Finding small but impactful ways to personalize a home is the best way to create a space that you relish being in every day. This list is for those looking to make a change. Whether that means you’ve been in the same home for a while or are starting in a new space. Making these additions to my home has been a gamechanger – no looking back!
1. Power-Automated Window Coverings
Having automated window treatments is life-changing — especially if you have a home with many windows. No more opening and closing every blind and curtain morning, noon, and night. With the click of a button, adjust them all at the same time.
What I love most about these is the customizability. Want to wake up to the sun every morning? Have your blinds open at rise time! Additionally, they are nice to have when you’re out of town because you can keep your house on an automated schedule so your house doesn’t appear shuttered up and empty for extended periods of time.
2. Smart Lighting
Naturally, smart lighting goes hand in hand with automated window coverings. Timed lighting systems can not only make your day easier and your welcome home warmer, but they are also handy for security purposes. You can maintain your regular light schedule while traveling so neighbors and passersby don’t notice your absence. Look for systems (whether bulbs or fixtures) that have app functionality and can be controlled remotely.
Creating a schedule personal to your rise and bedtime is simple. Plus, every evening the lights can kick on at sundown. Start with one room at a time, and before you know it your whole house will be outfitted, I swear!
3. Heated Floor Tile
Imagine it: those brisk, January mornings in Omaha. You get out of bed and enter your bathroom only to be greeted by warm tile. Talk about a reason to get out of bed in the morning!
Here’s the good news: this is more than just a modern convenience. Heated floors often radiate upward, helping to warm up the space as heat rises. Long term, this can chip away at your energy bill if you have less need for forced air heating in the mornings. Additionally, this is one of those upgrades that absolutely improves resale value for your home. Need I say more?
4. Soft Close Drawers + Cabinets
You might be surprised how satisfying installing soft close drawers and cabinets will feel. Once you’ve had soft close, you don’t go back. This small yet mighty difference is especially great in higher traffic areas where family is regularly opening and closing things. Even better? This is a low-cost solution for a high-impact feel — no more door slamming! I especially love these in homes with smaller children, where little fingers are prone to get caught in the way of closing cabinets.
Bonus points: they can even help extend the life of your cabinets and drawers because it’s less impact on the hinges and frames!
5. Hidden Storage Solutions
Cutting down on visible clutter in busy areas helps your home feel more luxurious, calming, and bright. Easy ways to achieve this are putting trash cans and laundry hampers in pantries and closets, tucking shoes and coats into mudrooms or entryway closets, and keeping your utensils in drawers. This will give you more control over what you do want on display in your home, highlighting your art and intentional decor.
6. Organization Systems
I’ll say this one louder for the people in the back. Decluttering is a game changer! Visible clutter around your home is an instant stressor, whether you realize it or not.
Having systems in place makes home maintenance easier for everyone. Every time a new piece of mail comes into the house have a place to file it away. Store your seasonal items accessibly and intentionally so season changes are refreshing and fun. Sort your linen closets so putting away laundry is quick and painless.
Don’t be overwhelmed by the need to have beautifully sorted and color-coded baskets behind every door. Instead, do find simple solutions in each space that work for you and your family’s everyday lifestyles. The more customized this is to your needs, the more positive impact you’ll feel as everything comes together.
For more organization resources, check out Joanna Organize, a local Omaha organizer with plenty of resources who also books private sessions for all types of custom solutions!
7. Statement Pieces
One statement piece can make all the difference. If you’re not ready for a full room reno, look for small ways to make big impacts. Think about a gold faucet in the kitchen, a large light fixture in the entryway, or a unique mirror hung in the powder room. Small changes like this bring character and reflect your personality in your space. Changes to what can typically be builder-grade or standard fixtures will make your home feel elevated and personalized. I love that this can be a quick and simple solution since one statement piece in a room can truly make the space.
8. Outdoor Styling and Landscaping
What better way to make your home feel like a paradise than to invest in your outdoor space? Being able to read a book on your patio or be surrounded by fresh greenery in your yard is a way to bring the vacation to your backyard. You can start small with a couple of additions, or you can go big with professional landscaping!
Whenever I am getting my outdoor space ready for summer I start with large front porch planters, comfortable seating spruced up with pillows and cushions, solar lights, and an outdoor area rug to bring color. Think about what’s best for your favorite activities and build on them. Love cooking and entertaining? Consider an herb planter and an outdoor table for 6! Want to enjoy the quiet and listen to the birds? Invest in a comfy chair and pest-repelling plants like citronella and lemongrass.
Your outdoor space can be a beautiful extension of your home. Don’t let it go underutilized!
9. Fresh Exterior Paint
When you’re driving through a neighborhood or scanning homes for sale online, what’s the first thing you notice? A pop of color! Give your home even more curb appeal with a new coat of paint.
This can be as simple as customizing your front door or shutters. Have a favorite color you want to show off or an idea to compliment your existing exterior? A quick trip to the hardware store and a bit of elbow grease will make this a weekend project for those looking to DIY.
Long term, a full exterior paint refresh can be a worthwhile investment. Whatever that means for your home, you have the opportunity to make your mark with color selections.
10. Refinishing Hardwood Floors
Investing love into your original hardwood is a fantastic way to update the feel of your home without stripping away the character. Especially great if you have dull or damaged old floors, a fresh coat on floors will bring shine and a new feel to your space!
Thinking about selling your home soon and not sure what updates are most beneficial? I would love to talk through options and help.
Reach out and we can get started!
