5 Small Home Upgrades That Make a Big Impact

Many people think large upgrades are needed to give their home a new look, but that’s not the case. You’d be surprised at how a few small upgrades can completely transform your home. It can be as easy as adjusting the lighting in your home or adding a few houseplants to the space. Here are some small and cost-effective upgrades you can make to improve your home:

1. Lighting

Upgrading your lighting can make a big difference in the ambiance and mood of your home. Consider replacing outdated or dim lighting fixtures with new ones that offer more light. To maximize the amount of natural light in your home, try to keep furniture from blocking windows and keep up a regular window cleaning routine.  

2. Paint

A new coat of paint can transform a room and make it feel fresh and inviting. Neutral colors are always recommended if you’re thinking of selling your home in the next 5 years. Certain paint colors can even make your space feel larger and brighter. If you’re hoping to create a certain mood throughout your home, find colors to achieve that goal. For example, to create a calm and serene space, neutral shades of blue are a great option. 

3. Hardware

Swapping out old hardware, such as doorknobs, cabinet handles, and drawer pulls, can give your home a modern and cohesive look. Choose hardware that matches your decor and style, and you’ll be surprised at the impact it can make. There are a number of stores both online and in-person that sell affordable hardware. If you’re looking for a dark iron look, here’s an affordable option from Amazon (and they come in a 10-count). 

4. Windows

The right window treatments can enhance your home’s style and provide privacy and insulation. Upgrade to curtains or blinds that match your decor and provide the right amount of light and shade. You may find that not every window needs curtains, but sometimes curtains are all it takes to tie an entire room together. 

5. Plants

Adding a few plants to your home can bring life and color to any room. Not only do they purify the air, but they also add a sense of calm and tranquility. Choose plants that are easy to care for, such as succulents or snake plants, and watch your home come to life. A great place to find affordable, live plants is IKEA

These small upgrades are great to implement if you’re trying to switch up your environment or if you’re preparing to put your home on the market. If you’re thinking of selling your Long Beach home, we can provide even more tips to attract potential home buyers. Download our Home Seller’s Guide below for more information.

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About the Author

Shannon Jones has been selling real estate since 1998 and specializes in listing and marketing homes. She has consistently been one of the top Realtors in the Long Beach area. Prior to her award-winning career in real estate with the Shannon jones Team, Shannon has had successful careers in journalism and public relations. She holds a bachelors degree from UC Irvine and a masters degree from UC Berkeley. Shannon holds E-Pro, CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert), and PSC (Pre-Foreclosure Specialist) certifications. Shannon is very personable and maintains a very strong moral compass, always putting the best interest of home buyers/sellers above monetary goals. A California native, Shannon enjoys gardening, travel, reading, cooking and poker when she’s not selling homes MY DESIGNATIONS Lic# 01247705 | CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert) | E-Pro | PSC (Pre-Foreclosure Specialist) MY SERVICE AREAS Anaheim Bellflower Buena Park Carson Cerritos Cypress Downey Fountain Valley Garden Grove Huntington Beach La Palma Lakewood Long Beach Los Alamitos Los Angeles County Norwalk Orange County Rossmoor San Pedro Seal Beach Signal Hill South Bay Westminster