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Winter may not seem like the best season to start a home project, but it’s the perfect opportunity to transform parts of the home’s interior with serious upgrade potential. In the colder months, we’re stuck inside anyway, and without vacations, outdoor activities, and other warm-weather distractions, we can often accomplish more in a shorter amount of time.
“Winter is a great time to focus on indoor projects that improve comfort and functionality,” says Margaret Kemmeter, kitchen and bath designer at renovation contractor Sims. ”With the colder weather, outdoor projects usually take a back seat and make it easier for us to direct our energy and resources toward improving the interiors of the home.”
Let’s face it: You need something to do besides binge-watching the latest hot series on Netflix. Get those DIY juices flowing by working on one or more of these home projects you can—and maybe should—tackle during the winter.
Done-in-a-Day Updates
Some deeply satisfying home updates can be completed in a single afternoon, or even just an hour. If the project involves swapping out items like light fixtures or drawer pulls, make sure to take accurate measurements. It’s super frustrating and a big time delay to have to go back to the home improvement center or return an online order that doesn’t fit properly.
1. Make sure your smoke detectors are working.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in 2023 one house fire was reported to a fire department every 95 seconds. December is the peak month for house fires, which is why you should kick off these colder months by evaluating and upgrading your home’s safety features, such as smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be tested monthly and replaced every 5 to 7 years. Pay attention to the expiration dates on your detectors, and when it’s time to replace them, upgrade to a newer model with better safety features. Consider swapping the old units out for a combination smoke detector/carbon monoxide detector, like the X-Sense, the Best Overall winner in our hands-on tested guide to the best smoke detectors.
2. Refresh your home’s lighting design or fixtures.
“Shorter days can leave your home feeling dark and dreary. Adding lighting enhancements can improve both functionality and mood,” says Swannell Thompson, a handyperson with Frontdoor, a service that connects homeowners with skilled tradespeople. Whether you swap out one light fixture, add layers of battery-powered or plug-in fixtures, or just update light bulbs, you can ward off those earlier sunsets with lighting that can improve illumination—and your spirits.
“You can upgrade to layered lighting, such as under-cabinet lights or dimmable fixtures that can instantly transform the mood of any space while also improving functionality,” says Kemmeter. Consider installing battery-powered strip lighting like this dimmable and self-adhesive LED strip light under cabinets or around your favorite wall art. To add a layer of light in the dining room or family room without wiring, try battery-powered sconces that work for up to 72 hours on one charge.
Be sure to choose energy-efficient LED fixtures or bulbs in a color temperature that suits the mood or function of each room. For example, light bulbs with a color temperature under 3000K emit a softer, warmer light, while a color temperature greater than 5000K is crisp and helpful for reading, crafting, or other detailed hobbies. Bulbs with a color temperature between those two are well suited for kitchen and home office lighting.
3. Beef up your home tech and security system.
With temperatures dipping low and skies bringing snow and sleet, winter is not ideal for installing tech features or security cameras outdoors. Instead, focus on enhancing your tech game indoors and start using your home’s virtual assistant for more than just ordering toilet paper or checking the weather forecast.
“You can also install or upgrade smart home systems like thermostats and lighting as well as security cameras, which improve the functionality and comfort of your home. Smart thermostats are great for sustaining optimal indoor temperatures and energy efficiency,” says Jennifer Rogers, designer at BKC Kitchen and Bath.
4. Upgrade your kitchen cabinet pulls.
If you spend your winter cooped up in the kitchen, cooking big meals for family and cookies for Santa, you may be getting bored with your tired-looking kitchen. Dial up the style—without spending a lot of time or money—by replacing outdated drawer pulls and knobs on your cabinets. Consider modern pulls in on-trend matte black, like this 10-pack from Amerdeco.
Pro tip: Carefully measure your current pulls before selecting new ones. Ordering pulls that fit the existing holes will save you from having to drill new holes and fill and finish the old ones.
5. Swap out bathroom faucets.
The mess and disruption of a kitchen or bathroom renovation may be more than you want to deal with in the winter. Instead, focus on something small that makes a big impact—for instance, the kitchen or bathroom faucet. Whether it’s woefully out of style or suffering from hard water, rough use, and the passage of time, that faucet may be ripe for replacement.
A new faucet not only refreshes the space but, if you choose well, can also help conserve water and save money. This project takes no more than an afternoon and is perfect for tackling in the colder months, especially before holiday guests arrive. (Our tested guide to the best bathroom faucets has terrific options for all types of sinks and budgets.)
6. Test your water.
If you’ve never tested your water, winter is a good season to make it happen. “More than half of Americans have never tested their water. Hard water negatively impacts your home by causing mineral buildup or scaling in plumbing, fixtures, and water heaters, driving significant repair and premature replacement costs,” says Chris Counahan, president of home improvement company Leaf Home.
You can do it yourself with a kit like the Safe Home Drinking Water Test Kit, which earned the top spot in our researched guide to water test kits. Simply send in your water sample, which is then tested at an EPA-certified lab.
Once you’ve received a complete analytical report of your water’s quality, you’ll know what to look for when shopping for the best whole-house water filter for your home. And you’ll be confidently ready for your spring gardening.
Pro tip: Testing is just the first step. To improve the quality of your water, Counahan says, “It is highly recommended to have a water expert evaluate and test your water to provide a customized water treatment system to meet your unique water needs.”
7. Declutter closets and storage areas.
Americans are good at collecting extra stuff. Almost half of us report that our homes are cluttered with stuff we don’t need anymore. One in seven can’t use at least one room in our home because it’s filled with rarely used items, and nearly two out of five admit they haven’t decluttered in more than a year. Before holiday gift-giving adds to the clutter, it’s time to send the extra stuff packing.
“Winter is a great time to tackle indoor spaces that may have become disorganized over the year. Plus, decluttering can make your home feel more spacious and manageable,” says Thompson of Frontdoor. “Go through closets, garages, and attics to donate or toss unused items. Consider installing shelving or storage bins to create a more functional system for your belongings.”
8. Organize the laundry room.
Though it’s central to a household’s day-to-day functioning, the laundry room might not be at the top of the list when it comes to organization and style. Make use of a winter weekend when you’re stuck indoors to refresh and reorganize the laundry room. Add some floating shelves or cubbies and a hanging rod for clothes. Even just a thorough cleaning, an infusion of baskets, and some well-placed hooks can help turn it into a spot where you’ll actually enjoy spending time.
9. Check the HVAC system.
“Your heating system is working overtime in the winter. Regular maintenance can extend its life and ensure it operates efficiently,” says Thompson. This is a project that shouldn’t be delayed, as it can help improve indoor air quality and help you avoid costly and inconvenient repairs or replacements.
“A one-time HVAC maintenance call costs about $99 on average, but repairs and replacement costs vary greatly based on what’s needed,” says Courtney Klosterman, home insights expert at home insurance company Hippo. “In addition to minimizing wear and tear, regular checks and maintenance help your HVAC system operate smoothly and maintain good air circulation in your home,” says Klosterman. Replace the filters yourself or hire a pro to clean the ducts or inspect the furnace.
Klosterman adds: “Getting everything squared away before you need it can keep your home warm and energy-efficient in the winter.”
Done-in-a-Weekend Upgrades
Some home-improvement projects are more involved and may require a full weekend or more to complete. If you aren’t an experienced DIYer, or aren’t confident about your skills in any of the following areas, consider hiring a local remodeler to take on these projects.
10. Seal drafty windows and doors.
“Energy Star estimates that homeowners can save an average of 15 percent on heating and cooling costs by adding insulation and air-sealing their homes,” says Klosterman.
Since “cold drafts can sneak in through poorly sealed windows and doors, making your home colder and drive up heating costs, apply weatherstripping, caulk gaps, or install draft stoppers on doors,” advises Thompson. “Consider using plastic window insulation kits to add an extra layer of protection.”
11. Update your kitchen countertop.
In the winter, prepping for parties and family gatherings keeps many of us in the kitchen more than usual. During those long hours in the kitchen, you may be more likely to notice damaged, stained, or drab countertops. Or maybe you’ve been craving a smooth, cool surface for rolling out dough for cookies or pies. Fortunately, winter is a fine time to treat yourself to a countertop upgrade. (Tip: Quartz and stone kitchen countertop materials are ideal for dough rolling.)
Beyond functionality, replacing the countertops can make a huge impact on your kitchen’s appearance, and the job doesn’t require a ton of kitchen downtime (though there may be some lag time between measuring for the new countertop and the actual install date). Note that a countertop swap-out is usually best handled by a pro, which means you’ll have more time to watch holiday movies with the family.
12. Give your fireplace a facelift.
“If you have a fireplace, consider giving it a facelift,” says Rogers of BKC Kitchen and Bath. First, take a moment to sit in front of the fireplace and look it over with fresh eyes. Is it so dated that even Santa would call it retro?
Maybe the fireplace would benefit from a more modern hue, such as Tricorn Black from Sherwin-Williams, or a sleek trendy mantel? Installing a French Victorian surround can transform an entire room from “1990s suburban fine” into a romantic retreat. While you’re at it, don’t forget to update the fireplace screen, too.
13. Paint the walls a fresh new color.
Many homeowners like to take on interior painting projects during spring or summer, but winter may be a better time to change your wall colors. That same dry interior air that depletes the moisture in your skin during winter can help a fresh coat of paint dry more quickly. “Paint can refresh any room and enhance the overall aesthetic,” says Thompson of Frontdoor. “Whether it’s a full repaint or just refreshing trim, it’s an investment that brightens your space.”
Be sure to choose a no- or low-VOC paint and pick a mild day for painting so you feel more comfortable keeping windows open for proper ventilation. Even when using no-VOC paint, painting without adequate ventilation can cause headaches and respiratory issues.
14. Replace worn-out carpeting.
“Winter weather can make carpets more damp and lead to mold,” says Klosterman. If your carpets have seen better days, the first few months of the year are prime for replacing threadbare, ripped, or bulging carpeting. You’ll probably even save money because carpeting prices are usually lower during the first quarter of the year.
If replacement isn’t an option, try cleaning: “Proactively cleaning and protecting your carpet can help prevent weird home smells and an expensive replacement since carpets can cost $1 to $4 per square foot,” says Klosterman. “For a 160-square-foot living room (16 feet by 10 feet), you can expect to pay $640 to replace your carpet—not including the cost of installation.”
Plus, after replacing—or even cleaning—the carpet, the room will feel cozier and the carpet may stand up better to the rest of the snowy season.
15. Insulate the attic and crawl space.
Protecting you from the cold is one of your house’s primary functions. One way of ensuring that your interior spaces stay as warm as possible, even in the coldest weather, is to reinsulate your attic or crawl space.
“A home update that is smart to do during the winter is to add or replace the insulation in your attic,” says Andrew Legge, CEO of Havelock Wool, manufacturers of high-performance wool insulation. “Most fibrous insulations are low-integrity fibers that break down over time. Adding more insulation will help it retain heat, promoting energy efficiency. Replacing older or damaged insulation will dramatically improve the benefits.”
When compared to other home improvements that just enhance one space, insulating the attic is a relatively easy project that can have a big impact on comfort in every room.
16. Upgrade kitchen cabinet fronts or interiors.
“Another excellent winter project is upgrading cabinetry or adding custom storage solutions,” says Kemmeter of Sims. “Opt for pull-out shelves or drawer organizers in the kitchen to increase storage and keep the space tidy during the bustling holiday season.”
Pro tip: Schedule kitchen updates for completion at least 2 weeks before a gathering, even if you think the project should take just a few hours. That way, if you need to pick up more supplies to finish or if something unexpected pops up, you won’t be stuck with a half-finished kitchen upgrade while you’re entertaining guests.
17. Put in a new kitchen backsplash.
The cold, dark days of winter make many of us crave colorful, warm spaces that distract us from the dreariness outside. A new kitchen backsplash is an excellent opportunity to amp up the color and playfulness indoors. This project packs a hefty visual punch and can be a productive activity for a bleak January weekend.
Pro tip: Consider using a tile adhesive mat to make the project a little bit easier.
