Five Easy Do-It-Yourself Home Updates

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• If you have been spending a lot more time at home
  lately, chances are you are finding yourself
  wanting to make changes. You may suddenly wonder
  why did I choose that light fixture, when did my
  carpet get so dingy, or how did I not see that
  room needed to be repainted? Finding a contractor
  to help with renovations can be hard to come by
  with so many people opting to remodel their homes
  versus spending money on vacations.
• Luckily, there are a lot of DIY projects you can
  take on yourself.

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• Repainting a space not only completely transforms
  a room, but it is also an affordable way to give
  it a quick refresh. If you are nervous about
  trying a new color, consider painting an accent
  wall to sample a color without a huge commitment.
  An accent wall looks great behind a bed in a
  master bedroom or can be used to accentuate an
  architectural feature like high ceilings and
  angles. Consider painting a built-in cabinet or
  the backs of your bookcases to create a dramatic
  focal point. If you are looking to spruce up the
  exterior of your home, choose a pop of color for
  your front door to make it more welcoming.
• Make sure to invest in the proper tools and take
  time to prep your surfaces. Picking up the proper
  supplies like painters tape, a roller with a
  long pole for hard to reach places, and spackle
  will make your end result look professional.
  Another pro tip To avoid roller marks, paint the
  walls with a W pattern and dont forget the
  second coat!

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• Peel and stick wallpaper has come a long way
  since the contact paper we used to line drawers
  in the 1980s. Todays papers feature on trend
  geometric patterns, subtle linen textures, and
  can even be made with an image of your choice to
  create a personalized wall mural. This is an
  especially great option if you are renting a
  property because you can customize your space now
  and remove it when your lease ends. Consider
  using wallpaper not only on your walls but also
  to update older furniture and to perk up your
  stair risers. Peel and stick paper can work
  wonders on dated flat panel cabinets and give
  them an instant update, making a drab and dreary
  laundry room suddenly a charming space.
• When tackling your wallpaper job make sure to use
  a level so your paper hangs straight. If you are
  using paper with a pattern, make sure to take the
  time to line the pattern up. This may mean you
  need to order additional yardage, but the end
  result will be worth it.

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• Another easy project you can tackle on your own
  is adding a frame to a basic builders grade
  mirror. MirrorMate Frames makes a custom mirror
  kit that you can use to frame a mirror while it
  is already on your wall. Simply fill out a
  measuring form, choose a frame, order it online,
  and they will ship it to you in about a week. The
  frame adheres to the face of your mirror and
  gives it an entirely new look.
• A bonus perk They offer free design advice so
  you can have help choosing a frame to work with
  your décor. Consider adding one to your master
  bathroom for a chic new look, your powder room
  for a mini makeover, or to refresh a mirror over
  your fireplace. Whether you prefer traditional,
  coastal, transitional, contemporary, or modern
  farmhouse, they have a frame that works for you!

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• Using a tile saw and messing with grout can be a
  daunting task. If you are looking to add a
  kitchen backsplash and dont have tiling skills,
  consider using a peel and stick tile for a quick
  update. There are many different styles to choose
  from, whether you are looking for a timeless
  subway tile, a bold modern geometric pattern, or
  a linear glass-looking accent tile. Some stick-on
  tile even has texture like real brick. Dont shy
  away from using tile in unexpected places, like
  the back of a kitchen workstation to add a pop of
  color, around a dated fireplace surround to add
  some visual interest, or in the backs of your
  bookcases or cubbies to make them stand out. The
  best part is, if you get tired of the pattern you
  have chosen, they are easily removable!
• Make sure to have the proper tools on hand to
  ensure a smooth installation, including a level
  and a utility knife. You may also have to prep
  the surface you are applying the tile to. Experts
  recommend cleaning the wall with a degreaser and
  smoothing out any textured surfaces.

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• Has watching home design shows suddenly made you
  crave one of those gorgeous wood accent walls?
  Whether you prefer a rustic farmhouse look, a
  sleeker mid-century modern vibe, or a
  contemporary bamboo look, you can now create your
  own wood accent wall by using wood planks that
  adhere to your wall. Peel and stick wood walls
  are a great way to create a dramatic focal point
  over your fireplace or in a bedroom. They also
  look great in a mudroom where you want something
  durable on the walls. You can also get creative
  with the patterns you create. You can opt for a
  horizontal linear pattern, a vertical run or even
  create a herringbone look.
• Since wood can swell or shrink due to the
  moisture in a room, experts recommend letting the
  wood acclimate to the climate of your home for
  about three days before installation. This will
  give you ample time to prepare the surface by
  cleaning, priming, and removing any nails from
  the wall.

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• The more time you stay at home, the more time you
  may notice things you want to do to give your
  home a refresh. Thankfully, there are a lot of
  projects you can do yourself that will give it an
  instant update and add your own personal style,
  making it welcoming when you are able to
  entertain guests again.

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• Discover MirrorMates vast collection of stylish,
  easy-to-install frames at MirrorMate.com