7 Simple Home Improvement Ideas to Upgrade Your Colorado Home

Colorado Homeowners, Try These 7 Simple Home Improvement Ideas

Congratulations on your new home!

In Colorado Springs, you'll find affordable housing, scenic views, vibrant downtown areas, rich historical sites, modern eateries, above-average schools, and a booming economy.

Have you recently moved and are now looking for a quick makeover?

To get the most bang for your buck, consider what home improvements are a must-do. Then research what is available within your budget.

Feeling lost? No worries. Check out this list for some great ideas to get you started.

1. New Windows

Imagine waking up to the brilliant orange Colorado sunrise streaming in through the windows. The whole home seems brighter, fresher, and happier. It’s no wonder that research has linked exposure to sunlight to better physical and mental health. There are several types of windows that increase the natural light in your living space:

• Bay or Bow windows: They give you a sense of openness, as they extend out into the garden or front yard. If it’s large enough, a bay or bow window can also make for a cozy reading nook or an extra seating space.

• Double-hung windows: They open from both top and bottom, so there’s no shortage of natural light, visibility, and airflow. Plus, their sashes open inward, so cleaning is simple and easy.

• Picture windows: Since they’re fixed and don’t slide or swing open, they offer expansive, picturesque views without sacrificing energy efficiency or style.

Consult a local window installation expert to help you determine which window option will suit your budget and style.

2. Solar Tubes or Skylights

Solar tubes provide a lot of natural light for a low cost and are easy to install. They are also energy-efficient in that they illuminate the space without the use of electricity. Plus, they filter out harmful UV rays so there’s minimal solar heat gain in the summer.

Skylights are another excellent choice, although they may be more costly and time-consuming to set up. However, in contrast to solar tubes that simply add light, skylights offer a view of the sky both day and night, elevating the interior of your home.

3. Home Garden

Besides being natural air filters, indoor plants are a great way to add aesthetic value to your property. Even a basic herb garden lining the sidewalk is sure to catch attention. Also, fresh home-grown produce means higher nutritional content than that you buy from a grocery store.

Moreover, a flower garden with hanging planters on your pergolas offers a perfect backdrop for a romantic dinner. Your backyard can also become a tranquil retreat with flower beds, potted plants, and comfortable seating. Another advantage is of houseplants letting in more natural light. For instance, you can increase the amount of light coming into a room by reflecting it off a plant placed in front of a window.

4. Fresh Paint

Whether you’re looking to increase the resale value of your property or simply add personality to the space, consider giving it a splash of paint. If you want to give your home a modern facelift without breaking the bank, this is the way to go. Compared to other home improvement projects, a painting job is way easier, whether you do it yourself or hire a professional.

If you're unsure about which shade to choose, start by considering the room’s lighting, size, and existing décor to ensure harmony. Testing paint samples on your walls at different times of the day can also help you see how the color changes under various lighting conditions.

If you're getting ready to put your home on the market, it's important to pick neutral paint colors that will appeal to the widest possible audience. Also, changing the paint's sheen from matte to high gloss will completely transform the aesthetic of a room. If you wish to take the eco-friendly route, low or no-volatile organic compound paints are also available as the best alternatives.

5. Open-Concept Kitchen

Closed kitchens might be great for people who prefer privacy while cooking. But they don’t drive social interactions within the family. Also, the four walls of a closed kitchen hinder the flow of your space, making it feel smaller and tighter.

On the other hand, open kitchens, though hot and messy, create a warm, friendly ambiance for get-togethers. They also get rid of unnecessary walls and doorways and allow for easier mobility. Additionally, their wide layout taps into your personal aesthetic to create a fluid, elegant space. Thus, if your home has a closed kitchen, now is the time to open it up.

But if you’re looking to rejuvenate your already-open kitchen, consider building an island to make your kitchen feel bigger than it is. While you’re at it, make it T-shaped and set upholstered bar stools or chairs around it. Install a cooktop to repurpose this area as a sociable cooking space. Put drawers and shelves under the island's counter to add storage space. Lastly, add an apron-front sink, a beverage fridge, and a microwave to reduce the footwork.

6. Tile Backsplash

A tile backsplash does much more than prevent food spills in the kitchen or water splatters in the bathroom. With their variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and designs, you can personalize your kitchen.

Ceramic is the perfect tile for a kitchen backsplash if you're going for a classic, traditional aesthetic. Steel, porcelain, and stone tiles are resistant to heat damage and many household chemicals. So, if you’re looking for durability, these are your go-to options. However, glass backsplashes, with their reflective properties, lend functional style to your space and can increase your home's value by upwards of 5-10%, which could be equivalent to $25,000-$50,000.

7. Bathroom Upgrades

After the kitchen, your bathroom is the second-most frequented area in your home. You might want to think about a bathroom redesign if your current one is old, out of date, or just doesn't reflect your style. Add a floating vanity to maximize space. Increase the number of shower heads, or use a spa-like shower head to make taking a shower much more enjoyable.

Change or add to your bathroom lighting fixtures with a dimmer to set the right mood. Install white can lights around the mirror to avoid potential beauty blunders when you’re applying makeup or taking selfies. Also, consider energy-efficient options like low-flow plumbing and radiant floor heating systems. Upgrade cabinet knobs, drawer pulls, towel bars, and sink faucets. Invest in a ventilation fan to draw out excess humidity, bad odor, and airborne pathogens, leaving behind cleaner, purer air.

Conclusion

As you prepare to settle into your new home, the last thing you want is an extra list of chores to complete. Still, you must do these home improvements so that everything fits your design preferences and lifestyle before all the moving boxes arrive.

You should also keep in mind that while your budget will determine how much you can spend on renovations, even the most expensive ones usually pay for themselves as the home's value increases.

Have fun decorating your new place!