The holiday season is upon us, but there is still time to prepare your home for family and friends. Here are some traditional ways you could get ready for visitors:
- Declutter the entire house
- Stock up on food
- Deep clean the kitchen and bathrooms
- Make your home smell nice
- Decorate the living room
While these everyday tasks represent the bulk of your holiday prep work, you can make an even bigger impact on your guests by creating a more inviting home. Read on, and we'll show you how.
Update Your Kitchen
The kitchen has become a focal point for most families in the past few years. With this in mind, consider upgrading to a more practical yet eye-catching design.
New for 2023 is the return of the tile backsplash and dramatic, colorful wallpaper. Be sure to ask your designer which patterns are in and which ones are out.
Also trending this year for kitchen remodeling is the adoption of natural materials. That means anything plastic is a big no-no. Instead, opt for natural stone countertops and unfinished wood cabinets.
Replace That Old Carpet
The first thing your holiday guests will see when they enter your home is the flooring. You can try all you want to make a good first impression, but if the carpet is not up to par, visitors might judge the rest of the house unfavorably.
It may be time to replace the carpet if:
- You've had it for over 15 years
- There's visible wear and tear
- It doesn't smell good
- You have a hard time removing several stains
Old carpeting bears many years of dirt, mold, and dust buildup. As a result, it could lead to increased allergy symptoms, which is another reason for replacing it.
Turn Your Bathrooms into Sanctuaries
Make sure the cabinets and countertops are updated and in good condition. Then, check with your bathroom remodeling specialist to see what's available if they need replacing. It's simpler than you may realize.
Next, stock your guest bathrooms with plenty of towels, soaps, and lotions. Then, light a few scented candles to add warmth and make them smell nice.
To ensure a spa-like atmosphere, consider investing in a waterproof sound system. Having soft music in the bathrooms will impress your guests and put them at ease. The downside is they may never want to come out!
Warm Up the Lighting
Help take the chill out of the air by replacing outdated light fixtures. That means fluorescent lighting is not an option.
Sconces are what's in for 2023. Consider installing some over the mantle or in the guest bathroom. For an even warmer glow, choose a light bulb rated at 2,700 kelvins or less.
Rethink Your Storage Spaces
Aside from throwing out everything old, outdated, or past its expiration date, consider your storage options. To ensure a clutter-free holiday season, try these simple suggestions:
- Add medicine cabinets to your bathrooms
- Install a lazy Susan in the kitchen
- Utilize file sorters to store rolled-up washcloths
- Decant bulk food items into decorative containers
- Use small shelving to display knick-knack items
You may even choose to add a pantry to your kitchen. While not the simplest solution, your kitchen and bath contractor can offer you some ideas along with an estimate of what it will cost.
Get started on your home projects today and take advantage of a free home renovation estimate.
