Refresh vs Renovation: Finding Balance for Your Home and Mind
Have you been binge watching HGTV and daydreaming about all the possibilities a home reno project could offer? There’s no doubt home renovations can be exciting, however, they can also be a significant financial burden, mentally exhausting, and just downright stressful. For many homeowners, a major renovation feels like too much to take on but that doesn’t have to mean no upgrades. If you're craving a change in your home but hesitant to go full send on a renovation, a room refresh may be exactly what you need to fall back in love with your home. By implementing some simple cosmetic updates like wallpaper, fresh paint, accent walls, updated light fixtures, and some new furniture/accessories, you can achieve a stunning transformation without the hassle and stress of major construction.
Hey I get it.. Reno shows and social media before + afters truly do make a renovation look like an absolute breeze but let’s dig into this a little bit deeper with a few points to make note of.
The Financial Reality of Home Renovations
When planning a major renovation, costs can quickly spiral out of control. From hiring contractors and designers to purchasing building materials, the price tag can easily reach tens of thousands of dollars, if not more, in a literal blink of a eye. Add in unexpected expenses due to hidden issues like plumbing or electrical problems, and the financial burden becomes even heavier. In these situations you have to evaluate if the juice is really worth the squeeze.
The Mental and Emotional Toll of Renovations
Major renovations often involve noise, dust, and disruption to your daily routine. The constant presence of contractors and the loss of usable space can be overwhelming, often leading to stress and anxiety. Take it from me, there’s nothing more annoying than coming home after a long 12 hour shift wanting to relax and not being able to find anywhere to sit in your own home.
Lets also talk about those dreaded timelines. Have you ever thought “oh this will only take me x amount of time to complete” but quickly realize psychhhhh this is looking like double what I thought. Insert, almost every single renovation ever.
Renovations Requiring Relocation
Depending on the scope of your renovation, you may even find yourself needing to temporarily relocate. This adds another layer of complexity, requiring you to find temporary housing, move your belongings, and adjust to a new environment. For families with young children or pets, this disruption can be particularly challenging and we are only here for easy peasy lemon squeezy.
So now you’re re-evaluating if a full send reno is actually in the cards for you but not really sure what a refresh means in its entirety?
Stay with me!
I will by no means argue that a renovation can drastically change a home's structure and layout but a refresh can offer a similar large scale visual impact without completely turning your life upside down. Here are a few ideas to help you achieve a large scale transformation but with a bit more simple approach
Wallpaper and Paint: Consider adding a pop of color with a new coat of paint or a funky bold wallpaper design. Accent walls are a tried and true way of creating a focal point in any room, adding depth and texture.
Updated Light Fixtures: Replacing outdated light fixtures can make a significant difference in a room's ambiance. Choose fixtures that complement your decor and add some modern swag. Play with a softer toned or edison bulbs for a fun vintage touch.
Furniture and Accessories: Swapping out furniture and accessories can breathe a whole new life into a room. Look for pieces that align with your style and offer functionality.
Artwork and Decor: Incorporate artwork and decorative items to add personality and character to your space. This can be as simple as rearranging existing pieces or adding new ones.
Utilizing one, two, or even a combination of all these ideas can make a dated space feel like its brand spanking new with a quarter of the price tag and timeline.
Who doesn’t love saving time AND money am I right!?
If you’re located in the greater Portland Maine area and looking to make your home feel like new without the stress and burden of a major renovation The Little Things can help bring your vision to life!
YOU. CAN. DO. HARD. THINGS.
Hey, hi, hello! We are Carissa + Emily of the The Little Things Organizing located in the picturesque city of Portland, ME
We believe your time is valuable and that homes are meant to be enjoyed, not stressed over. Our goal is to help create sustainable solutions to make your home more beautiful, organized, and efficient, letting you spend your time how you truly deserve.