Page 38 - Harnett Life Spring 2018

Fresh Home Upgrades for Spring

FAMILY FEATURES meaning the blinds and installation are eligible for a 30 percent tax
fter a long winter cooped up indoors, spring is the perfect credit. Learn more at whyskylights.com.
time to start re-imagining your home and making upgrades
that create a fresh, welcoming vibe. These project ideas – Paint to perfection
Asome big, some small – can help breathe new life into your Over time, once cheerful walls can grow dull. Create a livelier
home so you’re ready to enjoy your favorite rooms to the fullest. ambiance with a fresh coat of paint, either in the same shade or
Air it out something completely new. If you’re not sure exactly where to start,
tackle the project room by room. To choose the right hue, select a
Months of closed windows and doors can make any room feel dusty favorite item in the room, such as an heirloom throw blanket or a piece
and stale. As soon as temperatures allow, throw open the windows of wall art, and consider color shades that complement the item well.
and skylights to let the fresh air chase away the remnants of winter.
It’s a perfect time to launder window treatments and clean area Make what’s old new again
rugs. After a few passes with a carpet cleaner, allow rugs to air- Sometimes a fresh perspective is as simple as rearranging a room to
dry outdoors. If you’re considering an update to the overall decor, better fit your needs. Over time, the furnishings can become almost an
changing out these textiles is an easy and affordable way to create a afterthought because they’ve been in place so long. Try moving things
new look. Just donate the used drapes and rugs after cleaning instead around to create new conversation groupings or to highlight a piece that
of bringing them back into the room. has been tucked away in the shadows. An updated arrangement may
Shift your outlook inspire to you add and embellish with some simple new accessories or
accent pieces for a room that only looks brand new.
When contemplating changes to a room’s aesthetic, most people
focus on the floor, walls and elements like furniture and accessories. Get earth smart
As some homeowners are discovering, there’s a whole other space With all of the new growth and hues of green that abound during
waiting to be discovered. The ceiling, a fifth wall of sorts, opens up spring, it’s natural to be more mindful of the environment. Earth-
endless creative design opportunities. friendly upgrades like switching out inefficient lighting or installing
Whether you’re seeking more natural light, access to fresh air, a low-flow toilets and shower heads can make a sizable difference.
sense of spaciousness or a way to bring sophistication to a room, a Another option for energy conservation: Look for ways to maximize
skylight may be just the solution. For example, Velux room-darkening natural light for heat and to brighten rooms. Well-placed windows
and light-filtering blinds can add a splash of color just where you least and skylights can harness energy naturally, so you can minimize your
expect it, and they’re efficient in shielding your space from the sun, reliance on electricity for comfort and convenience.

Page 38 Harnett Life ~ Spring 2018