By Guest Blogger, Cindy Aldridge

If you're like many people, you spend more time in your home than ever before.

Whether you just moved, changed careers, started a remote or hybrid work schedule, or shifted your lifestyle because of the global pandemic, you're far from alone if you value your home more than ever before.

No matter how much you enjoy your home or reinvented lifestyles, it's natural to want to update the place you spend the most time for work and play.

If you're looking for some easy ways to update your home over a weekend to make it more efficient for both relaxation and work, read on for some great ideas.

Considering Perfect Lighting for Designated Spaces

Lighting is key to a home that works well for both work and play.

As you consider ways you'll renovate your space, pay careful attention to your lighting.

Most homes have a combination of rooms with great natural light and others where artificial lighting is key.

Do what you can to assess your home's natural light, ceiling height, and the times of day and places where your home is brightest and darkest.

In small areas, one way to improve your lighting is to invest in pendant lighting.

Available in a variety of finishes, styles, shapes, and heights, a light like this works well in kitchens, foyers, front entrances, and any targeted or focal point areas.

The simple addition of pendant lighting can add up to make you feel more productive while cooking, entertaining, working, or studying and can easily be added in a weekend.

Making Big Changes in Just a Weekend

If you're like most people, your life is busy, and you don't have a lot of time to spend on home updates.

If so, consider effective but classy options like peel and stick wallpaper, upholstering a headboard, upcycling old furniture, and more to make simple changes that will give a big impact.

One great way to go about this is to get ideas from your favorite design or retail stores.

For example, maybe you have a favorite home décor spot you love in Buffalo, NY with a boho feel.

A visit there might inspire a design change that will add inspiration to your home's work and play spots.

Designing the Perfect Oasis

When going for an upgrade, don't forget about the yard.

It can be simple to turn the average backyard into an oasis with the addition of things like an outdoor kitchen with a fire pit, grill, and bar.

Outdoor lighting and solar string lights can be hung easily and give off a sense of fun, too.

Easy Updates for Big Change

At the end of the day, it doesn't need to take more than a weekend to change the way you use your home's work and rest spaces.

Updating your home's lighting, making good use of outdoor spaces, or adding a fresh coat of paint are all great ways to inspire yourself to work more efficiently and to relax on those off days.

If you're stuck on ideas or looking for a little inspiration to update your home's work and play spaces, check out the posts below for some fantastic ideas that will get you started in the right direction toward that perfect update.

Summer Staycation: How to create the perfect outside oasis

5 Ridiculously Simple Ways to Improve Your Accent Furniture Game

Budget Decorating Refresh: How to Fix Up Your Living Room in 7 Simple Steps

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I write about small space design and decorating, sustainable furniture options, positive self care and a variety of do-it-yourself home décor.

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Guest Blogger Cindy Aldridge is the creator of OurDogFriends.org, a website advocating for the love and ownership of dogs. She believes that dogs truly are our best friends and wants to see less dogs in shelters and more in loving homes.

The opinions and views expressed in any guest blog post do not necessarily reflect those of Michael Helwig Interiors or its Principal, Michael Helwig. Michael Helwig Interiors, and Michael Helwig, do not have any affiliations with any products or services mentioned in the article or linked to therein. Guest Authors may have affiliations to products mentioned or linked to in their author bios.