30 Ways to Make Your Home Way More Awesome

1 | Get an indoor chair swing.

Lately, it seems like indoor swings are popping up all over people's Instagram feeds. The Bohemian-style piece of furniture—like this one ($548) from Anthropologie—is basically an adult's excuse to feel like a kid again inside their own home, except in the most chic, trendy way possible. But really, though: Is there a better possible place to lounge around reading on Sunday afternoons? And for more ways to amplify your abode's potential, be sure you're not committing any of the 30 Ways Your Home Is Hopelessly Outdated.

2 | Install an outdoor fountain.

One of the easiest ways to make your backyard or patio feel a little more Zen? Install a fountain. There are plenty of different styles to match with your already-existing décor, and it's a one-and-done type of deal: Just fill it with water, plug it in, and soon enough you'll be laying back with your eyes closed relaxing while listening to its ultra-soothing sounds.

3 | Go green. (Really green.)

Bringing the outdoors indoors isn't just great for the air (especially considering, per EPA estimates, you spend 90 percent of your life inside your house). Not only did NASA researchers find that it only takes 24 hours for houseplants to reduce air toxins in your home, they're also great for reducing stress and boosting your mood, if you take it from a study published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology. There's no reason not up your collection and have some greenery everywhere you look, whether it's gracing your shelves or piled up on plant stands.

4 | Upgrade your bedding.

Why do people spend so little money on their beds? You're there for around eight hours of your day, yet it's somehow so much easier to justify splurging on a nicer car than a better mattress. Set some of your next paycheck aside to give your bed an upgrade: get a super-comfortable mattress, increase the thread count on your sheets, get some fluffy pillows, and pick out a cozy comforter. When you're sleeping well, you feel better all-around: those Zs affect everything from your productivity and memory to your physical and mental health, say the NIH, so spoiling yourself a little is more than worth it. For ideas on what to splurge on, start with the 10 Best Pillows For A Better Night's Sleep.

5 | Switch out your flatware.

How long have you had those chipped dishes in your cabinet? If they're past their prime, it might be time to switch them out for something better. To make your meals a little more exciting, opt for some flatware you're excited to serve your meals on, whether it's a set of matte plates in pretty pastel shades or some one-of-a-kind handmade ceramics off Etsy.

6 | Switch out your silverware.

If your dishware is old, there's a good chance your flatware is even older. If you've had the same worn-out set since your college days, consider replacing it with something you'll love eating with—and maybe even something with a splash of panache, like a gold-hued set from West Elm ($89). It's an easy way to make every night feel special.

7 | Get a bookshelf.

If your living room doesn't have a bookshelf, you're seriously missing out. Not only is it a great place to store all those books floating from room to room, but it's also a simple way to get creative and show off your personality a little more. Use it as way to showcase items you picked up while traveling, special mementos—really anything that serves as a great conversation starter when you have people over.

8 | Turn your TV into art.

In the market for a new TV? One easy way to make your home way more awesome is to invest in a version that's going to serve a purpose far beyond watching your favorite shows. Samsung's new Frame TV ($2,799) literally makes your home look like a fancy gallery with a stunning picture frame and the ability to showcase whatever piece of art you want. (For instance, see the examples above. Yes, those frames are televisions.) Yep, the future is officially here.

9 | Mirrors, mirrors, on the wall.

Mirrors are one of the easiest—and cheapest!—ways to brighten up your home (and give you the chance to check yourself out more often). When you put them in strategic areas, they bounce light, reflecting it around the room and making everything feel a little more open and spacious.

10 | Rethink your spice rack.

A spice rack seems pretty small in the grand scheme of all things home-related, but it plays a big role in your everyday life, adding flavor to your food and helping you fill your body with wholesome goodies. Instead of having everything jammed in a cupboard, take the time to rethink your spice rack. Buy a pack of glass jars and a labeler and fill up each container, creating a more uniform look. Then, organize the jars on a revolving wooden spice rack ($22) or on a stadium-style step shelf ($19; pictured) to highlight what used to be a cluttered space. Awesomeness-increasing tactics don't have to be big to make an impact.

11 | Invest in unique wall art.

A fancy new TV isn't the only way to give your wall some art. Look for unique pieces to accentuate what you already have in your home, and don't be afraid to go for an option that's big and bold. Having something interesting on the wall makes all the difference in the feel of your home and you don't even have to spend a fortune on your new décor. Even Target has great (and totally affordable!) options.

12 | Create a dedicated coffee space.

Long gone are the days of boring coffee. Now that coffee nooks are becoming a trend, people are getting an excuse to highlight one of their favorite things: caffeine. Set aside a separate area of your kitchen—whether that's on a refurbished desk or on a designated section of your countertop—and give it a makeover. Set your best mugs out, organize your K-cups or coffee beans, and make it so you feel like a trendy barista preparing bespoke brew every day before work.

13 | Get some accent pillows.

Spending money on new accent pillows don't seem like it would make a huge difference in your home, but just wait—something so little definitely goes a long way. The new décor will brighten up your space in seconds, giving your home a cheery, totally refreshed look. In fact, that pop of color might even make your sofa look and feel brand new again. A true home miracle indeed.

14 | Create a movie theater set-up.

If all the space in your basement has been going to waste, why not turn it into your own personal movie theater? All you really need is a trusty popcorn maker, some super-comfortable chairs, and a big screen on your wall to turn your Netflix binge-watches into something way better. These days, you can score a quality projector ($60) for a fraction of what they used to be, allowing you to create what might just become your favorite hangout spot in your entire home.

15 | Start a garden.

You don't need a big space to start growing your own food. Whether you have a backyard or a small apartment balcony, set aside an area to plant some of your favorite foods—even if you only have space for a planter on your railing ($14). Being able to eat fresh veggies and herbs will make your meals even tastier. (It's literal farm-to-table.) Plus, it's a nice stress-reducing hobby you'll enjoy more than you even know. For ideas on what to growing, start with some of the 40 Heart Foods To Eat After 40.

16 | Behold the power of accent walls.

Want to make your home more awesome without having to make a huge change? Pick a wall—any wall!—and grab some paint. Instead of taking the time to revamp an entire room, adding a pop of color will give your space an entirely new look. And, barley cost you anything in the process. And for more tips and tricks on making your home the best it can be, don't miss the 30 Home Decorations No One Over 30 Should Own.

17 | Get some fresh-cut flowers.

There's nothing more mood-boosting than coming into your home and being greeted by some great-smelling, fresh-cut flowers on your countertop. Seriously though: one study published in the journal Evolutionary Psychology found they induce positive emotions. So cut some right from your garden, or pick some up on the way home. Something so fuss-free will brighten up your entire house.

18 | Turn your bathroom into a spa.

Who says you have to spend big bucks on a spa visit to get the ultimate relaxing treatment? Instead, invest some time into your bathroom so you can have a spa day any day by adding in plenty of plants, a bamboo bathtub tray ($35) to hold your wine and entertainment, skin-soothing bath bombs and bubbles, some face masks, and a candle or two. Talk about the perfect way to unwind.

19 | Bring in a touch of the tropics.

Nope, you don't need to build a sandbox in your living room. Instead, go big with your greenery. Invest in a large cactus, some palms, and other tropical plants that will make being in your home feel like you're on a 24/7 vacation. Why spend money on a trip to Mexico when you have everything you need right beyond your front door?

20 | Add some rattan.

Rattan has been used for making furniture for years, but it's just now becoming trendy again. To give your home a little bit of a boho vibe, add in some statement pieces, whether it's a chair, a shelf, a plant stand, or a side table. Plus, the light-colored wood will also brighten things up and make your space feel airier.

21 | Utilize crystals.

In 2018, pretty much everyone is into crystals. But don't worry: You don't have to go all woo-woo and keep them around for their healing powers. Aside from their energy, they're also just really pretty and will instantly give your home a nice natural, earthy feel. Whether you place some on your coffee table or on your shelf, they'll totally light up the room.

22 | Add some gold.

If you've been noticing people adding gold accents around their homes, there's a good reason for that. Because of its lightly-colored, reflective material, it adds a brightness to the home that, like mirrors, reflects the sunlight and opens up your space. Work it into your existing décor fuss-free by going for gold-colored picture frames, a gold-legged coffee table, or gold lamps.

23 | Paint your front door.

Accent walls are great and all, but how about an accent door? Make your home the most eye-catching one on the block by getting bold and painting your front door a fun pop of color. Whether it's yellow, a mint-green, or stunning emerald blue, it's sure to make people excited to stop by. (Or, they may give you a super-friendly greeting whenever you come home grumpy after a long day of work. Hey, it happens.)

24 | Install a skylight.

Installing a skylight in your home isn't just a great way to save energy: more natural light = less electricity. It's also an easy way to brighten up your space beyond what windows can do. A study out of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine revealed that all that natural light can improve your overall quality of life, improving everything from your sleep schedule to your mood, so get as much of it as possible.

25 | Buy a diffuser.

Who doesn't want to live in a home that always smells like a spa? Getting a diffuser—like this option ($90) from Saje Wellness—will transform your home in seconds as it infuses the air with whatever soothing essential oil your heart desires, from lavender to eucalyptus. Basically, you'll never want to leave your space.

26 | Upgrade your cabinet knobs.

Instead of feeling like you have to redo all the cabinets in your home to give it an upgrade, think smaller. They often go unnoticed, but by taking the time to switch out the knobs on all your cabinets for something a little trendier and more fitting, you'll give your space a refresh on the cheap in minutes.

27 | Get some accent furniture.

Yeah, yeah—accent furniture isn't exactly for sitting… or using at all, for that matter. (Though, that said, you totally can if you really want to.) But it is a simple way to make your home more awesome. If a room feels like it's missing something, get an eye-catching chair or bench to complete the look.

28 | Install a backsplash.

Putting a backsplash in your kitchen doesn't have to cost you thousands of dollars. In fact, it only takes a quick trip to a store like Home Depot. If you buy your own tile on the cheap, it doesn't require much effort to install it yourself, and will give your space an upgrade that will make you feel like you just moved in all over again.

29 | Get a canopy bed.

You know when you were little and all you wanted was a bunk bed? Well, think of canopy beds as the adult version of that. Even though you're still on the ground, it instantly changes the vibe of your room, making you feel like you're on vacation and staying at a top-notch hotel. Aim for LIGHT wood versions opposed to the dark metal options to make your bedroom feel more open and not so closed off.

30 | Get a hot tub.

Honestly, what even needs to be said? Not everyone can just install a pool in their backyard, but hot tubs? Yeah, that luxury is a whole lot easier—and much more affordable. Just imagine all those chilly nights you can spend sitting in the steamy 100-degree water watching the stars. Magical.

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