Greenbook: A Local Guide to Chesapeake Living - Issue 3 | Page 14

After the season is over, it will
make a great space for potted
plants or to display family photos.
Upgrading sinks and countertops
can be expensive. Do it in stages,
such as adding a modern sink and
faucets. For added color, throw in
small details like hanging a lamp or
plants above the sink or purchasing
new window treatments.
Living Room: Have you always
wanted a fireplace to keep you
warm and cozy during those winter
months but never had the expenses
to install a chimney? Think outside
the box this year by turning an
empty corner or wall into a
comforting space by adding a
faux fireplace.

Budget-Friendly Ways
to Fix Up Your Home for
the Holidays
By Cannon Christian
The holidays are around the corner
and so are all those family and friends
just waiting to visit and share a little
holiday spirit. While playing host and
celebrating the season’s cheer, you
want to be proud of the spaces within
your home.
If you are like most Americans, you
will spend an estimated $730 on gifts,
food, décor and other festive additions.
You don’t want to add a massive
renovation to the list of expenses.
Not to mention the added stress the
holidays can bring.
Not to worry, you can still make
smart, budget-friendly enhancements
to your home without spending a
fortune. Rethink typical renovations,
and pick smaller projects that yield
significant impacts.
Here are a few simple tips:
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GREENBOOK | SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014

Kitchen: Take on one of the most
expensive rooms to remodel and
optimize space without breaking
through walls by adding in a serving
buffet underneath your cabinets.

The new piece will offer additional
room to showcase your holiday feasts.

Outdoor Patio: Living in San Diego,
we are blessed with warmer winter
weather. Candlelit, outdoor dinners
and patio parties are great options
for the holidays, but not all of us
can afford the high costs of
installing a patio. Don’t throw out
the idea completely. See if an
unused spot in your yard could be
converted. Level the ground and
install stepping-stones or bricks.
Decorate with inexpensive patio
furniture, umbrella and outdoor
candles.
Bathroom: The bathroom can be a
money-eating beast after cracking
through porcelain and tearing up
walls for added space and light.
But home owners don’t have to take
such drastic steps to create a fresh
look. Repainting with brighter
colors is one quick fix. Adding
ambient light fixtures or sconces
along the sides of mirrors can
brighten the room further. Choose
new fixtures for the towels, which
can also be selected for an improved
look when guests arrive. Another
touch: add small decorative mirrors
and inexpensive designer touches to
the walls, such as photos and
paintings in interesting frames.
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