As nice as a winter break is, there’s still a chance some of us will get a little stir-crazy. If that sounds like you, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Our painters in Asheville NC put together a list of the top five DIY home improvement projects that take less than a week to complete. Of course, you can always call us to do the painting or restoration job for you and continue enjoying your break, too…
Trim & Molding Refresh
While this project requires the most patience out of all five of our recommendations, it will likely also offer the largest payoff. Putting a fresh coat of paint on your home’s interior molding and trim will draw attention to the clean lines of each room as well as add the illusion of height.
If you are painting over an existing coat of color, follow these basic steps for a pro-finish look:
- Thoroughly wash the trim and molding with sugar soap.
- Apply primer. Depending on how dark the previous color was, you may need more than one coat.
- Paint with your color of choice. Be sure to take your time and avoid overloading your brush with paint.
If you’re looking for even more of a change, you may consider a kitchen-based project like a cabinet repaint. D.A.B. Painters, Asheville cabinet painting team, has plenty of experience in that task if you’re feeling like the project is more than you want to take on. Call us today for a free estimate!
Organize the Garage
This is a good one to get the whole family involved in. Pull the cars out of the garage, get a space heater or two and put on your favorite podcast as you get to work! Start by pulling everything off the walls and into three categories: keep, donate or trash.
Once you have just the keep pile remaining, determine if you need more (or a reconfiguration of) storage space. If you can work with the space you already have, go ahead and start finding a place for each type of item based upon how often you need to access it. For example, if it’s only a seasonal item, consider storing it up on a higher shelf until you need it. If you have a lot of small items that get used on a regular basis, consider installing a pegboard feature.
Paint the Front Door
This one won’t take more than a day – leaving you with plenty of time to put your feet up and relax for the rest of your holiday break! A coat of fresh paint in a new color will certainly improve your curb appeal. Some of our top recommendations for a solid front door color include the following from Sherwin Williams:
- SW 6447 Evergreens A rich, sophisticated green from the Sherwin Williams North Carolina “State Your Colors” Line.
- SW 6244 Naval From the America’s Heritage Palatte, a deep, bold navy blue that will absolutely pop against a lighter trim.
- SW 7710 Brandywine A warm, golden tones that mimic the orange tones of a brilliant sunset.
For more ideas on improving your home’s curb appeal, check out our blog on fall cleanup and curb appeal tips! You can also see several expert suggestions on exterior color schemes created by Sherwin Williams here.
Light Fixture Overhaul
The lights in a home often do more than we realize. They can create warmth, add depth, improve the mood and more! Updating your light fixtures can be a total game changer – especially if the fixtures you currently have are still the home’s original ones.
Do a little homework first. We highly recommend perusing Pinterest if you’re looking for something unique, quirky or if you’re trying to match a specific era or theme. It’s also important to consider the type of bulb you will be using. Consult your nearest hardware store lighting department for tips on which type of wattage to use for your specific fixture and room.
Furniture Facelift
Let’s be honest: as much as you love Grandpa’s chair, it might be due for a bit of an update at some point. With just a few tools and a couple of dollars’ worth of investment, you can have a brand-new look without the loss of a sentimental (and comfortable) family piece. Here’s a couple of our favorite winter break furniture projects:
- Reupholster the dining room table chairs
- Paint an end table with a pop of accent color
- Add new hardware to a coffee table
- Refinish/Repaint an office desk
Painters in Asheville NC
Whether it’s a winter break painting project that ended up being bigger than you anticipated or a historic home renovation (or anything in between) we can help! D.A.B. Painting has been serving Asheville & surrounding Western North Carolina counties since 1993. We specialize in residential repaints and restoration—both interior and exterior. Give us a call today for a free estimate.
