not featured

Spruce Up Your Home This Spring With These 5 Small Improvements

a woman replaces a light fixture in her home during spring renovations

The flowers are popping up, the weather is warmer, and the sun is gracing us with its presence for more time each day. Spring is here, and for many of us, it’s not a moment too soon. With all the signs of rebirth and energy around us, you may be feeling extra motivation to work on home improvement projects.

And even if you’re already in a good mindset, these types of projects can actually make you happier, according to Forbes. After completing a remodeling project, 74% of homeowners have a greater desire to be in their home. 65% say they experience increased enjoyment, and 77% feel a major sense of accomplishment.

Ready to spruce up your home this spring and boost your mood in the process? Here are five ideas for small home improvement projects to help you get started.

1. Install Crown Molding
If you’re looking to spruce up your home, crown molding is one of the simplest improvements you can make. And while it may not be complicated, it can pay off in a big way.

While molding refers to the pieces of trim that line a room, including baseboards and windows, crown molding is the decorative trim that lines the seam of your walls and ceiling. It can make your rooms look more elegant, giving it that “finished” look while hiding gaps or imperfections at the same time.

Not only does it serve that practical purpose, but it could even increase your home’s value at the same time.

2. Refresh Your Kitchen
Kitchens are sometimes known as “the heart of the home.” Meals are lovingly prepared to fuel minds, bodies, and spirits. And food is often strongly associated with cultural and familial ties.

But a kitchen that feels outdated, poorly designed, or just too small can be frustrating. However, there are several small ways you can refresh your kitchen in order to better meet your needs -- and improve aesthetics at the same time.

Whether it’s something as small as replacing all the drawer and cabinet hardware or a medium-sized project like using a peel-and-stick backsplash … any kitchen project has the potential to make a big impact.

3. Update Your Light Fixtures
Something as seemingly small as a new light or ceiling fixture can instantly transform a room. If your home still has the standard builders-grade lights your home was built with, it’s the perfect opportunity to upgrade to something more stylish. Adding a ceiling fan to the fixture can even make the whole thing more functional.

And not only is it important to update your light fixtures from an aesthetic perspective. Just like other aspects of your home, light fixtures can become old and dated. And if that’s the case, it can even turn into a safety hazard. Of course, when working with electricity, be sure to take all necessary safety precautions and consult an expert if you’re unsure.

This spring, assessing all the light fixtures in your home and replacing those that are drab or dated can give new life to your rooms while also keeping you safe.

4. Revive Your Guest Room
Guest bedrooms can sometimes serve as catch-all rooms -- since no one sleeps in there most of the time, they may become storage rooms or home offices. But when it comes time for visitors, there are several small improvements you can make to the guest room that will make their stay comfortable and cozy.

Of course, the best way of making a bed cozy is to ensure you have high-quality bedding and a comfortable mattress. Great pillows, sheets, and comforters don’t have to break the bank. And if buying a new mattress isn’t in the plans right now, consider a mattress pad that can add an extra layer of comfort for your guests.

Another simple way to elevate your guests’ experience in your home is by ensuring they have space for their belongings. Whether that’s clearing space in the closet and providing hangers, or adding a dresser specifically for your guests’ things, these small steps can take your guest room to the next level.

5. Give Your Bathroom a Mini Makeover
While a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) may be better suited for a larger bathroom update project, there are small steps you can take to refresh your bathroom, making it feel like a whole new space -- even without spending too much money.

A fresh coat of paint on the cabinets or a new mirror could make a world of difference. Consider adding framed art pieces along with real or fake greenery to bring your bathroom some “zen.” And finish off with counter decor that is pretty as well as practical: a tray with candles, hand lotion, and hand towels in your theme color can tie the whole room together.

Academy Bank Can Help With Your Home Repairs, Improvements, and More

As you plan your next small home project, consider applying for an Academy Bank Express Loan.

An Academy Bank Express Loan is a personal loan that gives you access to the cash you need without breaking your budget. No more resorting to high-interest lenders like payday lending offices helps ensure that your funds go to your most important needs. You can use funds for your home projects, unexpected car or medical expenses, your education, or anything else you need.


Member FDIC
*Subject to credit approval. Direct deposit is required. We recommend applying for this loan once you've been with us for 6 months. That way, we can consider your account relationship with us in lieu of good credit.