7 Ways to Brighten Up Your Home

If you’re looking for a fast and easy way to brighten up your home this winter, look no further!  Here are 7 cost-effective, but highly satisfying fixes to bring some light back into your home.

1. Raise your curtains

Hanging your curtain rods as high to the ceiling as possible will make your space feel bigger and brighter.  Curtains should just barely hit the floor, so you may need to find extra-long curtains depending on how high your ceilings are.

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2. Paint your walls

White paint will cause light to bounce around the most, but a light cream or grey can also do the trick without looking too stark.  Be sure to test a few samples on the walls to rule out any colors with unwanted under-tones.

3. Swap your bulbs

Switching out your lightbulbs to the highest recommended wattage will make a huge difference.  LED lights will drastically brighten the space while keeping your electric bill low.

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4. Clean your fixtures

Regularly cleaning off your chandeliers and sconces will shed way more light onto your space.  The sparkly finish will help keep things light and airy.

5. Open shelving

Open shelves add more depth to small spaces.  They make a room feel brighter than it otherwise would with large cabinets or furniture.  Be sure to keep them tidy and clutter-free to achieve a less heavy feel.

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6. Remove your screens

Taking the screens off your windows will let in 30% more sunlight indoors.  The sunlight will help warm your house and reduce your heating bill!  Store them in a safe place and be sure to put them back on in the springtime to reduce your a/c bill.

7. Mirrors

Mirrors reflect light which makes any space feel bigger and brighter.  Can’t figure out what to do with a big empty wall?  Hang a gallery of mirrors or rest an oversized one against the wall.  Both visually appealing and will bring plenty of light to the room.

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To Rent or To Buy?

The New Year oftentimes brings big changes.  If you’re planning on a new baby to make its arrival, a job change, a relocation, or maybe just hoping to put the past in the past, then you might be wondering whether renting or buying a home is your best option.  Let’s break down the advantages that both owning or renting a home could bring.

OWNING

  • Build equity: as a renter, you’re building someone else’s equity, but as a homeowner you are helping yourself out
  • Tax benefits: your mortgage interest is tax deductible
  • Put down roots: owning a home often gives a certain sense of pride that can help create stronger ties within your community
  • Stable mortgage payments: with a fixed-rate mortgage, you can enjoy predictable monthly payments that make financial planning easier
  • Personalize home decor and landscaping: when you tire of the baby blue walls in the bathroom, you don’t have to ask anyone’s permission to change the color
  • Freedom: pets are your call when you own your own home

RENTING

  • Landlord handles all repairs: but it might be on their own timeline
  • Access to pool, fitness center, etc: having the ability to use these amenities is better than not, but you’re likely to share with everyone else in your community
  • No HOA fees (if applicable, usually included in rent cost)
  • Lower cost renters insurance (when compared to homeowners insurance) and no interest on monthly rent
  • Flexibility: if you have noncommittal tendencies, renting might be your best option.  It is far easier to break your lease than it is to sell a home.

As of December 2017, the average rent of a 2 bedroom apartment in Denver will cost you $1,567 a month. The median home value in Denver, CO is $392,500.  The national median home value is $185,800.  Approximately 46.4% of Denver homes are owned, while 46.87% are rented and 6.73% are vacant.