Another Michigan winter is soon upon us. It’s a time of year when many of us feel “stuck indoors,” as the elements become daunting to brave and we find ourselves “cooped up” in our own homes.
But that shouldn’t mean that we have to take four months off from improving that home that will be our familiar surroundings all season until spring breaks again. When winter weather keeps you indoors, it’s the perfect opportunity to focus on home improvement projects that don’t require stepping outside. From enhancing your home’s energy efficiency to updating its aesthetic appeal, winter is ideal for tackling tasks that prepare your home for the year ahead.
Here are 10 of the best projects you and your family can take on this winter.
1. Reinvent Your Kitchen, the Modern “Family Room”
Kitchens have become the focal point of many homes when entertaining. It’s where people tend to congregate to enjoy both conversation and food and drink. If you find friends and family spending a great deal of time in your kitchen space, perhaps now is the ideal time to give the modern “family room” a facelift!
If you haven’t done so in the last 10 years, you might really enjoy seeing what’s available today. What may have been en vogue just a few years ago may now be considered out of style by today’s standards. Homeowners looking to bring a modern look and feel to the centerpiece of the home have a lot of options and points of inspiration. Here’s a breakdown of ten of the hottest trends we’re seeing in kitchen design for 2024.
2. On a Tight Budget? Tackle the Job in Pieces!
If you’ve been dreaming of upgrading your kitchen or bathroom, winter is an excellent time to install a new backsplash. Choose from a variety of materials, such as glass, tile, or peel-and-stick options, to add personality and functionality to your space. The dry winter air will help adhesives and grout set more quickly, making this project both efficient and rewarding.
3. Repair or Replace Older Windows
As you may soon be reminded — and as we suggested last month
If the damage is minor,
4. Reimagine Your Primary Bath
This winter may be the ideal time to finally get that primary bath (or even your guest bathroom!) of your dreams. Now taking center stage for many homeowners who have crossed other updates off of their lists, bathroom design trends for 2024
5. On a Tight Budget? Consider Regrouting or Replacing Bathroom Tiles Instead
Worn or discolored grout can detract from your bathroom’s appearance and lead to water damage. Use the wintertime to clean, repair or replace old grout and tiles. This project will not only improve your bathroom’s aesthetics but also prevent mold growth and water leaks.
6. Reinvent Your Home Interior by Upgrading Your Millwork
Millwork, including baseboards, crown molding, and decorative trim, often goes unnoticed when it starts looking outdated or worn. Winter is an excellent time to give these details a facelift. You can repaint or replace your existing millwork to add character and sophistication to your rooms.
As we recently demonstrated, whether designing a new-build, looking to update out-of-fashion styles in an existing home, or looking to completely transform a home cosmetically on a limited budget, millwork is becoming one of the central design considerations for homeowners and their interior designers
7. Lay New Flooring
Contrary to popular belief, winter is one of the best times to install hardwood floors. The low humidity prevents boards from swelling, ensuring a snug fit upon installation. Whether you tackle the project yourself or hire a professional, new hardwood floors will add warmth and value to your home.
Homeowners today have myriad options when it comes to installing new hardwood floors
8. Modernize Your Interior Doors
Want to breathe new life into your home’s interior without so much as moving a wall or replacing an appliance? Consider the notion that simply modernizing your doors in high-traffic areas of the home can practically reinvent the entire space…without breaking the bank!
Today there are now hundreds — if not thousands — of possibilities when it comes to interior door design and construction. And you no longer have to be among the wealthy elite to enjoy the options available to you.
In fact, the more we see what’s available to us on television (on HGTV, for example) or in friends’ and relatives’ newly constructed “mini-mansions,” the more we can appreciate and envision the statement that thoughtfully designed doors can make in the overall appeal of the home.
9. Create a Cozy Home Office.
If you’re spending more time working from home, winter is perfect for designing a functional home office. Invest in ergonomic furniture, add shelving, and use decorative elements to make the space both practical and visually appealing. Again, take the time to carefully consider the details: floors, millwork, and doors go a long way toward making functional spaces both useful and beautiful at once!
10. It’s Never Too Early to Start Planning that Outdoor Deck!
Take heart: even Michigan winters won’t last forever! If you’re not ready to tackle an indoor home improvement project this winter, consider what lies ahead when the weather starts to turn nicer this spring!
But don’t delay! Come spring, Michiganders come out of the woodwork (pun intended) to plan and budget their new outdoor decks. Our advice is to waste no time getting a head start on enjoying your new deck this summer
The Antitdote for the Winter Doldrums:
We may not have the cure for the winter blues, but we do know how happy our clients become when they see their new interior spaces come to life. Don’t let being stuck inside this winter prevent you from experiencing the joy of home improvement; tackle one of these projects today!
And if you need a little design inspiration, have questions about products or pricing, or simply want to get the creative juices flowing, call us or stop by one of our locations today!
By focusing on these winter-friendly home improvement projects, you can enhance your living space and make your home more energy-efficient, stylish, and functional, all at the same time! Then, when spring rolls around, you’ll be ready to tackle outdoor projects with a refreshed and updated interior!
