Does Your Home Need a Post-COVID Redo?

BY RICK KARLIN

We’ve been cooped up in our homes for nearly two years. Many people used that time to tackle remodeling projects while others… let’s just say those sofa cushions look well-used. With the holiday season upon us, you may have visitors for the first time in years. Does your place need to be spruced up? There are simple steps to give your home a facelift.

Get A Handle On Things

Change out the handles on your doors and cabinets. One of the newest trends for homeowners is choosing materials that are antimicrobial and easy to clean. Certain metallics, such as copper, brass, and bronze, have natural antimicrobial properties and are seeing a boost in popularity. These materials kill germs and bacteria on their own without the need to constantly use chemical sprays and wipes. Smart homes are also incorporating touch-free technology to stop the spread of germs. Hands-free sinks and toilets, smart thermostats, automated lights, and voice-controlled smart devices allow people to stay comfortable while also limiting what they touch around the house. Other than installing these materials and gadgets, there’s plenty you can do to update your home and give it a fresh look with minimal effort. Here are a few quick and easy fixes.

COLOR YOUR WORLD (OR AT LEAST YOUR WALLS)

One of the easiest ways to update a room’s look is to change the wall color with paint or wallpaper. Both are also relatively inexpensive changes that can yield big results. As a response to the pandemic, people are opting for calm colors to create a tranquil space at home. Green is the big color this year, opt for a pale lime or an earthy sage. To continue the theme of tranquility, choose muted and subtle wallpaper patterns in neutral tones. On the other end of the spectrum, bold designs like dark accent walls and patterned wallpaper are also popular, and the two techniques can work together. Adding a dark, moody color for an accent, in dark forest green, perhaps, can not only add visual interest but can change the perception of a room’s dimensions. If you’re one of the many people working from home for a greater portion of your career, consider painting your work area in a more vibrant tone to help boost your creativity and output. Bright colors also pop in those Zoom meetings.

BED, BATH & BEYOND

Refresh your bath with a new shower curtain and towels. Paint it an unexpected color. This is a room where you can go a little crazy. If you don’t like the tile, there are special paints that you can use, or check out one of those all-in-one pieces from Bath Fitter. If you have a little headroom above your shower curtain, try hanging the shower rod a few inches higher, you’ll be surprised how much taller it makes your ceilings feel. Add a luxurious custom headboard. Measure the width of your bed and have a piece of plywood cut at a lumber yard. Go to a craft store, such