home improvement
DIY Home Upgrades to Add Style and Beauty
Last Updated on September 13, 2025 by Rod Washington
(Family Features) Home upgrades are necessary for a variety of reasons, but many homeowners look to update their homes to add comfort and beauty. While a complete renovation can be appealing, it can also be costly and time consuming.
However, if you’re willing to take on some of the work yourself, there are ways to upgrade your living spaces to add style (and value) without the assistance of a contractor. Consider these DIY ideas to spruce up your home’s aesthetics and create a more attractive place to live.
Freshen Up Paint
When it comes to simple DIY projects, a new coat of paint can drastically update your spaces without making major renovations. Light colors like gray, beige or white can make smaller spaces feel more open while darker shades like navy and purple can create a dramatic look. If you don’t want (or need) to paint the entire room, adding a pop of color with an accent wall or touching up the trim are quick and easy improvements. Adding paint to a less traditional spot like the ceiling or refreshing cabinets with a new color can also help bring your spaces to life.
Install Mess-Free Stone Accents
If you’re looking to add warmth and texture, easy-to-install stone veneer can provide the look of natural stone without the expense. A mortarless option like ClipStone is designed to be installed with screws and common tools, making it easy to achieve the look of traditional masonry without the hassle and mess. Durable and low maintenance, you don’t have to worry about sealing or painting and it’s a perfect option for exterior or interior installation that can be installed in any weather conditions. Available in a variety of styles and colors, homeowners can mix and match to create a custom look. Plus, it features a built-in water management system, overlapping edges to minimize gaps, reversible outside corners and a variety of available accessories.
Upgrade Window Treatments
Windows can often be overlooked or left with the simple paper shades or aluminum blinds the builder initially installed. Consider replacing them with plantation shutters, wooden blinds or drapes that better suit the style of the room. In addition to blinds, curtains provide another opportunity to add design elements that align with your tastes. From geometric panels to sheers, the possibilities are nearly endless. Or simply match the curtain panels to the color of your walls or an accent color for a look that can match almost any style.
Update Accessories
Cabinet pulls, outlet covers, curtain rods, switch plates and doorknobs are easily ignored, but replacing them can be an inexpensive way to add small touches of elegance to your home. With a variety of designs and finishes to choose from, including bronze, brushed nickel, copper and stainless steel, updating worn pull handles and knobs can create an affordable look that appears expensive. The same is true for metal switch covers and outlet plates. While decorative curtain rods may be on the pricier side, adding a coat of paint in a metallic finish could provide a cheaper alternative.
Improve Curb Appeal
There are a multitude of inexpensive ways to give your home’s exterior a makeover. Start by pressure washing your siding and windows, which can make your house look almost as good as a fresh coat of paint for a fraction of the time and money. Remember to also clean your driveway, patio and walkways to maximize your investment. Pulling weeds, trimming trees and bushes, and patching bald spots in the yard can also go a long way as can planting greenery in front of your home and making landscaping upgrades like adding mulch beds, water features or decorative edging. Another idea: replace your front door or give it a fresh coat of paint to add a pop of color to your porch.
Find more ideas for improving your living spaces at myclipstone.com.
DIY Home Upgrades to Add Style and Beauty
SOURCE:
Cornerstone Building Brands
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Author
Refresh Your Home: A Room-by-Room Spring Cleaning Checklist
(Feature Impact) After months of winter, spring cleaning isn’t just about dusting and vacuuming – it’s about inviting sunlight and fresh air into your space through the open windows and giving yourself a fresh start for the longer days ahead.
It’s also a perfect opportunity to clear out the old and make room for new experiences, memories and energy. Whether you’re tackling deep cleaning for the first time or you have seasonal rituals for tidying up your home, this room-by-room guide can help you plan and conquer seasonal chores.
Whole Home:
- Declutter spaces: Donate, recycle or discard what you don’t need
- Wash windows inside and out
- Dust baseboards, walls, vents and ceiling fans
- Wipe down doors, knobs and light switches
- Vacuum and clean under and behind furniture
- Clean curtains and blinds
- Store seasonal items like winter clothing and decor
- Replace air filters
- Shampoo carpet
Kitchen:
- Empty and wipe down refrigerator and freezer
- Clean oven, stovetop and microwave
- Scrub countertops and backsplashes
- Clean out the garbage disposal
- Sweep and mop floors
- Organize the pantry and throw away any expired items
Bathrooms:
- Scrub grout and tile
- Clean mirrors and glass surfaces
- Deep clean toilets
- Wipe down cabinets and bathroom fixtures
- Wash rugs, floor mats and the shower curtain and liner
- Empty trash and clean the bin
Bedrooms and Other Living Areas:
- Wash bedding, pillows and linens
- Organize closets and drawers
- Vacuum chair, couches and mattresses as well as under cushions
- Dust shelves and decor
- Clean light fixtures and lampshades
Outdoor Areas:
- Power wash patios, sidewalks and driveways
- Wipe down outdoor furniture and replace textiles like pillows, cushions and umbrellas
- Clear debris from garden beds
- Prune shrubs, plants and trees
- Organize garages and sheds
- Reconnect hoses and sprinklers
- Prep lawn equipment such as mowers, weed eaters and blowers
For more spring cleaning tips and tricks, visit eLivingtoday.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
Consumer Corner
Avoid a Summer Breakdown: Why Now is a Smart Time to Replace an Old HVAC System
As summer approaches, homeowners are encouraged to replace outdated HVAC systems in spring for improved efficiency and cost savings. Many homeowners lack awareness of their system’s age and lifespan, leading to higher long-term costs. Investing in a modern system enhances air quality, reduces energy bills, and adds home value.
(Feature Impact) With summer heat just around the corner, homeowners may not be aware that spring can be a perfect time to prepare for rising temperatures. An outdated heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, for example, may not be up for the task of keeping a home cool.
In fact, it can end up costing homeowners more in the long term due to a gradual decline in efficiency and more frequent repairs. In addition to savings over time, there are multiple reasons to replace an aging system this spring.
In a recent survey, Carrier found more than one-quarter (26%) of homeowners don’t know the age of their HVAC system, and a slight majority (54%) don’t know the average lifespan of one. Those knowledge gaps can result in missed opportunities for long-term savings.
Aging Systems Can’t Take the Heat
Many homeowners postpone purchasing a new HVAC system until their existing system fails or they find their aging system is struggling to maintain a consistent temperature. Often, upfront costs deter homeowners from purchasing a new system; however, 8 in 10 homeowners would consider a new heating and cooling system if it paid for itself in energy savings within 5-10 years. With a new energy-efficient system, those savings are possible.
A New HVAC System is a Critical Home Investment
Modern heating and cooling systems have uses beyond heating and cooling. They can improve air quality in the home by balancing humidity levels, reducing drafts and keeping a consistent climate throughout multiple rooms and stories. They also use less energy and run more quietly than older systems, making a home quieter and more cost-effective.
HVAC Basics Many Homeowners Miss
HVAC units often go unseen, yet a home’s comfort depends on them running consistently. It’s critical that homeowners schedule annual maintenance appointments to ensure their system is running as it should and they’re aware of when it may be time to replace.
While it may seem more cost-effective to stick with an outdated system for one more season, an old system could end up prolonging issues and ultimately cost homeowners more in repairs.
Spring is an ideal time to invest in a new HVAC system, as contractors are generally more available to install a new system and homeowners can get ahead of the summer heat, ensuring they’ll be cool all season long.
Signs It’s Time to Replace
Red flags that indicate it’s time for a new HVAC system include: a system that’s more than 10-15 years old, a system that needs noticeably more repairs, energy bills going up despite usage remaining the same, inconsistent temperatures, a system struggling to maintain the desired temperature or a system that’s constantly running or seems less efficient than it used to.
Many companies offer specials during the spring and fall months, known as shoulder season. For example, until May 31, Carrier is offering 0% APR for 60 months and up to $2,100 in rebates so customers can get a jumpstart on a cool, comfortable home. A new HVAC system means more than just cool temps this summer; it means added home value, cleaner air and peace of mind.
Learn more about available rebates, tax credits and financing plans at Carrier.com or by contacting a local expert.
SOURCE:
Carrier
Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today! https://stmdailynews.com/category/consumer-corner
Consumer Corner
Spruce Up Your Home for St. Patrick’s Day
Spruce Up Your Home: Spring is just around the corner, and there are few better ways to freshen up your home than with a wee bit of St. Patrick’s Day decor.
Last Updated on March 15, 2026 by Daily News Staff
(Feature Impact) Spring is just around the corner, and there are few better ways to freshen up your home than with a wee bit of St. Patrick’s Day decor.
Spruce Up Your Home for St. Patrick’s Day
A Splash of Green and a Sparkle of Gold
Whether you love emerald, lime, sage or leafy green shades, simply adding a pop of a new-to-you hue can infuse your home with some St. Paddy’s fever. Check craft stores for reusable greenery to place in a pot or vase, or get crafty and dot pinecones with glue before dusting them with green glitter and placing them in a glass bowl to make a festive display worthy of a leprechaun’s seal of approval. Get Ready for Spring and Shop New Arrivals to Refresh Your Space!
Scent of the Season
Lighting a candle not only creates a festive vibe, but the aroma from a scented candle can remove any staleness in the air and bring some ambiance to your home. Any earthy scent will do – from juniper to fir, pine, sandalwood or amber. Woodsy choices infuse a room with comfort and warmth. Decorative elements like metal charms, beads and crystals (in bright green or gold) add a pop of whimsy to your candle, too.
Shape a Shamrock
Holidays are ideal times to flex your creative muscles and give your home a little artsy edge. Scour the shelves at dollar stores or thrift shops for things like green clay or modeling dough, colored paper, wooden shamrocks, stickers and inexpensive paint sets. Set your artistic side free with paintings or drawings of shimmery rainbows, mischievous leprechauns and shamrocks in various sizes.
Coins, Clover and Centerpieces
One of the easiest ways to add a little Celtic cheer to your home is with joyful table decor. Add some gold shimmer to your dining room table with sparkly ribbons, a bright runner and gold-flecked napkin rings. A fancy glass filled with green baubles and pebbles can be both subtle and festive. A scattering of faux gold coins and rainbow napkins can make the space feel merry and magical.
Find more ideas to get your home ready for St. Patrick’s Day at eLivingtoday.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
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