Dawnsboutique: lighting

To update your existing kitchen on a budget can easily be done by updating fabric and accessories, replacing outdated appliances with modern stainless steel appliances, and updating countertops with granite or quartz.

If your budget allows, update fixtures such as faucets, sinks and lighting.

The following steps will help you to update your kitchen without blowing your budget:

Make a wish list of the things that you want to update
Create a sample board of fabrics, accessories, and paint colors that you love
Choose a color scheme
Develop a budget and stick to it
Research the decorating style you want to implement by using design resources
Use washable paint and wallpaper
Purchase quality, energy efficient appliances
Add designer details such as a tiled mural
Install new decorative light fixtures such as wall scones
Coordinate your new kitchen with the rest of your home so it is visibly pleasing.

Below are some beautiful updated kitchens, I hope they will inspire you to create the kitchen you've always wanted.

Source: House Beautiful

Creating an updated patio or courtyard need not be costly or time-consuming.

The same decorating principles of indoor decorating apply to the outdoor as well. Choose colors, fabrics and furniture that are suitable for your lifestyle, your personal preference and budget.

Your patio should be an extension of your home.

Here are five easy ideas to update your patio:

Clean windows and doors - pressure clean if possible. Cleaning the windows/doors will help to show off your beautiful and sparkling outdoor retreat and provides a great first impression when guests arrive.
Update your old outdoor furniture by spray painting it. First clean it thoroughly, sand it, give it a coat of acrylic primer and then spray paint it with an outdoor latex paint. If you plan on buying new furniture select outdoor furniture that will withstand weather conditions such as heavy rainfall, harsh sunlight and gusts of wind. Wicker and wrought iron patio furniture are a good choice.
Adding patio accessories such as seat cushions, pillows, umbrellas, and an outdoor rug helps to pull your look together. Go bold with fabrics and coordinate your colors with your indoor space so there is a flow and continuity.
Lighting - whether you choose lanterns, string lights, or Chinese lanterns, lighting provides a warm glow, illuminates your surroundings and enhances your security.
Container gardening - place potted succulents, and annuals in corners that are bare and need a little lift. Potted plants will instantly take a patio from boring to remarkable and they can easily be moved from one corner of the patio to the other to accommodate sun/shade.