A surge in home improvement projects accompanied COVID-19, from installing pools to renovating kitchens and bathrooms. Reasons for this uptick vary, with some homeowners taking advantage of increased time and stimulus money to complete planned tasks and others trying to offset the boredom of confinement in the same space for a year.

Still others were incentivized by the increases in home equity, with research showing that it rose by $17,000 for the average homeowner in 2020, and home prices continuing to spike in 2021. Even those not looking to sell at the moment are still investing in their homes for the future. Regardless of which category you fall into, there are plenty of ways to revive your home and give it a fresh feel. Here are three easy tips for doing so.

1. Rearrange Your Furniture

One of the biggest advantages of this tip is that it is absolutely free. All you have to shell out is a little time and labor to make your space appear completely different. Furthermore, rearranging furniture can have positive effects on your mental well-being, since studies have proven that your surroundings have a major impact on how you feel. It also offers an outlet for creativity, can lift your mood, and allows you to feel productive. A reorganized living space even helps reduce stress.

Move your sofa to the opposite wall. Place a chair by the window instead of the fireplace. You can even swap the pieces in different rooms. Whatever style of furniture you have, by essentially repurposing it, you can make your environment take on almost any vibe, from warm and cozy to open and free, all without spending a penny or dealing with the uncomfortable twinges of buyer's remorse.

2. Do Something Different With Your Walls

Check out how various colors affect your mind and pick out a new one for your walls. If you are fond of your current color scheme, you can freshen up the existing coat of paint to cover up any flaking patches or cracks, allowing you to still enjoy a sense of newness.

If the thought of busting out a brush and a can of paint leaves you unenthused, wallpaper may be the alternative you're looking for. It comes in a wide variety of attractive design options, from plain to elegant. There are even print-on-demand services that offer custom wallpaper for you to express yourself, and you’ll have the added benefit of not having to worry about your chosen pattern running out of stock. If messes make you anxious, you can bypass the water and paste and head straight for peel-and-stick wallpaper, which comes with adhesive already attached and is easy to place, remove, and reposition.

3. Touch Up Your Property

The outdoors can rejuvenate you. If you don't have the time for a hike or a camping trip in the woods, a few additions to your yard can impart a similar peace. Invest in natural landscaping. Add touches like a fountain, koi pond, or rugged stones. Plant shrubs or trees, and seed the yard with flowers or vegetables.

There are multiple ways you can revive your home. As a bonus, many of these changes may lead to improved mental health as well as enhanced aesthetic appeal and higher home equity.

Buying or selling a home in the Plymouth, MN area? The Scates Real Estate team of experienced and dedicated professionals can help! (612) 877-2100