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Nothing forces a home refresh quite like offering to host the holidays—because you can’t have a door knob-less bathroom or a half-painted kitchen when you’re expecting company. Of course, you have to be realistic about what you can actually get done in time. Ahead, we rounded up seven little upgrades you can absolutely complete in the next month-ish. Whether you’ve been stuck in the middle of a project or are just looking for easy ways to make your space extra-welcoming, here’s how to take hosting to the next level.
Wallpaper Your Powder Room
Thanksgiving is your powder bathroom’s Super Bowl. Stock it with TP and light a new candle, sure, but first ask yourself if the walls could use a little personality. Because of its petite size, it won’t cost much (or take that long) to toss up some wallpaper—especially if you shop at a brand like Spoonflower where a 2-by-6 foot pre-pasted panel is $35. Reach for the durable Performance substrate so your last-minute efforts don’t go to waste.
Hang Shades in the Guest Room
The ultimate luxury for a visitor? Sleeping in. Ensure your guests get plenty of shut-eye by adding quality window treatments to their room. Some of our favorite options from Blinds.com, like the natural woven and classic Roman shades, ship before Thanksgiving.
Make a Mini Mudroom
Without a proper mudroom or even an entryway, guests’ shoes tend to pile up by the front door. It’s an eyesore, not to mention a tripping hazard. So here’s your chance to turn the coat closet—or any other small crevice with available wall space—into a drop zone. Hang a pegboard for bags and jackets, mount open shelves for boots, and stack Hay crates for your miscellaneous outerwear.
Add a Desk for When the WFH Mood Strikes
Family members staying longer than the weekend might need to sneak away to catch up on work. Before you go sharing your home office, consider adding a small desk to the guest bedroom. A niche is all you need to install a floating table top, and luckily this Etsy vendor offers international shipping within five to seven business days.
Line the Stairs with a Runner
Set the scene for a cozy descent in the A.M. with the simple addition of a stair runner. This DIY was made for a tight budget: You can even take two IKEA rugs and stitch them together a la designer Nikki Chasin. As for how to pull it off, follow Chris and Julia Marcum’s comprehensive guide and have your industrial stapler at the ready.
Create a Dedicated Coffee Bar
No one wants to bug you by asking you where you keep your sugar. Make getting a morning beverage a breeze by carving out a coffee nook in your kitchen. While a seasoned renovator could recreate The Brownstone Boys’ custom set-up pictured above, the novice woodworker can start small by installing a pull-out drawer for espresso cups and mugs and plopping a nice tray on the counter to corral add-ins.
Paint the Basement Ceiling in Sunset Hues
A blah-gray basement—even one that’s finished—isn’t a space where friends feel inclined to gather. But one swathed in soft peach and sunbaked orange? Take a cue from designer Jennifer Sucher and combine Benjamin Moore’s Chamois and Masada paint colors for a movie marathon-worthy basement.
