15 Small Home Improvement Projects You Can Do This Winter

When you think about home renovations, winter probably doesn’t come to mind right away. But there are plenty of small home improvement ideas you can try during the colder season. Not to mention, winter home renovations tend to be easier to schedule and complete. Whether you’re looking to spruce up the unused spare room or totally revamp the basement, we’re here to help. From trending colours to energy-efficient appliance upgrades, you’ll find all the inspiration you need to make your home delightful.

Add personality with new hardware

Small home improvements can go a long way in making your house feel more like a home. Adding new hardware to your bathroom or kitchen cabinets is a low-cost way to spice things up. And with new trends on the horizon, the timing couldn’t be better. Keep your eyes open for faucets and hardware in a range of fun colours from terracotta to moss green and pale pink. Cabinet knobs and pulls will also embrace similar colour trends, allowing your personality to shine through in every room.

Refresh your walls

It’s always impressive how big of a difference a simple coat of paint can make. Take advantage of your free time this winter and explore new trending paint colours. Alternatively, play around with different interior wall materials and textures to achieve a fresh new look. As for budget-friendly ideas, consider plywood. There are several ways to incorporate it!

• Pair pale woods with tones of peach, warm whites, and beige for a cozy kitchen vibe.
• Pair darker browns with rich blues or hints of green for a trendy basement look.
• Explore moss green, pink, and honey tones in your bathroom. 

Not looking to paint but still want to change up the walls in your kitchen? Lucky for you, kitchen artwork is making a statement. Try creating a gallery wall that fits the kitchen theme or opt for bold graphics and funky prints. Whatever your taste is, there’s kitchen wall art to match.

Insulate and seal up cracks around the house

The cold, snowy months are the perfect time to address any touch-ups you’ve been putting off. Look for cracks around your windows and doors and seal them up to keep the cold air out. If you live in an older home, this is a good time to upgrade your insulation as well. While you’ll pay some upfront costs for this small home improvement idea, the savings on your utility bills will be worth it.

Upgrade your lighting

Shorter days can make winter feel like one long dark night. However, you can combat the gloomy weather with quality lighting. From the living room to the bathroom, lighting makes a big difference. Whether you simply need more sources of light or upgraded fixtures that better disperse the light, you’ll be met with endless lighting options. Want to stay on trend? Opt for lighting fixtures that double as centrepieces or works of art. Think chandeliers decorated as bird cages or LED branches arranged in a vase.

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Create a statement backsplash

Updating your bathroom or kitchen backsplash is another easy winter home renovation to take on. A step up from simply painting the walls, a new backsplash can really tie a room together and give it a fresh look. Ceramic tiles of all shapes and styles are currently trending, so don’t be afraid to explore your options. Veined marble is popular in the kitchen while KitKat tiles are taking over the bathroom scene. Basically, anything from fish scale ceramic to scalloped terracotta will work.

Pick out some stunning new countertops

Calling all foodies! If your kitchen countertops have seen better days, why not take advantage of the winter months and upgrade them? Grab a budget-friendly material such as vinyl to keep costs low without sacrificing style. With everything from green-veined marble to faux terrazzo, your dream kitchen countertops are more achievable than you might think.

Fall head over heels for floors

New floors not only change the look of your home but also how it feels. Make your bedroom or living room cozy and warm with new carpet, or find the right material to elevate your kitchen floors. Winter is also a smart time to install beautiful wood flooring. Without the humidity that summer provides, you won’t need to worry about your floors warping or suffering from moisture build-up. Additionally, flooring is a relatively quick home improvement idea that won’t leave you feeling inconvenienced for long periods of time.

Revamp the laundry room

Sure, updating your utility spaces may not be as exciting as remodeling your kitchen, but you’d be surprised what a difference a revamped laundry room can make. This is your chance to add smart storage solutions and score big deals on new appliances that typically go on sale this time of year. If you’re working with a tight space, keep your eyes open for items like stackable washer/dryers, slim shelving, and storage hooks. If you’ve got a bigger laundry room, this might be the time to install a folding table or a deep sink for washing your delicate items. Think about your space and what it needs to function best, and you’ll be relieved with how much easier your chores feel afterwards.

Invest in home organization

As you begin bringing out the bulky winter clothing, you might notice you don’t have as much storage space as you’d like. Luckily, you don’t have to wait for April showers to start spring cleaning and organizing. If you’re running out of practical storage solutions this winter, consider some of these small home improvements.

• Find a bathroom vanity that serves as a focal point, a place to get ready, and a storage solution for your toiletries. 
• Install or upgrade your kitchen pantry to make room for your holiday baking ingredients.
• Add integrated shelving to your basement to keep your boxes of seasonal decor safe and tucked away.
• Get creative with hooks and storage ottomans or benches in your mudroom to keep outerwear out of the way.

Check out your heating

All HVAC systems require a little upkeep, most of which you can do yourself. Whether you have pets or it’s just been a while, take this time to replace filters and get your ducts cleaned. Evaluate your heating options; maybe this is finally the year you buy that trendy fireplace you’ve been dreaming of.

Prepare your yard for winter

When you think about yard preparation, winter probably doesn’t come to mind. But there are plenty of steps you can take in the colder months to ensure the health of your yard all year long. Try the following:

• Rake up leaves before snowfall hits. This step ensures your grass gets enough light to survive.
• Keep your grass cut a little taller than normal to encourage the grass to grow deep, healthy roots. Be careful, though, as leaving the grass too long can have negative effects when the snow falls such as pink and gray snow mould.
• Apply late-season fertilizer to get healthy green grass come springtime. 

Make your home greener

Tired of seeing sky-high utility bills during the cold season? This could be the right time to finally upgrade your home with some greener, energy-efficient options. Not only will these small home improvements save you money on hydro bills, but they’re also good for the planet. Not sure where to start? Try one of these:

• Invest in green home siding.
• Upgrade to smart windows and thermostats.
• Install a low-flush toilet in the bathroom.
• Opt for new Energy Star appliances in the kitchen.
• Swap your old light bulbs for LED alternatives.

 As a bonus, certain renovation projects could be eligible for the Canada Greener Homes Grant.

Repurpose your spare room

A spare room without a purpose is bound to be filled with unorganized junk and clutter. Take back your spare room this winter and design a space that’s equal parts useful and aesthetically pleasing. You’re only limited by your budget on this one, so let your imagination run wild.

• Design a plant room where your greenery can thrive. 
• Put together furniture for a cozy guest bedroom. This will be especially helpful if you have guests arriving for the holidays. 
• Still working at the kitchen table? It’s time to build your home office setup.
• Need storage solutions? Why not transform your spare room into a walk-in closet with built-in shelving? 
• Tired of sharing one bathroom? Add another one!
• Create a gaming room separate from your living room or home office.

Build an attic atelier as your winter renovation project

An unused attic is a simple way to add square footage to your home without actually investing in a home addition. It’s an easy winter project because it’s indoors and you don’t have to knock down any walls if you don’t want to. In this space, get creative with colour and decor to design a fabulous home office or spare bedroom. There are endless design ideas for attics, so let your creativity flow.

Finish your basement

Is your unfinished basement cold, dark, and uninviting? Then winter is a great time to finish the room. Take a moment to browse the latest basement design trends and figure out exactly how you want to use the space. Maybe you’ll soundproof your basement ceiling to create the perfect recording studio, or find the right equipment and transform the room into your own personal gym. From kids’ playrooms to cozy underground libraries, the sky’s the limit when it comes to finishing your basement. Even if you’re not looking for a drastic change, don’t forget to address any cracks or water damage that need to be fixed. You can also use this time to freshen up the walls, add new blinds, and more.

Winter Small Home Improvements FAQ

Can you do small home improvements in the winter?

Although winter might stop you from completing certain exterior renovations, most home improvement and interior renovation projects can still be done during the winter.

Is it cheaper to do renovations in the winter?

Because projects in the winter can be scarce, it’s not uncommon for contractors to offer lower prices during this time.

What are the benefits of doing winter home renovation?

Finding an available contractor in the summer can prove difficult. Many contractors have more free time and some offer discounts during the winter, making it a beneficial time of year for a renovation project.

What are the most profitable small home improvements?

If you’re looking for a good ROI, a small kitchen/bathroom remodel or an exterior landscaping project will likely prove the most profitable.

What are easy home improvements?

Easy home improvements are ones you can tackle yourself. Think of repurposing a room or adding storage solutions.

Winter home improvements for a cozy home

Whether you’re looking to remodel your kitchen or simply prepare your house for winter, the colder season is an ideal time for renovation projects. It’s a great way to keep busy and combat seasonal blues, as well as get a fresh start. Still need ideas for your home renovation project? Check out these outstanding bathroom trends for 2023.