and comfort with quick and simple upgrades.
- Paint the Walls or Cabinets: A fresh coat of paint on the walls or cabinets can completely transform the bathroom. Choose a light, neutral color to make it feel open, or go bold with a deep color for drama. Painting the vanity in a trendy shade, like navy or sage green, is also a stylish option.
- Swap Out Hardware: Changing cabinet handles, drawer pulls, and towel bars is a simple, affordable way to update the bathroom’s look. Brushed brass, matte black, or chrome finishes instantly make cabinets look more modern.
- Add Peel-and-Stick Tiles or Wallpaper: Peel-and-stick tiles or wallpaper are budget-friendly, renter-friendly, and come in endless styles. Use them as a backsplash, accent wall, or to cover outdated flooring. You get the look of a remodel without the commitment.
- Upgrade the Mirror: Replace a small, outdated mirror with a larger or framed one for added style. If you already have a plain mirror, try adding a DIY frame around it to make it stand out.
- Install New Light Fixtures: Lighting makes a big difference. Swap old fixtures for budget-friendly options in trendy finishes, or install inexpensive LED vanity lights for a brighter, fresher look.
- Add Floating Shelves: Floating shelves are both stylish and functional. Use them to store or display towels, plants, candles, or small baskets. They add storage and can be installed above the toilet or beside the vanity.
- Refresh with New Textiles: New towels, a stylish shower curtain, and a fresh bath mat can bring in new colors and textures. Opt for colors and patterns that complement your bathroom’s color scheme.
- Frame the Shower or Tub: Install a shower curtain rod higher to make the ceiling look taller, and choose a curtain in a light, neutral color or a fun pattern to add personality. If you have a glass shower, a deep clean and fresh sealant can make it look brand new.
- Use Plants and Greenery: Small plants add life and color to the space. Low-light options like snake plants or pothos do well in bathrooms, even with limited natural light. Hanging planters or small pots can be used on shelves or in the vanity.
- Replace the Faucet: A new faucet can add modern appeal without breaking the bank. Go for a style that complements the rest of your hardware for a cohesive look.
- Add a New Toilet Seat: Replacing an old toilet seat with a new, modern one is inexpensive and makes a surprising difference in comfort and cleanliness.
- Install a Stylish Towel Hook or Rack: Replacing your towel bar with modern hooks and racks can add function and flair. Hooks also make it easier for multiple people to hang their towels without taking up much wall space.
- Use Clever Storage Solutions: To organize and declutter, add baskets under the sink, behind the toilet, or on shelves. Clear jars or small organizers on the counter also add style while keeping essentials within reach.
Call My Three Sons for a free estimate today. Whether your project is large or small, commercial or residential, exterior or interior, we have years of experience and a highly skilled team to beautify your home or office. Call today to receive a FREE quote for your project.
Although we paint, stain, and pressure wash, every painting company does that. That’s not WHY we exist. We exist to create the Happiest Customers (and Employees) on the Planet while offering the most professional and exceptional services to every residential and commercial customer with the highest degree of responsibility, reliability, and integrity. We also offer a wide array of remodeling and building services.
