Ideas For Winter Home Improvements

 

If you're considering simple DIY updates or tackling major renovations, this article provides practical ideas for refreshing your living space for the new year. 

As the weather drops, so does the temperature indoors, especially if drafts come from the windows and doors. To reduce energy loss, it's essential to prioritise the maintenance of these areas by inspecting the frames for gaps and cracks and sealing with weatherstripping where appropriate. This effortless improvement will save you on energy bills. To further save on energy bills, consider reducing the electricity bill by maximising natural light by cleaning your window panes. If the budget allows for optimal energy efficiency and security, consider upgrading to double or triple-pane windows and an insulated front door with secure locks. 

 

Shorter days in the winter mean more time relying on artificial lighting. You can reduce your energy bill by replacing old bulbs with LED options. Consider installing dimmer switches for adjustable lighting to provide a warm glow, which can help create a cosy ambience. To further improve the functionality of lighting in your home, use task lighting in workspaces and reading nooks. This will help you reduce the reliance on the main light. 

With nights getting colder, the fireplace becomes a winter essential. Before using it, it's worth having it inspected to ensure its safety and efficiency, especially if it's a gas fireplace. If you have a gas fire, this would be a great time to inspect your carbon monoxide detector to confirm it hasn't expired, test it's working and replace the batteries if needed. 

 

If you have a non-functional fireplace, use this festive season to transform it into a focal point with candles, plants, or fairy lights to enhance the room's aesthetics. 

Winter home improvement could involve renewing and upgrading your interior design for the new year, giving you a fresh start to the year ahead. To make the most of natural light in your home, choose paint colours that enhance the natural light based on the room's orientations, whether it faces north, south, east or west. Fresh interior paint can significantly improve your living space, especially when complemented with textured finishes like a canvas feature on the accent wall, blankets and cushions. 

As the year comes to a close, it's the perfect time to finish off the leftovers and the last of the chocolates, making it an ideal moment to deep clean your kitchen and appliances. Begin by emptying and washing your fridge shelves, preparing for a fresh start in January. Follow it up by scrubbing the oven, stovetop, and microwave to eliminate grease and grime. A clean, well-maintained kitchen makes preparing hearty winter meals a pleasant experience in the new year. 

Out with the old, in with the new may prompt you to start making space in your home. Start by sorting through cupboards, wardrobes, and cabinets, donating or discarding items you no longer need. Become more organised by grouping items in labelled containers, and consider placing non-essential items, like summer gear, in a storage unit and rotating with winter essentials when the season changes.