Do you feel like your old house needs a bit of modernization? There are steps you can take to redecorate your home and bring it into the 21st century without breaking the bank. All you need is a little bit of planning and some inspiration.
However, before you look into redecorating an old house, there is another issue at hand that needs to be resolved: the smell. Some old houses have a specific odor that comes from something called MVOCs – mold volatile organic compounds. These houses usually have three things in common: they are dark, they have high humidity and little ventilation. Luckily, MVOCs are not a health hazard, and the smell can be resolved. Here’s how:
Air the House Out
Open all the windows and air the house out. This will help with the issue of high humidity. If the home is stuffy even with regular airing, consider investing in a dehumidifier that can also eliminate odors.
The Sun is Your Friend
Did you know that UV is used to disinfect the water in some pools? Not only is sunshine an excellent disinfectant for your home, but it also protects it against mold and mildew. Plus, being exposed to sunlight is right for your mental and physical health, so make sure to let the sunshine in.
Neutralize the Air
There are natural products you can use to absorb odor and clean the air, such as baking soda or white vinegar. Put an open container of either somewhere in the room to neutralize any remaining smells.
Pick A Smell You Love
If you don’t like the “neutral” smell of your home, why not spruce it up a little bit? Essential oils, candles, and air fresheners from Scentsy sellers can do wonders for the overall impression of the house. With hundreds of scents to choose from, there is no doubt that you will find something to suit your needs and make the whole place smell good.
Do A Deep Clean
Cleaning every inch of your house does wonders, not only for the smell but also the look. Make sure to clean out air ducts, furnaces, and air conditioners regularly, as mold loves to grow there. Another culprit for the stench that many people aren’t aware of is a wall. Washing your walls will remove mildew, grease, and dust.
Declutter
Now that you’ve cleaned everything, the next step is to declutter. Decluttering your home has proven benefits for your mental health, and is an easy way to make your home look brand new. If you live in an old house, chances are you have stuff that is either outdated, broken, or unusable. Make a list of things you don’t need and either resell them, donate them, or throw them away. You will be surprised at how nicer your house looks with less stuff.
Paint Everything
Instead of buying new cupboards, why not repaint? A good paint job will make them look as good as new and cost much less. Don’t stop at cabinets, look around and check what else could use a paint job. Old doors, window frames, tables, chairs – anything that doesn’t fit in with the rest of the rooms can be revived with paint.
Walls & Wallpaper
Remove any old wallpaper you might have. Old wallpaper can hold a lot of grime and is probably peeling off the wall, which is not a pleasant sight. Instead, an easy way to upgrade your house is to paint the walls, ideally in white. While white is a somewhat dull color, painting your walls in this shade is very modern and will bring your home into the present.
Recondition the Flooring
No, you don’t have to replace your hardwood floor just to make your house look modern. For a fraction of the price, you can refinish the existing one. Choose a suitable stain and bask in the ambiance of your new home.
If you have carpets or rugs instead of hardwood, having them cleaned by an expert will have an astounding effect on the rest of your house. You can also consider replacing any old carpets if your budget allows so.
More Lightning
More lightning will brighten all of the living areas up. There are a few ways you can go about this step – invest in some table or floor lamps, or replace any outdated overhead lighting.
Consider Replacing Old Things
Unfortunately, some things simply can’t be brought back to life. Stuff like old furniture or old curtains can hold your home again and make it look outdated. If buying new furniture sounds like a significant financial decision, keep in mind that high-quality furniture will last you for years. Otherwise, consider buying used for a fraction of the price.