There is something about the cool, crisp air that autumn brings that makes us want to get up and go. Trading lazy beach days for hiking boots and pumpkin patch adventures, the arrival of fall feels like a fresh start for many.
Perhaps it is conditioning from our childhood when fall marked the beginning of a new school year. Still, there are plenty of adults who feel that autumn provides more of a psychological blank slate than the start of the new year in January, according to Bustle.
With renewed energy and a fresh outlook, now is an ideal time to spruce up your living space. Refresh your home inside and outside with these seasonal DIY projects and home improvements.
Paint the Front Door
A freshly painted front door is one of the easiest exterior projects to make your house a neighborhood standout. According to Forbes, a fall afternoon is an excellent time to complete the project.
Exterior paint is best applied when temperatures are at least 50 degrees, but don’t dip below 40 degrees at night. That range allows the paint to adhere correctly without it freezing before it sets.
Teal, red, yellow, and slate blue are all popular front door colors. According to Bob Villa, shades available in semi-gloss are the best for front doors because that finish is more wear- and stain-resistant than flatter sheens.
Create a Bonus Room
Winter is coming! And we’ll be spending more time inside. Transform an underused room into a cozy respite with a Murphy bed. Fold-down wall beds have long been used to make singular space multifunctional.
A rarely occupied guest room, for example, can quickly transform into an open space for a family room or reading nook when not in use by overnight guests. Some models, like the Lori Bed, offer shelf-storage when the bed is in the upright position. These shelves could hold a TV or iPad for streaming your favorite shows.
Organize your Closet
A changing of the seasons means a changing over of wardrobes. Swapping shorts for fleece-lined leggings can be more than meets the eye. It can be opportunity to get organized.
In her book “Outer Order Inner Calm,” bestselling author Gretchen Rubin writes that decluttering can help us lead happier and healthier lives. Donating unused clothes and storing seasonal attire elsewhere can clear out space and provide a reset for your wardrobe. Tools like cascading hangers, drawer dividers, and shoe racks can also help you easily store, see, and access every piece in your closet.
Winterize the Exterior
Fall foliage is one of the most beautiful parts of the season. But a las, the leaves will eventfully drop into the gutter, which can lead to water damage and costly repairs if not properly cleaned.
Take some time to clear out the dead leaves from your home’s gutters to allow water to drain properly and prevent blockages. The Family Handyman created a guide to conduct your annual gutter cleaning safely.
A mild autumn afternoon is also a great time to check your roof. Keep an eye out for any missing shingles and other signs of damage that can turn into serious and expensive repairs come winter.
Garden Cleanup
A healthy lawn starts in October. Fall yard work is one of the most important to-dos to ensure a healthy landscape come spring. Raking leaves, overseeding, and aerating will prevent your lawn and garden beds from suffocation, according to Better Homes & Gardens.
The chore of yard cleanup can also serve as inspiration for DIY season décor. Leaves, sticks, moss, or acorns can become the base of your fall decorations. HGTV shared inspiring ideas such as DIY leaf wreaths, tree stump vases, and more.
Build a Fire pit
Make the most of your outdoor space while the weather is still warm enough by crafting your own backyard fire pit. Picture sitting fireside with family and friends while roasting s’mores. What better way to spend a crisp fall evening?
A Beautiful Mess created a four-step guide for building your very own fire pit at home in an afternoon. Bonus: The plan doesn’t require expensive materials or even DIY mastery.
Pumpkin Planters
(Source: remodelandolacasa)
This is not your average jack-o'-lantern. A prettied-up pumpkin makes for beautiful décor and a creative planter. Just a bit of paint gives regular pumpkins a really special look. Just hollow them out, and add mums or other fall plants. You can also use decorative paper or tape to decorate the pumpkins.
Fall is a time to refresh your home. Whether it is creating a cozy bonus space by installing a wall bed or brightening up the backyard with a homemade fire pit, these DIY home improvement projects can help you make the most of the season.
Have you used a Murphy bed to transform an underused room in your home? We’d love to see your handy work. Reach out to us info@loriwallbeds.com to share your story for a chance to be featured on our website.
