Home Projects for the HOLIDAYS

Make the most of holiday celebrations this season by focusing on what changes will make the house more welcoming for guests and family. David Juarez of D.J.’s Painting and Remodeling says, “Inside is where you will spend most of your time this winter and with the holiday parties on the way, there are small changes that can be made to your house to create the perfect atmosphere for making those holiday memories with both family and guests.” There are numerous options for a small project that can be completed in a short amount of time. Choose what suits the needs of the home.

Paint. Painting only one room of a house has a dramatic impact and a major benefit of choosing to paint for the holidays is that the homeowner can choose the size of the project to accommodate the season’s hectic schedule. Paint one room, paint two rooms, or add an accent wall. Focus on the rooms which will receive the most holiday traffic and act accordingly. David Juarez asserts, “Look at the entryway, the living room, and the kitchen. A fresh coat of paint or a new color can make a great difference and enhance the spaces that will be used for gatherings.”

Organize. Escape from the clutter of the rest of the year by installing shelving and storage that is specifically suited to the type of clutter that needs to elude the sight of guests this season. Enhance storage options by having a custom organizer designed for the closet or have built-in bookshelves installed to hold keepsakes for guests to admire. Add a medicine cabinet in the bathroom to store toiletries or extra shelving in the kitchen pantry to accommodate and organize the extra ingredients for cooking and baking. Organizing can help keep a home tidy for when guests begin to arrive.

Remodel. Now is not the time to start a major remodel, but little remodel projects make a big difference in a home. Traffic through the kitchen increases significantly during this time and new cabinets, a new sink, a better appliance, or an updated counter top can enhance the aesthetics and also the efficiency of the room. If the family has plans to gather around the tree on Christmas morning, replace the carpet or refinish the hardwood floors in the living room to give the presents and the people a welcoming place to reside.

Detail. Trim out more than the tree this year. Pay attention to details throughout the home and guests will notice. Small features such as new knobs and pulls for a cabinet or new trim around the edge of a room insert an updated look. Other, more conspicuous trimmings like window treatments and new upholstery for the furniture make a noticeable difference in a room. If the goal is to draw attention to the features in the room that are already present, consider a change in lighting. Updating the light fixtures or installing additional lighting will illuminate the attributes of the space.

Plan. The holidays are the perfect time to pay attention to the issues that arise during the celebration. Note the flow of traffic and use of space in the gathering rooms, the efficiency of the kitchen, and the possible need to make a little more room in your home with an additional bath or guest room. According to David Juarez of D.J.’s Painting and Remodeling, “Now is the time to complete smaller projects for the holidays, but if you are looking to get started on a full remodel, starting the process now with an estimate can prepare you for making a big change in the New Year.” Focus on small projects now or start the New Year by initiating the home project that could make a long term difference to enhance the holiday experience for both family and friends for years to come.