8 Home Improvement Ideas To Get Ready For The Holidays

As the holiday season approaches, many Phoenix homeowners begin to think about how to make their homes more inviting and functional for gatherings, celebrations, and general cheer. Home improvement projects can be rewarding in enhancing your environment and ensuring your home feels cozy and welcoming. Below, we have compiled a list of the top home improvement projects—ranging from simple fixes to more extensive renovations—that will prep your home for the holidays and beyond.

Declutter and Organize

Before embarking on any renovations, take the time to declutter and organize your home. A tidy and well-organized space can help alleviate stress during the bustling holiday season, enabling you to enjoy the festivities fully.

How to Declutter Effectively:

• Set Aside Dedicated Time - Choose a day or weekend to focus specifically on decluttering and reorganizing. Dedicating time to this project will allow you to remain focused and not be distracted by other responsibilities.
• Tackle One Room at a Time - Break down the decluttering process by room. Before moving to bedrooms and bathrooms, focus on the high-traffic areas, such as the living room, kitchen, and entryway.
• Create "Keep," "Donate," and "Discard" Piles - For each area, decide what items you still need, what can be donated, and what should be thrown away.
• Use Storage Solutions - Once your space is decluttered, invest in storage solutions like bins, baskets, or shelving to keep it organized. This will make your space more aesthetically pleasing and help give all your belongings a home. Decluttering will also make locating needed items in your home more manageable.

Consider specialized cabinets, appliance garages, or butler pantries to manage clutter in your home. These
solutions keep the mess out of sight and out of mind.

• Specialized Cabinets — If you are considering remodeling your Arizona kitchen before the holidays, consider specialized cabinetry to ensure each cabinet serves a specific function. This will ensure everything in your kitchen has a particular home, including your spices, cooking utensils, baking sheets, etc.
• Appliance Garages are an effective solution for minimal clutter in your kitchen and living space. Their primary function is to keep small appliances hidden until they are ready for use.
• Butler Pantries—When hosting holidays and other events, the gathering typically occurs in the kitchen and living room. Butler pantries are a great way to keep the clutter and mess out of the kitchen. They are an excellent place to hold extra linens, dishes, beverages, and perhaps smaller appliances. If the space is big enough, it may be a good place for food prep.

Long-Term Benefits of Decluttering
Decluttering your home is more than just getting ready for the holidays. It's a habit that can lead to a more serene state of mind and a more inviting home in the future. Removing unnecessary items creates more space and reduces visual noise, contributing to a calmer, more peaceful living environment. Additionally, decluttering can make cleaning and organizing easier, saving you time and energy in the long run.

Revamp your entryway

The entryway is guests' first impression of your Arizona home, so it is crucial to create a welcoming atmosphere. The joy of creating this warm and inviting space will make you feel excited about the upcoming holiday season. An entryway design should also be functional so guests can feel comfortable immediately. Consider the below ways to make your entryway functional, warm, and welcoming.

• Paint the Front Door - A fresh coat of paint on the front door can instantly elevate your home’s curb appeal.
• Accent wall - Incorporating accents to your entry wall will instantly add interest to your home. Popular accent wall designs include slats, herringbone, paneling, shiplap, and more.
• Cubbies or storage bins are ideal for storing extra blankets and personal items.
• Add hooks, shelves, or a bench - Guests should have space to remove their shoes, put down their keys, and hang purses and coats.
• Lighting - Ensure the entryway is well-lit with warm lighting. A well-lit entryway creates a welcoming atmosphere and makes guests feel at ease, improving their overall experience. Consider adding a stylish chandelier or wall sconces to establish the tone for the rest of the home.

Upgrade Lighting Fixtures

Good lighting is essential for setting the holiday mood. Replace harsh overhead lights with softer, ambient options. Consider installing dimmer switches to adjust the lighting according to the occasion. Outdoor lighting, such as string lights or lanterns, can create a magical atmosphere for nighttime gatherings and curb appeal. Layered lighting can help create a cozy atmosphere. Use a mix of table lamps, floor lamps, and string lights to set the mood.

Kitchen Refresh

The kitchen is the heart of the home during the holidays, as families gather to cook and share meals. To ensure your kitchen is up to par for your holiday cooking and entertainment, consider the kitchen upgrades in the image below that will give it the refreshment it deserves this holiday season.

Project Ideas to Consider

• Upgrade Appliances - If your appliances are outdated or inefficient, consider investing in modern, energy-efficient models that will help decrease your overall energy usage.
• Cabinet Refresh - Replacing your cabinetry can be a significant investment. Consider replacing your outdated cabinetry. Replacing your hardware can give your cabinets a fresh, new look that is more affordable than replacing your entire cabinet.
• Countertop Refresh—Consider replacing old countertops to deliver instant appeal. Countertops can be a low-cost, high-return upgrade that makes your kitchen feel brand new. Materials like quartz or granite can add elegance to your kitchen.
• Adding a Backsplash - A backsplash is a practical and eye-catching upgrade. Incorporating color, patterns, or texture will help create a focal point in the kitchen. Phoenix designers also recommend a backsplash to keep the walls in your kitchen clean and prevent damage from cooking with grease and other oils.

Set up a free in-home consultation to get started on any of the above kitchen upgrades for your home.

Bathroom Upgrade

Guest bathrooms should be company-ready by being well-stocked during the holiday season. Below are a few ways to upgrade your bathroom for your guests this holiday season.
Bathroom Upgrade Ideas

• Fresh Paint - A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a bathroom. Light, neutral colors can create a sense of space, while bolder hues can bring drama.
• New Hardware - Update faucets, towel bars, and cabinet handles for a modernized look. This can be a cost-effective way to refresh the space.
• Storage Solutions - Consider adding shelves or cabinetry to keep toiletries organized and within reach. Baskets filled with essentials can add visual appeal and convenience.
• Stock up on necessities—Anticipate your guests' needs by making everything accessible in the bathroom, including extra toiletries and linens.

Inviting Outdoor Spaces

Remember your outdoor spaces, as they offer additional space for celebrations, particularly if you enjoy hosting winter gatherings or holiday barbecues.

• Firepits or Heaters - Adding a firepit or outdoor heater can extend your enjoyment of outdoor spaces during colder months. It's perfect for roasting marshmallows or sipping hot cocoa.
• TV Wall - A TV wall outdoors is a great way to enhance entertainment and the environment.
• Festive Lighting—Enhance your outdoor environment with string, lanterns, or pathway lights. This will make your home look magical and welcoming.

Entertainment Space for the Holidays

Accent and media walls are highly requested remodeling projects in the Phoenix area. A featured wall is a great way to centralize your entertainment space and help bring everyone together to enjoy holiday movies or game nights. A media wall is an entirely customizable project that allows you to specify the size to fit your wall perfectly, create the needed room for your electronics, and create storage space for other items required in your entertainment area.

Enhancing Functionality Throughout the Home

• Smart Home Options - Consider integrating innovative technology into your home to add convenience and security, especially if you'll be away for the holidays.
• Smart Thermostat - Control your home’s temperature remotely, ensuring an inviting environment upon return.
• Smart Lighting - Automate your home’s lights with smart bulbs or switches. Setting a holiday lighting schedule will enhance the festive ambiance.
• Home Security Systems - Ensure your home is safe whether you are there or away. Smart locks, inside cameras, and outdoor motion sensors help secure your home.
• Energy Efficiency - Improving insulation, sealing drafty windows, and upgrading to energy-efficient windows can also significantly reduce your home's energy usage, creating a comfortable atmosphere while saving on utility bills.

Hire an Experienced Phoenix Remodeling Contractor Today!

Preparing your home for the holiday season doesn’t have to be stressful. By tackling a few key home improvement projects, you’ll create a welcoming environment for family and friends to enjoy. To start your home improvement projects for the holidays, Contact Todd Whittaker Drywall, Inc. (also known as TWD) to take the pressure off designing and remodeling your home to be holiday-ready and request your free initial in-home or design showroom consultation today.