Remember back in 2011 when everyone was addicted to Pinterest? I mean, I certainly was. Fresh dinner ideas every week? Yes, please!
Pinterest taught me how to wear black and brown together, how to build a picture frame using scrap wood, and how to brew my own kombucha. Indispensable life skills.
Pinterest is how my friends and I planned our vacations, styled our children, and tracked down movies based on singular quotes. We planned parties, tried our luck at painting, made our own laundry detergent (borax + baking soda + soap flakes), and in the midst of it all, we decided to renovate our homes.
What qualified us to do this, you ask? Degrees in Construction Management and Interior Design from Pinterest University, of course!
It all looked so easy, remember? Reupholstering your couch could not be that hard. If RuthsRenovations01 could do it, you could, too!
If any of this sounds familiar, I’m sure you also have a storage bin full of scrap wood, piles of unused fabric, and one very dead SCOBY.
So, the 2010s may not have turned us into superstar DIYers, but I’ve since learned the big secret to completing home renovation projects, and I’m going to share it with you. Ready? Here it is:
If you genuinely care about a project, it will get done.
People make time for the things they care about—zero exceptions. Our actions are a reflection of our values and priorities. If you truly want to update your kitchen or bathroom, you will find a way.
And if you currently reside in an older home, I highly recommend remodeling those two spaces. Even if you’re not planning to sell, the upgraded appliances alone will add convenience to your life. Plus, shiny new countertops, elevated light fixtures, fresh paint and flooring, and improved storage solutions can only enhance your home’s appeal.
If you are planning to sell, I suggest focusing on your entryway. This area sets the tone for showings, and as a realtor, I can tell you that it’s easy to impress potential buyers with a solid, freshly painted front door. Honestly, there’s nothing worse than a door that’s dirty and difficult to open. The immediate assumption is that the rest of the house is also shabby—and no one needs that kind of negativity! While you’re preparing your home for the market, don’t forget your entryway.
Another renovation to consider before winter settles in is elevating your outdoor living space. Again, if you’re planning to sell, remember that people like to imagine themselves enjoying a nice fire pit, bar, patio, or deck. And if you add a couple of water features, a sound system, and some fun lighting? Potential buyers will think they landed in backyard heaven.
Your Pinterest-inspired DIY days may be behind you, but don’t give up on the home renovations that truly matter. Your future self (and your future self’s wallet) will thank you.