Flowers are in bloom and the weather is getting warmer, but spring 2020 looks very different than past springs. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our everyday lives and forced millions of Americans to stay home to help stop the spread of the virus.
If you have the resources, staying home and practicing social distancing may give you more time to work on hobbies, focus on healthier habits and tackle long overdue home improvement projects. Also, self-care and home improvement can help you mitigate uncertainty and stress by taking control of what you can control.
Take Control of Your Curb Appeal
We’ve all done it. We’ve put off a project that we know will feel so good once complete but takes a smidge more effort than we want to commit ourselves to. The excuses come easy, but these are the projects we tell ourselves we’d get done “if only I had the time.” Now you do.
The guest bathroom needs a new coat of paint — Well, it’s only used when my in-laws visit twice a year.
The kitchen sink makes a funny noise when I turn the hot water on — I hardly notice it anymore and anyway, the sink still does its job.
The front porch could use a makeover — Eh, I only ever see it when I’m pulling into the driveway.
We’ll let the first two slide. But as a doorglass manufacturer, we can’t in good conscience let you miss an opportunity to improve your home’s curb appeal. For 75 years, it’s kind of been our thing.
The front of your home can evoke feelings about your family and community. Consider using this time to refine what your entryway says to passing joggers (practicing social distancing) and the family and friends eager to visit once it’s safe and responsible to do so. Giving your entryway a makeover brings more beauty to your neighborhood and is an optimistic way to get it ready for better days in the future. Here are some suggestions:
1. Paint your trim.
Peeling paint can be an eyesore. If your trim has seen better days, touch it up with a fresh coat. Or, if you’re feeling up to it, switch up the paint color completely. Just because a classic white trim was your style when you moved in doesn’t mean you’re stuck with it for life. Why not try out that soft grey or mahogany brown you’ve had your eye on for a while? If you hate it, you can always go back to the original color, but you’ll have tried something new and will have a fresh coat of paint no matter what. We consider that a win-win.
2. Go for a bold front door.
Why should your trim get to have all the painting fun? Spring is here to nudge all the dreariness of winter to the side. Let the colorful blooming flowers be your inspiration and go for a bold front door color. What better time to try out that cerulean blue or fire-engine red than now? You’re home and you have plenty of time to get used to the pop of color.
3. Replace your doorglass.
This one isn’t exactly DIY, but with tools like ODL’s door stylizer, you can browse doorglass designs and upload a photo of your home to visualize how different styles look within your existing door. With a wide range of decorative, divided light and textured glass options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect fit to complement your home’s architecture and surrounding aesthetics.
4. Replace, or just rearrange, your décor.
Did you ever rearrange your room as a kid only to feel like you were in an entirely new space? You’re never too old to experience those feelings of excitement. Swapping out your décor for fresh pieces, or simply rearranging your current décor, can sometimes be just what a tired entryway needs to come alive again. Take down any winter seasonal décor and outfit your entryway with a fresher, brighter look for the warmer months ahead. Or rearrange: that lantern that’s been to the right of your door since you moved in? Swap it with the chair that’s been on the left side. Try working with what you have on hand first, but thanks to online shopping options you can also buy new pieces from the comfort of home.
Keeping safe at home for a while is the best thing you can do for your health and your community. Let us know how you’re practicing self-care and using this time to improve and beautify your home.
To learn more about doorglass options from ODL, please visit our Inspiration Gallery.
