woman at laptop in kitchen
 • 

Home improvement projects to tackle during your time indoors

Properly is a different kind of real estate brokerage. It's the stress-free, full-service, modern way to move.
Learn more

This winter, you’ll likely find yourself staying inside more often than usual. So why not put that time to good use with a few home improvement projects? 

There’s always something you can upgrade in your space so it better suits your needs and style. Here are a few of our favourite ideas for DIY home projects (with options for any level of home improvement experience):

Projects for beginners

1. Change your wall colour and texture

Peel and stick wallpaper is a major game-changer for DIY home improvement projects. You don’t have to manage paint brushes and trays. There’s no taping, fumes, or drying time required. And you don’t have to worry about getting a colour match if you run out of paint. Best of all, when you get tired of your chosen colour or pattern, you can simply take down the wallpaper and try something new. 

The biggest challenge will be getting your wallpaper straight. Tackling this project with a family member or roommate can make it a bit easier, but it’s also manageable solo — you just need to take your time. Explore your options for colour, texture, and pattern. And if you’re not ready to commit to a whole room, try an accent wall!

2. Paint your front door

Your front door is a focal point of your home’s exterior, and a fresh coat of paint can do wonders for your curb appeal. Another added benefit of painting your front door right before winter is that it gives you a chance to seal any cracks, chips, or holes that could make your home drafty. 

All you need to get started is a can of paint, brushes, and painter’s tape. Some people prefer to take the door off its hinges to paint, but you don’t need to. Instead, place tape around the door frame so no paint transfers when you close the door. It’s also wise to clean your door prior to painting to get an even coating.

3. Hang curtains

Not only do curtains add an additional barrier between you and the bitter cold outside, they’re also an inexpensive way to make your home feel extra cozy this winter.

If you already have curtains in your home, you might be surprised to learn that many people don’t hang them correctly. Expert home stylers suggest hanging the top of the curtain above the top of the window to make your room seem larger. You’ll also want to extend the rod 7-14 cm on either side of the window to make the space seem wider. The bottom of the curtain should slightly brush the floor for a crisp, elegant look. If your curtains aren’t hung correctly, this is an easy fix that can really change the look and feel of a room.

Projects for intermediates

4. Add a kitchen backsplash

Transforming your kitchen can be as simple as applying tile between your countertop and upper cabinets. Tiles for backsplash come in all shapes, colours, and sizes. Plus, you can often do an entire backsplash for $1,000 or less. That’s a lot cheaper than replacing or repainting your cabinets or changing out appliances — and your kitchen will look and feel brand new.

5. Add wainscoting to the entryway

Wainscot is the fancy term for wood panels that usually occupy the bottom third of a wall. They’re an inexpensive way to make your home feel more high end. 

You’ll need plywood, paint and painting accessories, measuring tools, a stud finder, and hammers and nails. Most home centers can cut your wood to specification, which can be a huge time and labour saver (the most time-consuming part is measuring and cutting the wood, then sanding it once it’s in place). Once it’s painted, you can add decorative hooks for backpacks and coats, or simply leave it bare for a clean finish.

Projects for experts

6. Upgrade your lighting

Changing a light fixture is relatively straight-forward, but it’s helpful (and much safer) if you have some electrical knowledge. Otherwise, this one might be best left to expert DIY-ers or a professional electrician. 

Light fixtures can change the entire vibe of a room. Take this opportunity to replace builder-grade fixtures with ones that represent your personality and style. Adding more lighting can also help your home feel bigger and brighter — a major bonus during a cold, dreary winter.

There are plenty of things that beginner and expert DIY-ers can do to make their home one of a kind. But when your home isn’t working for you and DIY home improvement won’t cut it, work with Properly to upgrade to a new home. Visit properly.ca to get started.

Properly is a Canadian tech-enabled real estate brokerage transforming the home buying and selling experience as the only service in Canada that helps homeowners to buy before they sell.