10 Easy Upgrades To Quickly Boost Your Home's Value

home upgradeshome upgrades

Selling a home is all about first impressions, but why wait until you're ready to sell to spruce up your home? You deserve to enjoy the home upgrades too! From fresh paint to better lighting, these simple yet high-impact tweaks instantly elevate your space — no full reno required. Got a free weekend? Knock out a few of these easy upgrades and give your home a little TLC.

Scroll for 10 easy home upgrades to boost your home's value!

JRS Interior design

Mellon Studio

1. Declutter & Stage Like a Pro

Maximize space by decluttering and staging your furniture to make your home feel bigger and more inviting. When Santa Barbara-based interior designer Jessica Risko Smith, founder of JRS Interior Design, was tasked with completely gutting a 1950s home in her area she paid close attention to the home’s architecture, which leaned traditional. She upgraded the home with cozy, natural materials true to her California-inspired aesthetic. Her approach to shelving alone offers major clutter-free inspiration, proving that a well-edited space can make all the difference.

Dropcap Studio

2. Upgrade Your Curb Appeal

Swap out old house numbers, update outdoor lighting, and power wash everything to make your first impression impressive.

Shutterstock

3. Add Fresh Paint, Inside & Out

Did you kiddo go through a purple phase? A fresh coat of paint in modern, neutral tones instantly makes your home look newer and well-maintained. If you don't have the time or budget to do the whole house, exterior or interior, update the front door with new paint or the entryway to make your home feel like new.

clé tile

4. Give Bathrooms The Spa Treatment

Make your bathroom feel inviting by swapping outdated fixtures, re-caulking the tub, installing a modern vanity, or adding new mirrors for an instant lift. Add fresh towels and soaps to give it that spa aesthetic.

Rejuvenation

5. Invest In A Kitchen Mini Makeover

No need to do a full renovation in your kitchen if everything is solid. Simply replace cabinet hardware, upgrade the faucet if needed, and add under-cabinet lighting to make a big impact.

West Elm

6. Brighten Rooms With Lighting Upgrades

Still hanging on to old light fixtures? Replace outdated ones with stylish, energy-efficient options to brighten up your space.

Stuga Studio

7. Freshen Up Floors

The biggest impact I made in my home was refinishing the oak hardwood floors, which hadn't been upgraded in decades. It instantly brightened the space and made a dingy (cigarette-scented) space feel like new. Refinish hardwood floors, replace worn-out carpets, or add engineered wood planks for a cost-effective update.

Keegan Checks

8. Refresh The Great Outdoors

A simple patio refresh with new seating, string lights, and potted plants can extend your living space and increase your home's resale value. This is a space you can enjoy too just in time for spring.

Tilebar

9. Install Energy-Efficient Appliances

Adding insulation, upgrading windows, or installing energy-efficient appliances can attract buyers looking for savings. Even decluttering, painting, and tiling a small space like a laundry room can make a big impact.

Yale Home

10. Upgrade To A Smart Home

A smart thermostat, keyless entry, or security cameras increase convenience and appeal to modern buyers. They also make your life just a little easier.

Have a passion for home decor? Check out our Home page and Pinterest page for more home decor inspiration!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

I was a bit surprised when Shea McGee named "Western Cowboy" as one of her top home trend predictions for 2025 — but she wasn’t wrong. With earthy decor, natural materials, and country cottage kitchens already trending, the shift toward an American Western aesthetic feels like a natural evolution (I mean, look at the Grammy's AOTY). This style resurfaces in home decor, but this time, it’s less about cowboy clichés and more about refined rustic charm — think of it as the new boho with Southern charm.

Scroll for all our favorite western decor ideas to add a little "Yeehaw!" to your space!

Etsy

Etsy Vintage Cowgirls Pink Wallpaper

I'm in love with this charming Vintage Cowgirls Pink self-adhesive wallpaper, featuring vintage western scenes, cowboys on horses, and picturesque landscapes in soft pastel colors.

Decor Tip: Use earthy tones like warm browns, terracotta, beige, and soft whites as your foundation.

Crate and Barrel

Crate and Barrel Dalton Brown Suede Lamp by Jake Arnold

This desk lamp, inspired by the 1940s, with muted red-finished metal dome, burnished brass accents and suede-wrapped tube warms up your Western aesthetic with a rustic yet elevated vibe.

Decor Tip: Mix vintage Western pieces with sleek, modern decor.

Urban Outfitters

UO Vicki Collage Duvet Cover

This soft cotton duvet cover features rows of Western and floral icons for a more femme country vibe. Pair it with the Vicki Collage Sham Set.

Decor Tip: Have fun with it! Add pops of color and a touch of kitsch, but balance them with refined pieces to keep the look stylish and intentional.

Ruggable

Ruggable Lark Blue & Rose Rug

A modern (and washable!) rug with Southwestern geometrics brings a rustic refresh to your Western-inspired space.

Decor Tip: Layer in woven kilim patterns, Navajo-inspired throws, and fringed accents in earthy colors like dusty blue, sage green, rust, and shades of brown.

Urban Outfitters

UO Cowboy Boot Tufted Throw Pillow

Classic Western motifs like cowboy boots are on trend and perfect to incorporate in your home decor, just keep them tasteful and minimal. This black-and-white pillow is just the right amount of playfulness.

Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn Bronze Horse & Marble Bookends

Cast in bronze on white marble, these sculptural horse head bookends are the touch of equestrian elegance your Western bookshelf needs.

Etsy

Etsy Vintage UFO Poster

This retro sci-fi art is a unique departure from typical western art you might see, and totally fun and futuristic.

Decor Tip: Vintage black-and-white ranch photos, abstract desert landscapes, or bold Western portraits make great statement pieces.

Gold Dogs

Good Luck Horseshoe Wall Hanging

These viral 'Good Luck' brass horseshoes are perfect little accents for walls, shelves, anywhere you want to give guests a little wink and nod.

Decor Tip: Swap out kitschy Western elements for more artful, curated pieces.

Pendleton

Pendleton Cowboy Hat Hooked Pillow

This hand-hooked wool image of a cowboy hat was designed in Vermont by Laura Megroz.

Decor Tip: Use layered textiles (sheepskin throws, handwoven blankets, and plush cushions) for a cozy, inviting feel.

Etsy

Etsy Stacked Cowboy Hats Print

Cowboy hats are iconic and a great statement piece for your western decor.

East Fork Pottery

East Fork Pottery Small Mug

These handmade mugs from Asheville, North Carolina are the perfect addition to your Western earthy decor, and just the right size to keep your coffee warm while you drink it.

Decor Tip: Mix in handmade, artisanal pieces.

Farmhouse Pottery

Farmhouse Pottery Reusable Bowl Covers

These linen bowl covers are perfect for bread making or covering a salad until you're ready to eat. Each set includes 3 different sizes.

Decor Tip: Incorporate soft, worn-in fabrics like linen and distressed leather.

McGee & Co.

McGee & Co. Plaid Tasseled Throw

Classic plaid patterns are a perfect fit for this aesthetic, while the tassels bring a playful, laid-back touch.

Target

Threshold x Studio McGee Stallion on Canvas Board

Add a little personality with this affordable 8" x 10" stallion in an antique gold frame.

Decor Tip: Decorate with meaningful Western finds, like thrifted treasures, antique prints, or family heirlooms.

Monike Hibbs

MH Dinner Bell

This solid brass dinner bell is the cutest thing I've seen on the Internet today. Dinner's ready!

Decor Tip: Add subtle nods to Western culture.

Rugs Direct

Loloi Grand Canyon Area Rug

This cruelty-free design is perfect for adding a little rustic decor to your space. But make this your only animal hide in the space to keep it from traveling into kitsch territory.

Tejas Country Club

Tejas Country Club Howdy Print

A little Southern Charm in the kitchen or entryway adds a warm, welcoming vibe to your decor.

Decor Tip: Use mid-century modern art and lighting for a fresh take.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Simone Ashley may not have been able to share juicy secrets about BridgertonSeason 4, but that hasn't stopped us from looking at very convincing fan theories about romantic leads Benedict& Sophie. Fans of the series are familiar with the second oldest (and carefree) Bridgerton sibling, but Sophie's past remains a mystery. Who is she and where did she come from? Better yet, we're wondering if Season 4 will give her a Cinderalla trajectory (i.e. "rags to riches").

Given the "wild" fan theories we've seen, anything's possible with show runner Jess Brownell at the helm of the Bridgerton series!

Scroll to see what fans think will be revealed about Sophie's past, her sexuality, and a potential timeline jump!

What are the biggest theories about Sophie's past?

Liam Daniel/Netflix

A prior BridgertonSeason 4 sneak peek revealed Sophie's a maid, but that's not the only secret she'll potentially hide from Benedict. There's also the matter of her heritage that could be explored! For now, fans have differing theories about who Sophie's related to.

We know that her step-mother and step-sisters are Araminta, Rosamund, and Posy, but not much is known about Sophie's birth mother. In alignment with Julia Quinn's An Offer From a Gentleman, one fan theory discusses the idea that the mistreated maid could be "the daughter of Lord Cowper's brother (maybe an older brother who was supposed to inherit the State) and they took Sophie in as a child but Amarinta had her as the service (or maybe he is the father)."

This elicited an interesting response that talks about Lord Cowper's alleged relationship to Sophie. "He could have hidden her away at one of their country estates with a governess..."

What might Cressida Cowper know about her?

Liam Daniel/Netflix

Our theory about Cressida Cowper being Benedict's love interest was wrong (oops!), but that doesn't mean she won't make a surprise appearance! If the above theories are true, this means Cressida may be related to Sophie! She might already be aware of it OR she could discover this hidden truth as she comes into her own.

Of this theory, one fan said they believe "Cressida will be related to Sophie somehow and her character redemption arc will involve supporting Sophie like her stepsister Posy did in the novel."

The suspense is getting real!

Why do people think her Sophie's sexuality will be revealed?

Liam Daniel/Netflix

Thanks to this thread, we were reminded that Benedict's "pansexual," leading some fans to believe there's more to Sophie's sexuality than meets the eye. This theory asks, "What if Sophie is a man that masquerades as a woman at the masquerade ball, and the reason Benedict has such a hard time finding Sophie after the ball, is because she’s actually a man?"

As far as we know, there's not a lot of evidence to support this idea because Sophie presents as a cisgender woman. However, one person shared a follow-up response to this idea by saying "she will probably dress up as a man at some point to hide her identity."

That seems like a much plausible idea given the secrecy that shrouds Sophie.

Could we see a timeline jump in 'Bridgerton' Season 4?

Liam Daniel/Netflix

Additionally, there's a couple of theories that believe Bridgerton Season 4 will feature a timeline jump. One person says Bridgerton Season 4 will pick up "when Fran, Eloise and John come back from Scotland as we saw in the drone leaks," (via Reddit).

Concerning Francesca and John, another theory revolves around their marriage. "Francesca and John must be married for a little while, otherwise Francesca’s grief will seem less justified than if she’d only been married for a season. Also, the friendship portion of Francesca and Michael[a]’s relationship has to happen. That timeline shouldn’t be rushed."

Although she's remaining coy about it, Bridgerton's show runner Jess Brownell revealed confirmed this theory is correct. "I can’t say if it’s in season 4 or not, but yes, there will be a time jump," she toldU.S. Weeklylast year.

It's not unbelievable because Season 3 ended with three new additions to the Bridgerton-Featherington clans! There's also the possibility that Anthony & Kate's child will be born by the time Benedict & Sophie first see each other.

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I love joining house-hunting friends on their open house visits, not just for the fun of seeing different homes but the staging inspiration alone can spark fresh ideas for my own home decor. I love how stagers capture that clean and minimal, yet warm and inviting aesthetic. As we head into peak house-buying season (March-August), here are some tips for getting your home updated for 2025 and market-ready for when the time comes. The good news? A few minor tweaks can make a major impact.

Scroll for outdated decor mistakes that could be lowering your home value.

1. Popcorn Ceilings

Shutterstock

Popcorn ceilings can be an '80s-era eyesore, and new buyers don't want to deal with it. That's because many older popcorn ceilings contain asbestos, which can be hazardous if you mess with it. Make sure to have a pro test it before attempting to remove it. You can have it removed (best for homes without asbestos), cover it with drywall, or install wood planks like bead board or shiplap for a classic look.

2. Tiled or Laminate Countertops

Shutterstock

Tiled countertops with worn grout or outdated laminate surfaces are long past their prime — it’s time for an upgrade, and you won’t regret it! There’s nothing like prepping meals on a fresh, clean surface that feels as good as it looks. Opt for quartz, a non-porous, low-maintenance choice that comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Natural stone like marble, soapstone, or quartzite are timeless, and butcher block in light oak is perfect for a modern farmhouse aesthetic.

3. Golden Oak Cabinets

Shutterstock

You don't necessarily need to swap out these stained wood cabinets that were once popular in '80s and '90s builds. Simply sand and give them a fresh coat of paint: Check out our Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors for 2025 for inspiration!

4. Outdated Fixtures

Shutterstock

My mom had this exact bathroom sink fixture, and while she was gearing up for a pricey bathroom reno, I suggested a simple swap instead. I told her to replace just the fixture with something more modern, and she was beyond pleased with the results!

5. Brightly Painted Rooms

Shutterstock

Kids are going to want bedroom paint colors that adults simply do not. Instead of committing to a wild wall color, consider a sophisticated neutral as the backdrop and incorporate their favorite hue through easily changeable items like bedding, decor, and artwork. Win-win!

6. Boob Lights

Shutterstock

Replace any old light fixtures, like these ubiquitous "boob" lights, with an elegant ceiling mount or pendant.

7. Brass Mirror Closet Doors

Vecislavas Popa

If replacing the doors with modern wood doors isn’t an option, consider using matte spray paint or adhesive metal trim to give the brass a more modern finish in white or matte black.

8. Hollywood-Style Strip Lighting

Wayfair

Swap the kitschy strip lights for sleek wall sconces or a modern LED vanity light. Position sconces on either side of the mirror for balanced lighting. Look for matte black, brushed brass, or frosted glass finishes to instantly elevate your space.

9. Showers With Sliding Doors

Shutterstock

Frameless glass enclosure are a modern upgrade to these outdated sliding doors. If a full replacement isn’t in the budget, consider an elegant shower curtain for a vintage-modern vibe.

10. Lack of Quality Window Treatments

Good Days Digital

My friend’s Tahoe home has no window treatments because she loves waking up to the sun. (As someone who prefers total darkness, I always pack an eye mask when I visit!) But her realtor recently advised that you needs to add well-made, well-fitted window treatments if she plans to sell or rent. Linen Roman shades or velvet drapes can elevate the space while adding warmth and privacy. For the best fit and style, consider working with a window treatment specialist to find the perfect solution for your home.

11. Outdated Ceiling Fans

Shutterstock

Elements like ceiling fans come with the home purchase so make sure they're updated. Look for modern energy-efficient models with matte black, brushed nickel, or wood-toned finishes and remote or smart controls.

12. Bulky Furniture

Wayfair

Make sure your furniture fits the room — too big can feel cramped, too small can feel sparse. While pieces don’t need to be matchy-matchy, they should complement each other for a cohesive, well-balanced look. Look for an 8 x 10 rug or larger too to fit the space and hide any clutter!

13. Grey Laminate Flooring

Wayfair

Gray laminate flooring was once everywhere, but it’s officially time to move on — just like those gray sofas. Choose flooring that mimics the warmth of natural wood tones, such as light oak or rich walnut. If replacing the floors isn’t an option, layer in natural woven or wool rugs.

14. Too Much Ornamentation

Shutterstock

Remove any ornamentation that feels out of place in your home or doesn’t align with your style. For an ornate built-in like this, consider painting it a single, cohesive color to tone down the detailing and create a more seamless, modern look.

15. Awkward Layout

Shuttterstock

To make your space modern and more inviting, start with a focal point (fireplace, TV, or statement art) and arrange seating around it for conversation. Use a sofa and chairs to create balance, adding a coffee table within reach. Incorporate side tables, lighting, and a rug to define the space. Make sure walkways are for better flow and functionality too. Color can make a big difference too, earthy tones with natural elements will make a room feel more inviting.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Reminders of Him isn't the only Colleen Hoover movie we're getting next year — we finally have the Verity release date! After confirmation that Dakota Johnson was starring as Lowen in Colleen Hoover's Verity, I totally wasn't expecting to open my phone and see a video of Dakota in the middle of New York City...covered in blood. It was even more shocking than seeing that crazy The Summer I Turned Pretty leak that's not in the books! If this Verity movie leak proves anything, it's that this movie is going to be just as insane as the book — if not more.

Here's your first look at Dakota Johnson on the set of Verity, coming to theaters May 15, 2026.

When is Verity coming out?

Verity is coming to theaters May 15, 2026 thanks to Amazon MGM Studios. We already know Reminders of Him is coming February 13, which means we're getting two Colleen Hoover movies in the same year! And I'll be seated for both.

Who does Dakota Johnson play in Verity?

Dakota Johnson plays Lowen, a writer hired by Verity's husband Jeremy to finish the author's work. Here's the rest of the Verity cast:

  • Anne Hathaway as Verity Crawford: a renowned author who's hiding a secret.
  • Josh Hartnett as Jeremy Crawford: Verity's husband.
  • Dakota Johnson as Lowen Ashleigh: a struggling writer given the chance of a lifetime to finish Verity Crawford's work.

Ismael Cruz Cordóva, Brady Wagner, Irina Dvorovenko, K.K. Moggie, and Michael Abbott Jr. will also star in unconfirmed roles.

And the first leak tells us just how crazy the 'Verity' movie is going to be.

@mickmicknyc Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett filming a graphic accident scene for 'Verity' in NYC 🎬🙈 #dakotajohnson#joshhartnett#verity#bts#behindthescenes#entertainmentnews#nyc♬ original sound - New York Mickey

We got our first look at Dakota Johnson as Lowen when she walked around New York City in burnt orange trousers, a beige top, and a gray coat. But there's one accessory that low-key makes my stomach turn: a splatter of blood on her face.

In this extended leak from @mickmicknyc on TikTok, Lowen's taking a stroll through Manhattan when a car accident with a biker covers her (and a few very-expressive extras) in blood. The movie nerd in me immediately clocked that the camera does a 360 around Dakota as she looks at the accident, and I LOVE a 360 so I'm excited to see this in the final movie! Especially if the composer gives us some incredible music!

We also see Josh Hartnett's Jeremy approach her and make sure she's okay before the leave the scene.

"This is exactly how I pictured it," says one TikTok user in the comments, while another adds, "I actually forgot this is how the book started with how crazy the rest of the book was."

"The way I just screamed ahhhh I’m so excitedddddddddd," a third user says. I cannot wait!

Stay tuned for even more Verity movie updates on Brit + Co and our TikTok!

Where can I watch the Verity movie?

Verity is coming to theaters, which means you can relive the craziness of the book surrounded by 150 of your closes friends ;).

Loving these set leaks? Check out Zendaya Throws A Drink At A Car (Before Robert Pattinson Drags Her Away) For New A24 Movie The Drama for more.

This post has been updated.

Millennials are defined as being born between 1981 and 1996, but if you were born at the tail end of that time frame and endured your teenage years during the 2000s or early 2010s, you most definitely suffered through some arguably rough fashion trends.

Wearing Abercrombie or Aeropostale brand name t-shirts, sporting chevron dresses, and going to parties with "concealer lips" was (regrettably) the vibe at the time! Today, most teens wouldn't dare wear the outfits and accessories us millennials wholeheartedly loved.

We're here to revisit fashion's past and call out the top 8 millennial style fails that are just super cringeworthy today.

1. Flower Crowns

Etsy

Rainbow Flower Crown

When millennials wanted to look 'boho chic,' they immediately busted out the flower crowns. This accessory infiltrated practically every occasion, from high school dances and music festivals like Coachella – or even (sigh) regular trips to the mall.

While the trend might've felt fun and carefree at the time, flower crowns are super cliché today and just remind me of Tumblr's heyday (IYKYK).

2. "Geek" Glasses

Amazon

Black Nerd Glasses

It's funny to think about how popular wearing fake "geek" glasses was, particularly since so many teen movies of the time, like Mean Girls, sensationalized being "cool" and "popular."

Nonetheless, plenty of millennials set out to appear quirky by topping off their outfits with thick, oversized hipster frames, even if they didn't actually need glasses. Some people even used their leftover 3D glasses from movie theaters and simply popped the lenses out – guilty!

3. Hair Feathers

Etsy

Feather Hair Extension Clip

Similar to flower crowns, hair feathers emerged as a bohemian-inspired way to add a pop of color and texture to your locks. Some people opted for thinner solid or multicolored strands; meanwhile, others went full-throttle with larger feather shapes or even bead attachments.

This is another "hipster" trend that, while maybe still appropriate for some music festivals, should stay in the past when it comes to everyday wear.

4. Jeggings

Halara

Halara Flex High Waisted Stretchy Leggings

Jeggings were supposed to be the perfect blend of comfort and style... or so we thought. The idea seemed genius at the time, but in retrospect, they were just a fashion mistake.

This pant style attempted to blend two completely different types of garments and created a result that's now considered a fashion faux pas. Jeggings are just too tight to ever be flattering and don't deliver that same classic denim look.

5. Converse Sneakers With Anything

Converse

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Canvas Sneakers

Skinny jeans, skirts, maxi dresses, and mini dresses. Today, you'd probably pick different shoe choices for all of these outfits, but millennials undoubtedly had a go-to: Converse.

These sneakers were the perfect footwear for practically any look, but the trend quickly became overused. Even celebrities were showing up in low-cut Converse to walk the red carpet, a statement that would leave younger generations scratching their heads today.

6. Belts Over Shirts

Amazon

Grommet Leather Belt

Along with the excessive layering of tank tops and t-shirts came the addition of belts on top. While this might've been an attempt to add some structure or flair, many belts in the 2000s were more clunky than chic.

This trend is making a comeback, particularly with oversized outerwear. But, again, younger generations today are making more pattern- and color-conscious decisions (and not just cinching their waists while wearing Hollister v-necks, LOL).

7. Ombré Hair

Polina Semernina / PEXELS

Ombré hair is often associated with balayage, a hair-painting technique that remains insanely popular in 2025. However, many millennials didn't hit the salon to achieve their ombré – and took matters into their own hands at home.

Regardless of whether they tried to darken or lighten, it typically resulted in a not-very-well-blended horizontal line of color across their hair.

8. Fedoras

Julia Volk / PEXELS

Finally, I believe that you should be entitled to compensation if you've been personally victimized by a fedora. Everyone from Justin Timberlake to Paris Hilton wore these hats, making millennials think they were cool. In hindsight, perhaps everyone (including the A-listers) blundered with this fad.

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