Easy Ways to Refresh Your Old Home and Make It Feel New Again

Do you ever walk into your home and feel like it’s lost some of its sparkle? Whether you’ve lived in your house for years or recently moved into an older property, there are plenty of simple ways to breathe new life into your living space without breaking the bank or undergoing a major renovation. By focusing on easy, practical updates, you can transform your old home into a rejuvenated haven that feels fresh and inviting.

Effective ways to refresh your home and make it feel new again

1. Declutter and Organize

Clearing out unnecessary items not only creates physical space but also clears mental clutter, promoting a sense of calm and order. Here’s how to get started:

• Assess Room by Room: Begin with one area at a time, such as the living room, bedroom, or kitchen. Evaluate each item and decide if it serves a purpose or brings you joy. Donate, sell, or recycle items that no longer serve you.
• Invest in Storage Solutions: Utilize practical storage solutions to maintain organization. Baskets and bins are perfect for hiding away toys, books, or miscellaneous items. Shelving units can display decorative items while keeping essentials within reach.
• Maximize Closet Space: Organize closets by sorting clothes, shoes, and accessories. Use slim hangers to maximize hanging space and invest in drawer organizers for small items like socks and jewelry.
• Create Functional Zones: Arrange furniture and storage to create functional zones within rooms. Define spaces for lounging, working, and dining to enhance flow and usability.

Fact: According to a survey by SpareFoot, 87% of Americans feel more relaxed and at ease when their living space is organized and clean.

2. Clean or Replace Carpets

Carpets can accumulate dust, stains, and odors over time, affecting the look and feel of your home. Consider whether your carpets could benefit from a deep cleaning to remove embedded dirt and revive their colors. Professional carpet cleaning services or DIY methods using carpet cleaners can effectively refresh the fibers and extend their lifespan.

Fact: According to the Carpet and Rug Institute, regular cleaning and maintenance can significantly prolong the life of carpets and improve indoor air quality.

If your carpets are beyond cleaning or you’re ready for a change, replacing them with new carpets or switching to hardwood floors can instantly update a room’s appearance. Choose carpet colors and textures that complement your decor style and lifestyle needs.

3. Create a Cohesive Style and Color Palette

Achieving a cohesive look throughout your home is essential for creating a harmonious and well-designed space. Here’s how to create a cohesive style and color palette:

• Choose a Base Color: Start by selecting a neutral base color such as white, gray, or beige for walls and larger furniture pieces. Neutral tones create a timeless backdrop that allows flexibility in decorating.
• Add Accents of Color: Incorporate pops of color through accent walls, throw pillows, rugs, and artwork. Choose colors that complement each other and reflect your personal style. For example, if your base color is gray, accents of mustard yellow or navy blue can add warmth and depth.
• Consider Texture and Pattern: Mix different textures and patterns to add visual interest while maintaining cohesion. For instance, pair a smooth leather sofa with a chunky knit throw or mix geometric patterns with floral prints for a balanced look.
• Coordinate Furniture and Decor: Ensure that furniture pieces and decor accessories complement each other in style and scale. Aim for a balance of proportion and symmetry to create a cohesive flow throughout the room.

Fact: According to interior design experts at HGTV, a well-coordinated color palette can transform a space by creating a sense of unity and balance.

Creating a cohesive style and color palette not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home but also contributes to a more comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you prefer a minimalist approach or a more eclectic mix, a thoughtful selection of colors and coordination of decor elements can make a significant difference in how your space feels and functions.

4. Update Cabinet Hardware

Updating cabinet hardware is a small change that can make a big impact on the overall look of your kitchen or bathroom. Here’s why it matters and how to do it effectively:

Fact: Dated cabinet knobs and pulls can significantly detract from the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen or bathroom. Over time, finishes may fade, and styles can become outdated, making your space feel less polished and cohesive.

Why Update?

• Instant Elegance: Swapping out old, worn-out hardware for sleek, modern alternatives instantly adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to your cabinets and drawers.
• Affordability: This upgrade is budget-friendly compared to full cabinet replacements or major renovations. It’s a quick fix that delivers noticeable results without breaking the bank.
• Customization: Hardware comes in a variety of finishes and styles to suit any decor theme—from classic brushed nickel to trendy matte black or glamorous brass.

How to Update:

1. Measure and Purchase: Before starting, measure the distance between existing hardware screw holes to ensure your new hardware will fit.
2. Choose Your Style: Select hardware that complements your kitchen or bathroom decor. Consider the style of your cabinets—traditional, modern, or rustic—and choose hardware that enhances that style.
3. Installation: Replace old hardware by unscrewing the existing knobs or pulls and attaching the new ones using a screwdriver. It’s a straightforward DIY project that can typically be completed in a few hours.

Fact: According to This Old House, updating cabinet hardware is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to give your kitchen or bathroom a facelift.

5. Rethink the Fireplace

Fireplaces hold a special place in many homes as a cozy focal point, but over time, they can lose their charm. Here’s why refreshing your fireplace can breathe new life into your living space:

Fact: Fireplaces are often the centerpiece of a room, drawing attention and setting the tone for the entire space. However, if your fireplace looks tired or outdated, it can detract from the overall ambiance of the room.

Why Refresh?

• Enhanced Aesthetics: Giving your fireplace a facelift—whether by painting the brick or tile, adding a stylish mantel, or installing a decorative screen—can instantly update its look and make the room feel more polished.
• Personalization: Refreshing your fireplace allows you to customize its appearance to suit your style preferences and the overall theme of your home. Choose colors, materials, and designs that complement your decor.
• Improved Functionality: Upgrading the fireplace can also improve its functionality, such as adding efficiency features or safety enhancements, depending on your needs.

Ways to Refresh:

1. Painting: If your fireplace bricks or tiles are outdated or mismatched, consider painting them in a fresh, modern color. Use heat-resistant paint for durability.
2. Adding a Mantel: Install a new mantel to frame the fireplace and create a focal point. Choose from a range of materials like wood, stone, or metal to match your decor style.
3. Decorative Screens: Install a decorative screen in front of the fireplace opening to add visual interest and safety. Screens come in various designs, from intricate patterns to minimalist styles.

Fact: According to The Spruce, updating your fireplace is a relatively low-cost way to transform the look and feel of your living room.

Refreshing your fireplace not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your living space but also adds warmth and character. It can become a focal point that ties the entire room together, creating a cozy atmosphere that you’ll love spending time in.

6. Implement Peel-and-Stick Tiles

Peel-and-stick tiles offer a versatile and affordable solution for updating kitchens, bathrooms, and other spaces in your home. Here’s why they’re a popular choice and how you can use them effectively:

Fact: Peel-and-stick tiles have revolutionized home renovation projects by providing an easy-to-install alternative to traditional tiles. They are available in a wide range of patterns, textures, and colors, allowing homeowners to personalize their spaces with minimal effort.

Why Choose Peel-and-Stick Tiles?

• Ease of Installation: Unlike traditional tiles that require grout and adhesive, peel-and-stick tiles can be applied directly to clean, flat surfaces. This makes them ideal for DIY enthusiasts looking to achieve professional-looking results without the hassle.
• Versatility: Use peel-and-stick tiles to update backsplashes in kitchens, transform bathroom floors, or create eye-catching accent walls in living rooms or entryways. Their versatility allows you to experiment with different layouts and designs.
• Temporary and Removable: Peel-and-stick tiles are perfect for renters or homeowners who want to experiment with new looks without making permanent changes. They can be easily removed without damaging the underlying surface, making them a flexible choice for evolving home decor trends.

How to Use Peel-and-Stick Tiles:

1. Prepare the Surface: Ensure the surface is clean, dry, and free of dust or grease before applying the tiles. Use a mild cleaner and allow the surface to dry completely.
2. Plan Your Layout: Measure the area to be covered and plan the layout of your tiles. Start from the center and work your way outwards for a symmetrical and balanced look.
3. Apply the Tiles: Peel off the backing and carefully place each tile in position, pressing firmly to adhere it to the surface.

7. Add Temporary Wallpaper

Wallpaper has come a long way from being a permanent fixture. Temporary options like peel-and-stick wallpaper offer a versatile solution for adding personality and style to your home. Here’s why it’s a great choice and how you can use it effectively:

Fact: Peel-and-stick wallpaper has revolutionized interior design by allowing homeowners to change the look of a room quickly and easily, without the commitment of traditional wallpaper. It’s available in a wide array of patterns, textures, and colors to suit any taste or decor style.

Why Choose Temporary Wallpaper?

• Flexibility: Unlike traditional wallpaper, which can be difficult to remove and may damage walls, peel-and-stick wallpaper is designed to be removable without leaving residue. This makes it ideal for renters or anyone who likes to change their decor frequently.
• Easy Application: Applying peel-and-stick wallpaper is a straightforward process that requires no special tools or expertise. Simply peel off the backing and smooth it onto a clean, flat surface. It’s a DIY-friendly project that can be completed in a matter of hours.
• Versatility: Use temporary wallpaper to create an accent wall in a living room or bedroom, add interest to a dull hallway, or even transform the backsplash in a kitchen. The variety of patterns and colors allows you to experiment with different looks without the commitment of permanent decor changes.

How to Use Temporary Wallpaper:

1. Prepare the Surface: Ensure the wall is clean, dry, and free of dust or debris. Wipe down the surface with a mild cleaner and allow it to dry completely before applying the wallpaper.
2. Measure and Cut: Measure the height and width of the wall to determine how much wallpaper you’ll need. Cut the wallpaper to size, leaving a few extra inches at the top and bottom for adjustments.
3. Apply the Wallpaper: Starting from one corner, peel off a small portion of the backing and gently press the wallpaper onto the wall. Use a smoothing tool or a clean cloth to remove any air bubbles and ensure a smooth finish. Continue applying the wallpaper, aligning the pattern as you go.

Fact: According to Better Homes & Gardens, temporary wallpaper is a popular choice among homeowners looking to update their decor without commitment of permanent changes.

Adding temporary wallpaper is an excellent way to refresh your home and express your personal style. Whether you prefer bold patterns or subtle textures, temporary wallpaper allows you to transform your space with minimal effort and maximum impact.

8. Switch Out Soft Goods

Soft goods such as curtains, throw pillows, and bedding play a crucial role in home decor, offering opportunities to refresh your space with minimal effort. Here’s why they matter and how you can make the most of them:

Fact: Soft goods are versatile decor elements that can instantly transform the look and feel of a room. They provide comfort, style, and functionality while allowing you to showcase your personal taste through fabrics, colors, and patterns.

Why Switch Out Soft Goods?

• Visual Impact: Updating curtains, throw pillows, and bedding can dramatically change the ambiance of a room. Choose fabrics and patterns that complement your existing decor, or add a pop of color for a vibrant touch.
• Seasonal Updates: Swap soft goods seasonally to reflect the changing seasons and holidays. Lighter fabrics and brighter colors can create a breezy atmosphere in spring and summer, while warmer tones and cozy textures are perfect for fall and winter.
• Flexibility: Soft goods are easy to replace and update, making them ideal for experimenting with new trends or evolving your decor over time. They allow you to refresh your space without committing to expensive or permanent changes.

How to Switch Out Soft Goods:

1. Evaluate Current Decor: Assess the color scheme and style of your room to determine which soft goods need updating. Consider whether you want to add contrast, enhance cohesion, or introduce a new theme.
2. Choose Fabrics and Patterns: Select fabrics that suit the function of each item—durable materials for high-traffic areas like living rooms and cozy textures for bedrooms. Mix and match patterns for a layered, textured look.
3. Coordinate with Decor: Ensure that new soft goods complement existing furniture, wall colors, and decor accessories. Aim for a balanced composition that enhances the overall aesthetic of the room.

Fact: According to Real Simple, updating soft goods such as pillows and curtains is a budget-friendly way to refresh your home decor without a major investment.

By regularly switching out soft goods, you can keep your home decor dynamic and reflective of your personal style preferences. Whether you prefer minimalist designs or bold statements, soft goods offer endless possibilities for creating a space that feels fresh and inviting year-round.

9. Paint Just One Wall

Refreshing a room with paint doesn’t always mean repainting every surface. Focusing on just one wall can achieve a stunning transformation. Here’s why this approach works and how you can make the most of it:

Fact: Painting one accent wall is a popular interior design technique that allows you to introduce color and personality into a room without overwhelming the space. It’s a cost-effective way to update your home decor with minimal time and effort.

Why Paint Just One Wall?

• Create Focus: Choosing one wall as an accent can create a focal point in the room, drawing attention and adding depth to the space.
• Balance and Harmony: Selecting a bold color or a soothing hue for your accent wall can complement the existing color scheme of the room. It adds visual interest while maintaining overall harmony.
• Budget-Friendly: Painting just one wall requires less paint and time compared to painting an entire room. It’s a low-cost, high-impact solution for homeowners looking to refresh their space on a budget.

How to Paint an Accent Wall:

1. Choose the Right Wall: Select a wall that naturally draws attention, such as one behind a bed, sofa, or fireplace. Consider the room’s layout and how the accent color will interact with other elements.
2. Select Your Color: Decide on a color that complements the existing decor and enhances the room’s ambiance. Bold colors like deep blues or vibrant reds can add drama, while soft neutrals or pastels can create a serene atmosphere.
3. Prepare and Paint: Prepare the wall by cleaning and priming if necessary. Tape off edges and trim carefully to achieve clean lines. Apply two coats of paint for the best results, allowing each coat to dry completely before proceeding.

Fact: According to HGTV, painting an accent wall is a simple yet effective way to transform the look and feel of a room, making it feel new and inviting.

By painting just one wall, you can inject personality and style into your home decor while keeping the overall aesthetic cohesive. It’s a versatile technique that allows you to experiment with color and design without committing to a full room makeover.

10. Bring in Indoor Plants

Adding indoor plants to your home decor not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also contributes to a healthier and more vibrant living environment. Here’s why indoor plants are beneficial and how you can integrate them into your space effectively:

Fact: Indoor plants have been shown to improve air quality by filtering out pollutants and increasing oxygen levels. They also have psychological benefits, such as reducing stress and enhancing mood.

Why Bring in Indoor Plants?

• Natural Decor: Plants add a touch of nature indoors, creating a calming and serene atmosphere. They soften harsh edges and bring a sense of freshness to any room.
• Enhanced Aesthetics: Whether placed near windows, on shelves, or in empty corners, indoor plants add texture, color, and dimension to your decor. Choose plants with varying heights and foliage to create visual interest.
• Health Benefits: Studies have indicated that indoor plants can improve concentration and productivity, as well as reduce symptoms of anxiety and fatigue. They contribute to a healthier indoor environment by reducing airborne toxins.

How to Bring in Indoor Plants:

1. Choose Suitable Plants: Select plants that thrive indoors and match your lifestyle and home environment. Consider factors like light levels, humidity, and maintenance requirements.
2. Placement: Position plants strategically in spaces where they can thrive—near windows for light-loving plants or in corners with indirect light for shade-tolerant varieties.
3. Care and Maintenance: Follow care guidelines for each plant, including watering, pruning, and occasional feeding. Regular maintenance ensures plants remain healthy and vibrant.

Fact: According to the American Society for Horticultural Science, indoor plants not only improve air quality but also contribute to psychological well-being by reducing stress and promoting relaxation.

By incorporating indoor plants into your home decor, you can create a more inviting and harmonious living space. Whether you opt for leafy greens, succulents, or flowering plants, their presence will enrich your home environment and uplift your spirits.

11. Rearrange Furniture and Decor

Changing the arrangement of furniture and decor can breathe new life into your home, creating a fresh and dynamic atmosphere. Here’s why it’s effective and how you can approach it:

Fact: Rearranging furniture and decor is a cost-free way to refresh your space without spending money on new items. It allows you to maximize your existing furnishings and discover new ways to enhance room functionality.

Why Rearrange?

• Improved Flow: Moving furniture can improve the flow of traffic through rooms and create more functional spaces. It may open up pathways, remove visual clutter, and make the room feel larger.
• Visual Interest: Experimenting with different layouts can highlight architectural features or focal points within a room. It allows you to showcase decor pieces in new ways and draw attention to areas that were previously overlooked.
• Change of Perspective: Rearranging furniture offers a fresh perspective on your home’s layout. It encourages creativity and allows you to see your space in a new light, potentially uncovering untapped potential for design and functionality.

How to Rearrange Furniture and Decor:

1. Plan Ahead: Measure the dimensions of your rooms and furniture pieces. Create a rough sketch or use a room planner app to visualize potential layouts before moving heavy items.
2. Focus on Function: Consider how each room is used and prioritize functionality. Arrange furniture to facilitate conversation areas, maximize natural light, and ensure ease of movement.
3. Experiment and Adjust: Start by moving larger furniture pieces first, such as sofas and beds. Experiment with different configurations until you find one that feels balanced and suits your lifestyle.

Fact: According to Apartment Therapy, rearranging furniture can significantly impact the look and feel of a room, making it feel more spacious and inviting.

By rearranging furniture and decor, you can refresh your home’s ambiance and create a layout that better suits your needs and style preferences. It’s a simple yet effective way to transform your living space and enhance your everyday enjoyment of your home.

Revitalizing your old home doesn’t require a massive renovation budget.. By focusing on these easy and practical updates, you can transform your living space into a place that feels new, vibrant, and personalized to your style. From decluttering and organizing to adding fresh coats of paint and incorporating greenery, these strategies are designed to be accessible and achievable for any homeowner looking to breathe new life into their space. Start small, one room at a time and enjoy the process of creating a home that reflects your personality and enhances your everyday living experience.