If you’ve managed to save up some money and want to put it to good use, consider making some home and car upgrades that will make life more convenient for you. The good news is that functional upgrades don’t have to look dull; there are home and car enhancements that are not only for function’s sake—they can make your house and vehicle look better, too. Here are some upgrades that serve both aesthetic and functional purposes.
Giving your bathroom a modern update
Perhaps the area in our home that’s the easiest to neglect is the bathroom, which is counterintuitive because the bathroom is where we wash and thus must be kept spotless at all times. This year, consider giving your bathroom a much-needed boost by changing the tiles, giving the walls a fresh coat of paint, and changing some old fixtures.
Change your toilet and bathtubs if they have been there for decades. Choose light fixtures that emit white or soft white light or LED bulbs closest to those colors. Making improvements to your bathroom will not only provide serenity whenever you take a bath or get ready; it will help get rid of harmful bacteria like mold, too.
New flooring
Changing the floors is one of the most stressful home upgrades to make, but installing new ones can make your home appear more elegant and modern. Floors need renovating after a while because they are the most vulnerable to harmful allergens like dust and pollen, which can trigger and worsen the symptoms of occupants who suffer from allergies. Another reason is that floors provide insulation that can help keep temperatures stable and bearable throughout the year.
If you’re thinking of upgrading your home in comfort and look, consider installing new floors. Cooling and heating costs rise every year, and it’s wise to update your floors to help keep your home insulated no matter the season.
A patio or a deck
In the time of COVID-19, when we’re compelled to stay home as much as we can, we need to find ways to commune with nature and get some fresh air without interacting with people we don’t live with. One way to do this is by extending your living area to your front yard or back yard via a well-designed patio or deck.
It’s a great way to provide yourself an escape from your work duties if you’re working from home and give your kids and pets a place to rest and play. A deck or patio can help protect you from symptoms of cabin fever, and it doesn’t hurt that it looks good, too.
Countertop enhancements
We live in a time when our homes need to have multiple workstations since family members have to work or study remotely. If your home is short on extra rooms to serve as an office or homework station, consider upgrading your kitchen countertops by adding outlets or installing bigger ones.
Your countertops then become multi-functional in that they can serve as an area where you can prep for cooking, and they can also be an extra workstation when you want or need a break from your home office. A good kitchen isle adds aesthetic value to your kitchen and can help give you a place to do various things at once.
Tinted car windows
If you drive every day, consider having your windows and windshield repaired or replaced to add some tint. If you live in a state where tinted car windows are allowed, consider investing in this upgrade because it can help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Tinted windows can also help preserve your vehicle’s interiors, like the dashboard, upholstery, and carpeting, which are prone to fading when exposed to sunlight regularly for a long period.
Better-performing tires
High-performance tires are not just for car aficionados who want to give their vehicles an aesthetic upgrade; they’re also for regular drivers who want better control on the road. These tires can help enhance your turns because they can better grip the road, making them the safer option. These tires also perform better depending on your location: If you live in a state with four seasons, all-terrain or season tires are perfect since they can adjust depending on the temperature, climate, and road condition.
The Bottom Line
We live in a time when every dollar counts. If you’re making upgrades in your home and vehicle this year, make sure that they’re not just for optics but better living and convenience as well.
