7 home improvement projects to tackle in that weird week between Christmas and New Year’s Day

Have some free time over the next week or so? Make the most of it when you tackle some fun (and necessary) DIY projects.

Give your doors a makeover

Old doors that are in dire need of repair can quickly show your home’s age. Take this time to apply a fresh coat of paint to interior doors and then replace the hardware to something modern. Matte black or polished gold handles are currently in style and look great on interior doors.

Paint your walls

The most inexpensive way to update your home will always be solved with a gallon of paint. Choose a modern, neutral color to apply to your walls and make sure to touch up your baseboards, too.

For wall color, try some neutral favorites like Agreeable Gray, Silver Song or even Alabaster. If you’re updating the paint color on your baseboards too, make sure the undertones of the wall color complement the undertones of the baseboard color.

Keep reading: The 2023 paint colors of the year

Paint your vanity

Give your bathroom a quick refresh by painting your vanity. This simple DIY project is even doable for the novice do-it-yourselfer and you’ll be amazed at how quickly paint can transform an old vanity. Add some new hardware for a completed look.

Insulate your attic

For under $500 you can insulate your attic and save hundreds on your electric bill over the years. Insulating your attic properly can help you cut 5-10% off your energy bill and even proves to be a good return on investment when it comes time to sell.

Add crown moulding or interesting trim work

Nothing elevates the look of an otherwise boring space quite like interesting trim work. Spend some time adding crown moulding to your dining or living room or even have a little fun with trim.

Highlight a wall to make it visually appealing by adding a board and batten accent wall or even consider adding some shiplap to a boring space.

Update your laundry room

Once a boring and rather dull space, refreshed laundry rooms are becoming more and more popular. You’ll be amazed at how new light fixtures, paint and simple decor change the space.

Clean your grout

Unless you’re a neat freak, cleaning your grout is likely not at the top of your to-do list. But if your white grout is now closer to brown, it’s time to roll up your sleeves. To clean grout, all you need is a little hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.

Combine the two items to make a paste and allow it to sit on dirty grout for a few minutes after you’ve worked it in with a nylon brush. Clean off with a damp white cloth. Don’t forget to seal the grout once it’s completely dry!

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About the Author
Carin Miller


About Carin Miller, REALTOR®

Founder, The Charlotte Life Team at Real • Serving North & South Carolina • Charlotte Metro & Luxury Relocation Specialist


Your Trusted Charlotte REALTOR®

Carin Miller, REALTOR® and founder of The Charlotte Life Team at Real, ranks among the top 3% of agents in the Charlotte metro area. Licensed in both North and South Carolina, Carin brings over a decade of real estate experience and a proven track record of $66 million in closed sales across 150+ successful transactions.

She specializes in luxury homes, relocation, new construction, and move-up or downsizing clients throughout Ballantyne, Weddington, Marvin, South Park, Indian Land, and Fort Mill. Carin’s approach blends data-driven strategy with authentic connection, making every client experience seamless, transparent, and personalized.

Recognized for Excellence

  • Charlotte Real Producers Top 500 Agent
  • FastExpert’s 2025 Top Agent in Waxhaw, NC
  • Allen Tate Chairman’s Circle (Individual)
  • Allen Tate Presidents Circle (Team) — multiple years
  • Allen Tate Client Relations Associate of the Year — Ballantyne
  • Red Penguin Quality Service Award
  • Designations: Real Luxury, Real Elite, Real Military

These honors reflect not just production volume but a commitment to integrity, professionalism, and exceptional client service.

What Clients Say

With 150+ verified reviews across Google, Zillow, Realtor.com, and FastExpert, Carin has built her business on trust and referrals. Clients consistently describe her as:

“Honest, strategic, and incredibly organized.”

“Always one step ahead.”

“A true advocate who makes the process simple, even from out of state.”

She combines AI-powered market tools, strong negotiation, and clear communication to deliver standout results in Charlotte’s competitive market.

Rooted in Charlotte, Focused on You

Originally from Florida, Carin has called Charlotte home for more than a decade—and she’s passionate about helping others find their place here. Her deep local insight, paired with her own relocation experience, gives clients an edge when moving into or within the Carolinas. When she’s not serving clients, Carin enjoys exploring new restaurants, supporting local businesses, and spending time with her Golden Retrievers.

A Personal Note

“Real estate isn’t just about buying or selling a home—it’s about life transitions, opportunities, and the people we meet along the way. My goal is to make every move strategic, transparent, and stress-free.”

Carin Miller, REALTOR® | The Charlotte Life Team at Real

Charlotte Real Estate Expertise

Service Areas: Charlotte, Waxhaw, Weddington, Marvin, South Park, Fort Mill, Indian Land, Rock Hill, Ballantyne, SouthEnd, Palisades, Belmont, and surrounding communities.
Specialties: Luxury homes, relocation, new construction, move-up and downsizing clients.
Production: $66M+ closed sales • Top 3% Charlotte MLS • 10+ years licensed.