The momentum of home renovations across the United States is going strong. According to data from a survey by Modernize, 41 percent of homeowners are finishing a home improvement project this June and already preparing to start a new project before July. A large majority or 71 percent of homeowners intend to spend $5,000 or less on indoor projects while 17 percent intend to spend more than $10,000.
Homeowners must prepare for the sudden increase in the price of construction materials, though, and lack of supply. According to the Los Angeles Times, the price of lumber began soaring in May. Some developers and contractors are temporarily stopping building projects because costs are up to three times their initial estimate. It is also difficult to find lumber to purchase. A contractor added that prices of metal, windows, and appliances are likewise rising.
Psychological Impact of Home Improvement
It is not surprising that people are pursuing home improvement projects during the pandemic, and even as restrictions have been lifted for those who are fully vaccinated. Stress from the pandemic still exists, and new variants are still appearing. Even the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that there is no complete data yet on how long the Covid-19 vaccines’ protection lasts, and how effective they are against new variants.
Psychologist Graham Jones states that putting off a project drains the spirit. On the other hand, starting to work on something that has been put off changes the body’s hormone levels and boosts energy. Home improvement undertakings help people cope with stress and make them feel good about every project accomplished.
If high costs and scarcity of materials are causing problems, people can continue to improve their homes using more affordable alternative materials. The psychological benefits of making the change and seeing the results will be the same.
Finding Affordable Alternatives
Altering the look of walls have a major impact on a home’s interiors. Homeowners can do this using paint or wallpaper. Having light colors on the walls will make a room look more spacious while having dark colors will make it look smaller and cozier. Painting the ceiling a light color will make it look higher.
To add texture and character to a room, homeowners can install faux wood or faux brick wall paneling. They can do this throughout the room or on a single accent wall.
Coordinating curtains or blinds, as well as sofa throws, throw pillows, and rugs with the colors of walls will bring everything together. In the bedroom, coordinated bed linens make a difference. The homeowner can choose a monochromatic scheme using different shades of the same color or a complementary scheme. They can be either muted and calm or bright and cheery. Using stark contrasts can create a dramatic effect.
Homeowners can repaint furniture to blend in with the color scheme or to stand out. They can also strip down furniture to the wood, for staining and varnishing. They can do the same with built-in cabinets.
The floor treatment must match the changes in the rest of the room. After removing old carpeting, a cement floor can undergo professional polishing. The result is amazingly beautiful and easy to keep clean. It can also be stained to mimic the look of a variety of stones.
New lighting will finish off the atmosphere of the room. Homeowners can install a variety of lighting fixtures. For instance, they can have bright lights for work areas and switch these to mood lighting when it is time to relax.
Colors and Emotions
Color psychology states that the color or color combinations of a room affect the mood of people in it. Homeowners can use knowledge of color psychology when deciding on the colors for each room in the home.
Blue evokes tranquility. It is the color of the sky and the sea and evokes the same sense of peace. Research shows that it lowers heart rates and slows metabolism.
In contrast, red elicits strong emotions that can be contradictory. For instance, it symbolizes love and desire as well as war and danger. Research shows that it raises blood pressure, speeds up metabolism, and increases the rate of respiration. When softened to various shades of pink, it becomes unthreatening and instead evokes tenderness.
Yellow elicits feelings of happiness. Research shows that it generates muscle energy, increases left-brain activity linked with rational thinking, and heightens awareness. It releases mental blocks and enhances alertness, analytical thinking, and insight. If used too much, though, yellow can overstimulate the senses.
Green evokes nature, freshness, and health. It is both relaxing and invigorating because it combines blue and yellow. Research shows that it benefits both the mind and body, has a calming effect, and slows metabolism.
Get the Look for Less
Homeowners can find inexpensive ways to enhance their living spaces. Working on a budget can trigger even more creativity and produce greater satisfaction after the project is done.
