If this is common sense or old news to seasoned home owners, forgive me my enthusiasm! But as long as I’m on my home renovation kick, I figured I’d share my little discovery with all of you!
First off, for some back story: When we first moved into our new home, I had NO IDEA what things cost in the world of home improvements.
I assumed things like refinishing the floor, or laying down new baseboards would be easy weekend projects that would cost me no more than $100. (Try month long projects in the thousands!) And then I assumed that upgrades to light fixtures and painting projects would run me in the multiple hundreds and would take me weeks or months to accomplish. (Try weekend projects in the hundreds or less!)
I had so much backwards, and misjudged how much work and time goes into.. well, everything!!
So one of my favorite discoveries as a first time home owner is that light switches and light switch covers take mere minutes to switch out, and that they can be as cheap as $2 per light switch to upgrade! Having bought a 1950’s house that still sports some of the original outlet covers and light switches, this was GREAT NEWS!
If you stroll down any major hardware or home improvement store, you’ll find multiple colors and covers to choose from, with switches and outlets starting at .75 cents each, and covers starting around the $1 mark. Of course, like everything, prices can go pretty high for brand name and specialty pieces – but for the most part, this project is redunkulously cheap, with an immediate aesthetic benefit in the home!
While I still haven’t switched out every single light switch and outlet cover in my home, I have made a huge dent – focusing on rooms with the most traffic. While I have no problem with the plain Jane white covers and switches, we have chosen to get fancy and splurge $8-$10 on some nicer switches in the living room, kitchen and in Tessa’s playroom.
Hello dear, going to answer your question on my blog here. You know that the wall color on the first picture seems to be a lighter variation of Marsala :))).
Yes there’s a craze about it at the moments, all fashion designers use it for their collection – but as I said in my blog, marsala is not the name of the color theres’s this craze about….. Strange Fashion World, no?? ;-)))
Rosa
Styleyourselfinstyle.blogspot.com
I know Marsala was the color of the year in the interior design world not too long ago.. haha, I seem to have a lot to learn!!! Thanks for taking the time to answer my question!! <3 <3
Love this post! We just moved and have a hodgepodge of light switches, too. (And, many that the previous owners painted over…??) I need to remember that it is a quick, easy, inexpensive way to freshen up the house! And, I love that you guys decided to splurge for high traffic rooms. Hmmm…. Maybe we’ll have to copy that philosophy.
Yeah, we had the random painted over light switched here too! Some were only partially and clearly accidentally painted over… like they didn’t take the time to remove the plates or tape over them before painting the walls! lol. Anyway, I’m having so much fun doing these little touch ups when finances don’t allow for bigger projects! ^_^
The switches does look more beautiful after adding a cover, thanks for the tip!
Prudence
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.wordpress.com
Yeah, I thought so too! <3 And thanks!
that really is something that makes a huge difference!
Doesn’t it?! So far, best upgrade for the money!!
That is a good tip – I moved about 3 years ago – and we rent now – I wish we could paint or something the drab off white we have…
The difference with just the light switches is so cool 🙂
Yeah, my husband was teasing me over how excited I got with this tiny detail, haha! ^_^
This is pretty much a “no brainer.” And there are ADORABLE ones out there for children’s room and play spaces. The old ones can really date a house, but for $20 you can do the whole house and it does make a big difference:)
Yeah, I am SO HAPPY with the improvement I’ve seen so far! The house feels so much more fresh and upkept!!! <3
What a beautifully upgrade, love the covers, looks so pretty.
xox
Lenya
FashionDreams&Lifestyle
Thanks!!! <3 <3
Light switches and door knobs are easiest and first things I’m always changing))
Great inspiration post!
It’s funny you mention doorknobs, I was actually eyeballing those next for an upgrade!!
Love this light switches. Such a great idea for sprucing up a home. Loving that white one!
Denise
http://www.fashionloveletters.com
I want to put more dark metallic ones around my house.. they’re so pretty!!! ^_^
You are right this is for sure a cute and simple way to give a new face to our place.
Thanks for your tips.
xxx
mari
http://www.ilovegreeninspiration.com
Thanks for stopping by!! <3
I love it! Great tips!
Melanie @ meandmr.com
Thanks!!
beautiful update…Such an inspiration!
Kisses from Miami,
Borka
http://www.chicfashionworld.com
Thanks!! We’re having so much fun remodeling! <3
I love these light switch covers – a great inexpensive decorating idea.
Thanks!
I have those exact light switch covers ( the white ones) and up till recently I had that exact mauve/ pink-ish color wall too!
Lol, crazy!!! Great minds think alike and all that jazz??? hehe!!
One of the first things I changed when I moved was the light switches. I never knew it could make such a difference but mine were the kind with little floral designs so they had to go.Another thing I never realized was so.inexpensive to update was ceiling fans I noticed some really.nice ones while browsing and all under $50 I ended up replacing all the old ones.
Yeah, the ceiling fans surprised me too!! Luckily, the previous owners had already upgraded ours prior to moving in.. but these light switches!! MAN! One was a gaudy golden.. thing. lol. Simply had to go!
Great idea! It really does make a difference and make a place look nicer
http://girlandthepolkadot.blogspot.com/
Yeah, I thought so too!! ^_^
Great Share!
We all tend to overlook such small things which are really importance and usually catch one’s attention. These little efforts and improvements can give you a huge returns when it comes to selling a property.