1. Paint Interior Walls

A fresh coat of paint can make an old space feel brand new! You can paint an entire room, add an accent wall, or even go mural-style. Painting is a great way to spend a cold day stuck inside. Whether you choose something neutral or opt for a pop of color, you can bet that you'll feel a sense of completion, even with a project so simple. And if you want a mural but aren't much of a painter, check out full wall decals or peel-and-stick wallpaper. It's a quick solution that will really brighten up your space.

2. Replace Kitchen Countertops

Replacing your kitchen countertops is a great winter project. We tend to spend a lot more time at home in the winter, and much of that time is spent cooking or socializing in our kitchens, so what better way to heighten that experience than with a brand-new countertop? A project like this is sometimes easier done with a professional contractor, but because winter is considered a slow season you shouldn't run into scheduling conflicts, and may even get a reduced price.

3. Invest In New Hardware

Sometimes the smallest changes make the most difference. Take a look at your kitchen and bathroom hardware; could any of it use an update? Had you even noticed it before now? Do you like it? Replacing your hardware is a quick fix and is usually inexpensive. If you're looking for a one-day project, find hardware that works for you and make the swap!

4. Check/Replace Your Safety Equipment

It's always good to give your smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and CO2 detectors a quick once-over to make sure everything is in order. Have your extinguishers filled, change the batteries in your detectors, and just make sure everything is in working order. This will give you peace of mind and will set you up for success in the case of an emergency. Better to be safe than sorry!

5. Insulate Your Attic or Crawlspace

In the early throes of winter, consider having your attic or crawlspace insulated. This will help cut down on heating costs and make trips to grab holiday decorations or other items you've stored away a little more bearable. This is another project that may be best completed by a professional, but still doable on your own if you feel equipped.

6. Reseal Bathroom Caulking

Caulking around your bathtub, shower, or other fixtures prevents water damage and the onset of mold and mildew. Check your bathroom for any cracks where water may be able to get in and fill them to prevent headaches later on. Be sure that there are no gaps when you are resealing any potential problem areas.

7. New Flooring

If your dingy carpet or wonky wood floors aren't cutting it anymore, consider replacing them! Whether it's carpet, hardwood, tile, or another material, new floors can really change the atmosphere of your home. This can be a big project, so make sure you have extra hands or a professional to help make recommendations that best suit your space. If your floors are particularly unlevel, professional help is strongly suggested.

8. Add Moldings or Trim

Adding accents like molding or trim helps to freshen up a space. They offer more for the eye and make it feel like more time was spent on the overall design (even if it was only a quick DIY!). There are so many kinds of trim to choose from, so you're bound to find an accent that you love.

9. Swap Out Your Lighting

Is the ambiance in your home feeling cold or unwelcoming? Maybe it's feeling darker than you'd like because the sun is setting earlier. It may be time to upgrade your light fixtures! Lighting is everything, especially in the winter, so make sure that you are doing the most you can with it. There's no such thing as being too picky when it comes to home lighting, so take your time and find what's right for you. Maybe you love your current fixtures but still feel it's too dark. Try adding mirrors in the darker areas of your home. A well-placed mirror will reflect the existing light, and also make your space feel larger.

10. Upgrade Your Pantry or Closet Storage

Because we're spending more time inside, so is our stuff. Winter is the perfect time to focus on reorganizing, so take a look at your closets, pantries, or storage spaces and map out a system to help keep things in order. You may even consider building out shelving or storage units in your home to help maximize the space. Call on a professional if you need help with building or planning!

All of these projects are great ways to spruce up the space you'll be spending so much time in this winter. Even if you only do one thing off this list, you're one step closer to a more customized home, and you've made it through another winter day! Always remember that if you can't do it yourself, there's someone who can; your local contractors are there to help any project go smoothly.