How to Make an Old House Feel New Again (In 5 Easy Steps)

If you want to spruce up your home and make it feel brand new, there are plenty of ways to give it a makeover while still preserving the home’s character. The best part? You don’t need to spend an exorbitant amount of money or endless hours just to give your house a facelift. Here are five simple ways you can make your old home feel new again.

1. Remove all clutter

Clutter can promote unhealthy eating habits, lead to poorer mental health, and stifle creative thinking—not to mention, it makes your home look like a total mess. To quickly and efficiently remove clutter from your home, start by getting rid of all the trash you see laying around: this includes old newspapers, magazines, junk mail, empty soda and liquor bottles, and expired food. Another way to declutter your house is by organizing all of your belongings into a pile for keeping, a pile for donating, and a pile for throwing away. If you haven’t used an item in a long time, consider donating it or selling it online. If you have clothes that are worn and frayed, throw them away. Focus on keeping items that are functional and helpful.

2. Update the outside of your home

You can make your old house feel new simply by tending to your lawn or raking up piles of dead leaves in your backyard. Trim hedges, remove weeds, plant flowers, and cut dead tree branches. If you have space, you could even create a small vegetable garden or rose garden to give your yard a healthy boost of color. For bigger upgrades, consider adding an outdoor fire pit or investing in a hot tub to complement your pool.

3. Give your walls a fresh coat of paint or add artwork

Adding new paint or artwork to walls is one of the easiest (and most affordable) upgrades a homeowner can make. On average, it costs around $100 to paint a 120-square-foot room and it shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours to paint the entire space. If you aren’t sure about transforming the entire color of a room, consider adding artwork to your walls. Find an abstract print that you absolutely adore or hang a collage of pictures to create a charming gallery wall.

4. Repair (or replace) old appliances

If your refrigerator has started to break down or your dishwasher has stopped working, consider upgrading to a new, energy efficient appliance. However, before you spend a ton of money on a new appliance, see if your broken system is covered under a warranty or product insurance plan. Typically, a home warranty will cover appliances that have failed due to normal wear and tear, allowing you to replace your old appliance for a new one at a minimal cost.

5. Accessories your furniture

Another way to make an old home feel new again is to accessorize your furniture. Add a fuzzy blanket to your bland couch, place a vintage table runner on your dining room table, and set out chic coasters. Show off a collection of your favorite books by pairing them with a decorative accent on your coffee table or styling them on a simple, open-backed shelving unit. Swap out dull drapes in your family room for light curtains and make your bathtub pop by buying a beautiful shower curtain from Target or Overstock.