Tools and Tips for Refreshing Your Home's Bathroom and Kitchen

Your bathroom and kitchen are two of the most-used rooms in the house, so it's important that you feel at home in these spaces. Unfortunately, since these rooms are utilized so frequently, they are also subject to more wear and tear. As a result, your bathroom and kitchen can end up looking dirty and worn out. Don't stress: Some simple tricks can help you make these spaces look fresh again.

The guide below from the Appliance Educator covers various tools and tips you can use to update your bathroom and kitchen without breaking the bank.

Spruce up your walls

If your walls are looking old, for example, because the paint is peeling, give them a makeover. Peel-and-stick wallpaper is a great option, as it's elegant, long-lasting, and customizable. You can choose from existing designs or make your own. If you design your own using a wallpaper printing service, you won't have to worry about a design being out of stock. Peel and stick wallpaper is easy to use, thanks to a removable adhesive backing. You can even lay it down and then peel it up to adjust the positioning for perfect placement.

Update your fixtures and appliances

Fixtures like your kitchen sinks, a stainless steel range hood, or bathroom toilet take up a lot of space and are thus obvious focal points. Updating these elements of the room can give the entire space a fresh look. In addition to aesthetic appearance, consider utility when updating fixtures. For example, if you're swapping out your toilet, invest in a water-saving model. Consider also investing in an energy-star rated dishwasher, refrigerator or stove. 

Get innovative with organizing

Bathrooms and kitchens are both prone to clutter. Bathrooms have to hold loads of toiletry items, while kitchens can house dishes, cookware, spices, foodstuffs, and more. To make these rooms look more orderly, invest in organizing tools. Architectural Digest offers space-saving tips for kitchens, such as installing hooks to hang mugs and adding a pot rack. You can even install a DripDry rack in empty space above the sink. When it comes to the bathroom, you can try things like getting a separate caddy for each family member's toiletries and using the inside of cabinet doors for storage.

Revamp the lighting

Lighting can make or break a space. Take steps to create a fitting mood in your kitchen or bathroom with the right lighting. In bathrooms, you might consider installing a skylight to allow in natural sun. A cost-efficient and aesthetically-pleasing alternative is adding vanity lights around the mirror. For kitchens, focus your light on where you need it, for example above workspaces. Spotlight-style lighting is one convenient option. You can also get creative, for example by using neon light signs to set a party atmosphere.

Add some greenery

Adding plants to your kitchen and bathroom is a small but inexpensive and simple way to ramp up aesthetic appeal. In bathrooms, adding succulents around the tub can create a soothing ambiance, for example. Meanwhile, in kitchens, consider adding greenery that's also practical. You can create your own herb garden with potted plants of basil, rosemary, thyme, and mint, for instance. In addition to creating a prettier space, having plants indoors also has health perks, according to Swanson Nursery, like lowering stress. 

Managing the costs of upgrade

There are a number of ways to save money on home upgrades. Perhaps the most obvious way is to do the work yourself. Many home improvement projects, such as painting or installing new flooring, can be completed with a little bit of knowledge and some basic tools. However, even if you are not able to do the work yourself, there are still ways to save money. For example, it is often possible to find discounts on materials and supplies when you buy in bundles or packaged sets. 

If your kitchen or bath remodel will be fairly in-depth, you may have to find other ways to pay for changes if you don’t have enough savings. Some people like to use a home equity line of credit, while others prefer to refinance their homes. If you’re asking “when should i refinance my mortgage versus getting a HELOC?” it all depends. A refinance can be a great way to get a lower interest rate on your home and tap into some of your equity to put toward home upgrades. This can be ideal if you have a higher interest rate. Alternatively, a HELOC is more like a credit card. You borrow against your home to access a revolving line of credit. 

Maintaining a beautiful home takes effort, especially when it comes to frequently used spaces like the bathroom and kitchen. That said, small steps like updating fixtures and appliances or adding wallpaper can make a big difference. Or you can go big and refinance for a complete makeover. Either way, investing in a cozy, comfy home is well worth it.