It’s winter and we’re temporarily off the hook for completing those outdoor projects. However, it’s the perfect time to knock out those indoor projects that we’ve been putting off. (And you thought you’d settle down for a long winter’s nap!) The possibilities are endless, but it’s best to first determine how much time or money you want to invest in a project before you begin.

To Paint Or Paper?

Great winter projects include new paint or wallpaper. The fumes from Latex paints and wallpaper pastes are barely detectable these days – not to mention today’s selection of “green” paints. Remember adequate ventilation and keep ceiling fans going for quicker dry time. If necessary, you can turn the heat up a little. You already know, a little paint goes a long way in changing the look of a room.               

Fun With Flooring

It’s also a good time to find deals on flooring. Replace that dingy carpet or go for the hardwood flooring that you’ve always dreamed of having. Do it yourself and save money or remember it’s also a great time of year to consult a professional for the job. Usually, their workload is lighter during the winter and it’s possible they’ll do the labor at a discounted price.

Get Creative In The Kitchen

Nothing brings a home “down” or adds to winter drab more than a dark, dingy kitchen. Take time to reface cabinets and change the entire look of the kitchen. An easy way to do this is to add trim to the top, bottom and faces of your cabinets. Purchase the wood trim from any building supply – but use precise measurements when piecing together. Hire a professional to spray paint them or save money by giving it several coats of high gloss or semi-gloss interior paint for an entirely new look!  Make sure to use high quality materials including brushes and paint. Plan on the project taking 3-4 weeks to insure proper time between sanding and paint coats for a professional finish.
Visit online sites such as www.thisoldhouse.com or www.doityourself.com for easy step-by-step instructions and inspiring before and after photos.

Refinish The Furniture!

This might also be a good time to refinish that piece of furniture.  We’ve all got at least one “too-good-to-pass-up” furniture buy that just needs refinishing to be the gem we imagined when we bought it. In a heated a garage, sanding and repainting can easily be accomplished. A project such as an antique armoire or a dining room hutch could take many steps (stripping, sanding, adding trim and/or feet, repainting) and many months to complete. On the other hand, a chair or small table could be completed overnight.  Decide what you’d like to tackle and know the rewards will be long-lasting.

Organize

If painting and staining or heavy labor are not for you, consider the  “oh-so-satisfying” feeling of an organized closet or like-new garage! Nothing makes a home run more smoothly than organized spaces. Begin by going through the house room by room, sorting out stray items. Purchase storage baskets, bins and containers that will enhance your décor, hide what you don’t want to see, and clear out the rest. Organize by usefulness – gloves with mittens and scarves, unread newspapers with magazines, socks with hosiery and leg warmers, nuts and bolts together in one bin, all types of tape in another . . . you get the drift. Once items are organized and contained, things will get put away more quickly in the future eliminating ongoing clutter. Plan to spend an hour to several hours per room.  For minimal cost, you will get much return on your investment!

Open For Options
Other ideas for sprucing up our homes in the winter might include new window treatments, replacing ceiling fans or lighting fixtures, changing out faucets or sinks for a complete new look. There are many options open for projects to conquer in the cold winter months. The hardest part will be getting up from that nap!