This past weekend, my husband and I moved from the 94-year-old home we've been renting in the Berkeley Hills to a 58-year-old home around the corner. I have always had a soft spot for old homes — the architecture, the charm, the doorknobs! — but they definitely come with their quirks. Love 'em or hate 'em — if you're living in an old house, you know there are some issues to contend with. Read on to find a list of 15 (relatively) quick fixes to make your old home feel new again.
Paint the Cabinets
This is a big project, I won't lie. I painted my cabinets once despite being spectacularly DIY averse. But that monotonous oak was killing me, so I persevered. And it is so worth it! A few cans of paint (and many hours of your life) will completely transform your kitchen — in fact, your whole home.
Paint a Tile Backsplash
Boring white tile backsplash? No matter — geometric patterns are hot this year, and you can make your own in a weekend!
Give Your Pantry a Makeover
What with layers of paint and warping wood, old house pantries can definitely be lacking, so give yours a makeover! Make it the happiest place in the house.
Paint a Brick Fireplace
If your brick surround is an eyesore, not to worry — just paint it.
Cover a Popcorn Ceiling With Wood Planks
Is this a major project? Yes. But then everything related to the ubiquitous popcorn ceiling seems to be. This is a doable DIY if you plan ahead. And the outcome is gorgeous!
Replace Ugly Doorknobs With Vintage Versions
This is an easy fix, but buying reproduction doorknobs can get pricey fast. To keep the budget down, shop local salvage yards or source an eclectic collection on Etsy.
Paint Kitchen and Bath Hardware
Old kitchen and bath hardware can look pretty tired, and it’s no wonder, what with all the heavy lifting they do for us every day. But with a little sanding, primer, and paint, you can give them a new life.
Paint the Floor
Let your creativity run free with multiple colors and a repeating pattern.
Paint a Wood Fireplace
Does your old house have a room (or rooms) full of wood siding? Can there be too much of a good thing? Sometimes a focal point is all that’s needed to draw the eye.
Dress Up a Cinder Block Wall With Chalk Paint
Are you cursed with a dated cinder block patio wall? Do this now! Cutest solution ever, although definitely opt for paint over chalk to make sure your hard work lasts and lasts.
Paint Your Trim
Old homes often have intricate architectural details — show them off by painting them a dramatic contrasting color.
Container Garden in Place of Landscaping
If your landscaping looks as old as your house but new landscaping is not in the budget, try a container garden instead. Add a few at a time (just remember to water them from time to time), and soon your garden will be looking cheerful.
Spray-Paint '80s Brass Light Fixtures
Sometimes a can of spray paint and an afternoon is all it takes to update an old light fixture.
Tile Over Your Countertop
Paint Your Stone Patio Tiles With Pops of Color
Leave it to the bloggers at A Beautiful Mess to make even an ugly concrete patio look adorable.
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