(BPT) – Virtual birthday parties. Online family game nights. Digital dinners with friends. You’ve done your part to stay connected yet socially distanced, however, as restrictions lift across the country, you’re eager to host friends and family in your home again.
‘The problem is after over a year of working, studying and playing at home, many people’s houses are looking a bit drab,’ says Jennifer Meska, Director of Merchandising & Design at LL Flooring. ‘If you want to refresh spaces for future entertaining, start with the floor and work your way up to add both fashion and function to your home.”
Meska shares some top DIY projects that can be completed in as little as a weekend so you’re ready to welcome back guests:
Update flooring
When you think about visual real estate in a home, the flooring truly is the foundation of the aesthetic. Consider updating the flooring with modern options that add style, but are also durable enough to handle guests and everyday demands.
A good option is Rigid Vinyl Plank (RVP) that provides the look of hardwood but is waterproof and scratch-resistant. Lake Geneva Oak CoreLuxe RVP is a good option, with its innovative rigid core that clicks together with ease for a simple DIY project. CoreLuxe stands up to heavy traffic, busy families and plentiful entertaining, making it ideal for bathrooms, kitchens and living rooms.
‘These floors deliver quality, beauty, waterproof functionality and are easy to install,’ says Meska. ‘What’s great about these floors is they work well in any room.’
Rethink furniture
Once the floor is updated, think about how you currently use your furniture and how it might best serve you when entertaining. Consider rearranging furniture to breathe fresh life into a space and encourage guests to mingle comfortably. Prioritize grouping furniture to facilitate conversation and interaction while keeping common traffic areas open for ease of movement.
In addition to rearranging furniture, now is the time to address functionality of pieces and swap in multiuse options when appropriate. For example, an ottoman is great for kicking up your feet or as additional seating for guests, especially young children. Select an ottoman designed with a top that opens, providing storage space for blankets, toys or other clutter. You can even add a serving tray to the top when closed and you have a coffee table or small buffet space for snacks.
Create a statement wall
Once you decide on an arrangement of furniture, try transforming a focal wall to give the space an elevated interior design. One easy way to do this is to paint one wall different than the others in an accent color, like a blue or yellow. DIY-friendly peel-and-stick wallpaper is growing in popularity and is another fun option if you want to add a pattern on an accent wall.
Another way to create a noteworthy accent wall is to design a gallery wall with a collection of treasured items hung in a group. Framed photography is common for creating gallery walls and serves as a wonderful conversation starter when guests arrive. In addition to photographs, you can add other framed items such as typography, children’s artwork, travel keepsakes, mirrors and more.
‘Now is the ideal time to prepare for the revival of entertaining at home,’ says Meska. ‘Start with the floor, think beyond the conventional, and make updates that you’ll enjoy whether you’re hosting guests or spending time at home with family.’