With many of us spending more time at home, you might like to refresh your surroundings but aren’t sure where to start. Rest assured, there are easy and budget-friendly ways to transform your home into an inspiring environment, especially if it has taken on roles of office, gym and classroom.

Here are a few tips that are sure to make a big difference.

Choose the right lighting

Good lighting can bring a room to life. The key is to layer light at different levels. Strategically place a couple of tall floor lamps in dark corners and watch your room come alive. If your budget allows, replace any outdated ceiling fixtures with modern lights.

Experiment with color

Painting the walls is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to immediately invigorate any home. For a classic look that will hold up against almost any decor, opt for cool neutrals; if you prefer something more dramatic, consider adding a pop of color to a feature wall. If you find yourself not ready to commit to paint, experts suggest using accessories like throw pillows, an area rug, curtains or artwork to bring color into your space.

Tidy up the bathroom

Bathrooms can get dirty and dingy quite quickly. The fastest way to spruce up this space is to give it a thorough cleaning. Once the room is clean, identify outdated knobs, light fixtures, faucets, and shower curtains. By simply changing out one or two of the most outdated items, you can make your bathroom look modern and new.

Add greenery

One of the easiest things you can do to freshen up your home is add flowers, plants, branches and even leaves from your garden. Greenery is inexpensive and looks great, and it adds texture and a natural element to any space. Plants also add oxygen to your home, something we could use more of as we shelter in place.

Get rid of clutter

With millions of us now living and working alongside family members, significant others and roommates, our homes may suddenly seem more cramped than ever before. Experts recommend starting small with a contained space like a bathroom, which “will give you a quick feeling of accomplishment and encourage you to do the next space.” The benefits of a tidy space extend beyond aesthetics. Research reveals that clearing clutter can lower stress levels.

Energize your home with scents.

According to realtor Estelia Mesimer, candles are a good way to scent your home, but there are many others. For example, you can place bags of potpourri in closets and dresser drawers and on shelves to give rooms nice scents or use oil diffusers, air mists and fresh flowers.

While we are still not out of the woods with COVID-19, we can make the most of the time spent indoors to do some of these quick and easy home make-overs that are sure to boost your morale!

Estelia’s Featured Neighborhood – Bayway Isles

Bayway Isles is one of the nicest communities in all of St. Pete. Most of the homes have a waterfront view across Boca Ciega Bay while others enjoy the views across the water toward Eckerd College.

Homes off the water range from $400,000 to $800,000; waterfront homes range from $800,000 plus to $3.5 million. 75 properties are on the water and about 25 homes in the community are owned by snowbirds.

Homes on 62nd Avenue S with a southern exposure have a beautiful view of the Skyway Bridge; avid boaters can be out in the Gulf of Mexico within minutes. How’s that for easy access?

Bayway Isles began in the early 1960s. Architectural design throughout the community is appealing. Styles range from Florida Modern to Spanish and European. Lush landscaping combined with architecturally designed homes is what sets Bayway apart. In the last 10 years, some homes have been torn down to make way for new ones more suitable for their new owners.

The Bayway Isles Homeowner Association is active and well organized. It has a Hospitality Committee that welcomes new homeowners and acquaints them with community guidelines. A fee of about $850 a year per household covers the cost of around the clock gate security.

Many professional people call Bayway Isles home, including doctors, lawyers and entrepreneurs. Homeowners range from small families to retirees and kids run the gamut from toddlers to teens.

So if you’re thinking about selling or buying a home in Bayway Isles, let Estelia put her professional skills and knowledge of community to work for you.

St. Petersburg Communities

If you’re interested in any of these of communities or live in one of them and are thinking of selling, call Estelia today!

Allendale Terrace
Bahama Shores
Bayway Isles
Coquina Key
Crescent Heights
Crescent Lake
Downtown
Greater Pinellas Point
Historic Kenwood
Historic Old Northeast
Historic Roser Park
Historic Uptown
Isla Del Sol
Old Southeast
Placida Bayou
Snell Isle