5 Simple, Affordable Updates To Refresh Your Home

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No cash for a full-on reno? Try these easy, affordable updates to refresh your space’s form and elevate its function.

1. Purple reign 
The dye originally used to create this colour was hard to come by and expensive, which is why purple is associated with power, wealth and royalty. Even in a powder room, it can add an air of luxe—as shown here by walls in Brinjal No. 22 by Farrow & Ball. Hues of purple have been favoured in a number of 2017 colours of the year, including three of our favourites, so you can choose just the right “regal” for any room.

Shadow (2117-30), Benjamin Moore

Violet Verbena (PPG1169-5), PPG Paints

You Look Mauve-lous (SC 169-0), Beauti-Tone

2. Climate control
Home monitoring goes beyond security with the Netatmo Healthy Home Coach ($120, netatmo.com). The small tower tracks air quality, humidity, temperature and noise—and sends “advice” to improve them via wireless messages. Take care of two-elements-in-one with the Sharp KC-850U air purifier with humidifier ($570, amazon.ca).

3. Comfort
Try silk sheets, such as those made by Toronto-based Cilque. The fibre helps regulate body temperature year-round and is moisture-wicking. Its smooth texture is gentle on skin. Plus, it’s static-resistant and won’t cling to hair – bye, bye, bed head! (Single pillowcase $69, set of two, $120; full set from $449, cilque.com)

4. Cleanliness
In her new book, Clean My Space, Canadian cleaning guru and YouTube star Melissa Maker has compiled her tips and inexpensive DIY recipes for just about any cleaning chore. Not the DIY type? Try the Mrs. Meyers line (from $7, at national retailers). New to Canada, the products are biodegradable, phosphate-free and made with essential oils in scents such as lavender and lemon verbena.

5. Convenience
Upgrade your lid with lights and action. The Purefresh Quiet-Close seat ($170) features a nightlight and a replaceable carbon filter that continuously neutralizes odour for up to six months. And what bathroom couldn’t use more storage? The Echelon shower locker ($595) adds space for more than just the essentials. Spa, ah. (Both at kohler.ca)

A version of this article appeared in the March 2017 issue with the headline, “Home Improvement,” p. 66-67.