The great benefit of homeownership is the potential the place has for improvement. Standing in the back or front yard, owners can envision creating a simple lawn that can be a retreat during the lazy summer months, or designing a garden wonderland for year-round enjoyment. However, do not forget the inside, where opportunities abound to use the space in creative ways. While the vision of the home materializes, the actual task of completing these tasks might seem daunting. Surprisingly, though, simple DIY projects can really transform the look of the place.

One major change that can transform the look of home is the paint. Whether painting the interior or the exterior, repainting can freshen up outdated, dull or cracked paint. Before completely changing the color of walls inside or outside the home, paint a test area to make sure the color and the effect is what you desire. When purchasing paint, make sure to purchase a small can of white primer, which can be tinted the same color to help blend in the outer coat. Another task to complete just before painting is washing the walls to remove debris. Owners have flexibility in color choices as well.

• As for painting indoors, consider the type of lighting the room/s gets during the day. If the room is heavily shaded, bright, cheery colors (pastel colors) might be more appropriate because these colors will make the room appear larger. Conversely, if the room gets a lot of light, darker colors would work to lessen the impact of the light in the room. Homeowners can also play around with the trim by painting it a lighter or darker shade than the colors on the walls.
• For outside color schemes, homeowners should look at the colors on the homes in the neighborhood and then choose a color in that spectrum, so the exterior paint does not clash with other homes in the neighborhood. Also, look at the environment for cues in choosing color. A shade of green might work on a home in a heavily shaded area with a lot of flowers as opposed to a home on the beach.

Another DIY idea to makeover a home would be to maximize space in the home. Look at areas underneath the stairs, in the living room itself, and in other storage areas as opportunities to create needed space.

• The space underneath the stairs can be converted into a wine cellar, a reading nook, a small library or even place to store shoes, coats and other items that usually sit in front of the door.
• Space in the living room can be maximized by converting a plain door into shelving that opens up into a hidden room. Recapture that love of superhero adventure by converting plain doors into bookshelves or even artwork that accesses a hidden room.
• Maximize attic space by converting the room into a bedroom, study or something purposeful.

Any of of these ideas to maximize space in a home are DIY projects that can be undertaken with a little planning.

Making over the appearance does not necessarily require changing everything in a home, as even small changes in the home can drastically change the appearance.

• Simply changing out window coverings such as blinds or curtains and installing DIY shutters can drastically transform the appearance of a room.
• Also, installing light fixtures such as colorful chandeliers, faucets, door handles or cabinet ware can dress up a space. In the kitchen, refresh the look of wooden cabinets by either refinishing them in a different shade or painting them a different color.
• Use potted flowers and plants to add a dash of flair to living room and bedroom space.
• Get creative in the living room by purchasing furniture that is textured or that adds a pop of color to the space. For example, in a living room that has muted blue or green color furniture, a glass coffee table or china cabinet, both with bright red or pink metal framing, will accentuate and give style to the space.
• On the patio and in outside walkways, placing potted plants and flowers on the porch can give the home a more comfy, cozy appearance.

Homeownership has major advantages, and one of these advantages is being able to decorate or

makeover the home. Homeowners who want to update the look of their home but are unsure of how to approach the project can make small changes that make a big difference. At some point, the home they envision will match the reality that is before them.