This article was first published on OneRoof.co.nz and is republished here with permission.

Upgrade a few bathroom products as there’s plenty out there to choose from. Photo / Supplied

With Christmas a hop skip and jump away, the best way to get your house in tip-top shape before summer holidaying begins is by breaking them down into bite-sized tasks achieving one per week.

Turn off the Netflix, get yourself a cool one and make use of the extra daylight in the evenings.

Update those light fittings

We hardly take the time to look up, but when we do you can be fixated at the fly spots from last year that you haven’t removed, the wrong type of paint in the bathroom which is now peeling, or most commonly of all, the light fittings that were installed in the early 2000s that aren’t quite the masterpiece now.

These fittings are generally halogens that keep on blowing with discoloured white rings, or stainless diffusers that draw your attention to the light. A good thing to tick off the list is to measure the existing cutout and contact your local electrician to recommend a fitting and install before Christmas.

You will be surprised with the light quality and aesthetic enhancement this simple trick will achieve all while replacing with more energy efficient fittings.

Measure the cutout and contact your local electrician to recommend a fitting and install before Christmas. Photo / Supplied

Upgrade a few bathroom products

We did a consultation with a client last week and they were super excited about the refresh of their new bathroom. All they needed was a new heated towel rail, vanity and toilet. There is plenty of product out there for you to choose. Once you find something you like, be sure to secure it or it may sell out and you have to reselect which isn’t a big deal considering the similarities across ranges these days if you aren’t after something special.

Get new bathroom linens and beddings styled

Spoil yourself with a few new towels in a light colour scheme and luxurious woven texture. An instant way to refresh your bathroom with something different and an extra perk for guests when they stay. While you are on your shopping spree, check out the new summer threads and pack that winter duvet away.

Choose a light and summery scheme that you feel inspired by. There are lots of flax linens, stonewashed cottons and gorgeous prints out there to swap out that plain waffle or faded print for.

Laura Heynike: “Turn off the Netflix, get yourself a cool one and make use of the extra daylight in the evenings.” Photo / Supplied

Clean your textiles

I don’t know about you but my sofa, lounge, and floor rugs could definitely do with a birthday! Taking care of your textiles with a deep steam clean is important to get the desirable longevity that you expect from them. A spring clean can brighten the colours and sharpen the fibre weave making primed for you to reseal with a fabric protector for those long entertaining evenings.

Finish those wardrobes or hallway cupboards

I’m guilty of this. We have two cupboards that need to be stopped and painted but have never really got around to it, being out of sight, out of mind. It really is a simple job but by finishing those little nooks with new shelving or fresh paint, it will make all the difference, especially for open homes where we all are a little nosy and like to open every nook and cranny.

While you are on your shopping spree, check out the new summer threads and pack that winter duvet away. Photo / Supplied

Replace the flooring with new vinyl

Laundries or guest toilets are a perfect little space to refresh with some fresh vinyl or vinyl planking. Buy from your local floor reseller or even your hardware store if they have the range that you like. Most of the time you can lay straight onto your existing flooring if the bridge from the two flooring types finishes at a minimal variation. Your space will be lifted instantly with the new texture and tone.

Spoil yourself with a few new towels in a light colour scheme and luxurious woven texture. Photo / Supplied

Update power switches, fitting and assess cooling methods

Going back to those yellowing fittings, take a good look at your light switches – perhaps a bit old-fashioned or buttons are in a bad shape. It’s a quick and easy fix that will instantly upgrade the appearance of your walls and is a nice tactile improvement.

While down the electrical improvement route, spare a few minutes to think about whether or not your cooling situation is adequate for (hopefully) a nice warm summer. There are beautiful ceiling fans available now, as well as an array of heat pumps that you might just be able to squeeze in before Christmas.

– Laura Heynike is director of Pocketspace Interiors

For more property news visit OneRoof.co.nz