No matter your budget, you can make tweaks that will take your home to a whole new level. Need some inspiration? We’ve rounded up the most genius and affordable remodeling tips to get you started.
1. Add crown molding
Crown molding is an incredibly easy way to add depth and value to your home, so investing in it should be a no-brainer. The editors of This Old House suggest using Trimroc molding from Canamould Extrusions. It requires little effort to fit and install, and it’s also inexpensive, coming in at around $120.
2. Install a stair runner
If you have dangerously slick stairs or want to create a more inviting space, you can fix both of these issues by adding a chic stair runner. At stores like West Elm and Target, you’ll only pay around $60 to outfit your stairs. That’s a small price for a big upgrade.
As Houzz contributor Yanic Simard says, “A stair runner can be a beautiful and unique accent to your home, showing a lot of personality while cutting down on the pitter-patter (or thumpa-thump) of little feet.” So feel free to make a statement with a color or pattern that will showcase a little of who you are.
3. Add a vintage entry lantern
A unique vintage lantern can really liven up the outside of your home. Whether you have one laying around in your basement or attic, or find one at a thrift store, the This Old House editors suggest rewiring the neglected treasure as a cheap and easy way to add curb appeal. This update will only set you back around $200.
4. Paint your kitchen cabinets
Your old cabinets aren’t doing your kitchen any favors. In fact, outdated and dark storage in any room can make your space seem smaller and less inviting. So, to ensure that your kitchen stays fresh, give your cabinets a new coat of paint, preferably in warm and bright colors. This helpful guide from Lowe’s can get you started.
5. Install cork flooring
Because it’s designed to insulate and it’s eco-friendly, cork flooring is the perfect way to keep your home as cozy as possible. Not only that, but manufacturers now offer cork flooring in panels that actually snap together. In just one weekend, you can tackle this project, which is much easier than installing wood flooring.
6. Refinish old wooden doors
If you have an older home, you probably also have a bunch of antique doors and fixtures. Rather than attempting to completely modernize your home by replacing them, the experts of This Old House suggest sanding down the imperfections of time on your door and finishing it off with a few coats of oil-based varnish to resuscitate its natural gleam.
7. Install new switch plate covers
Changing out your switch plate covers is perhaps one of the easiest and cheapest ways to update any space, says Paula Pant of The Spruce. For around one dollar each, you can swap out every dirty or dusty switch plate cover in your home for a new white one. Or, if you’d rather get a bit funky with it, you can get a decorative switch plate cover for around $10 a piece.
8. Change your lampshades
Replacing fixtures can be costly. But if you want to modernize your lighting, you can start by simply swapping out your dated lampshades for colorful and patterned pieces. It’s a great way to tie your design scheme together on a budget. If you decide to switch out all of the lampshades in your home at once, Pant suggests picking a theme before purchasing so that everything looks cohesive.
9. Hang more mirrors
Adding light and depth to any room will make it look larger. But you don’t need to add lamps or do additions to achieve that goal—just create the illusion by installing more mirrors. Hanging them above eye-level (like atop mantles) can make your space seem bigger and lighter, thanks to the mirror’s ability to refract any and all light sources.
10. Invest in plants
Plants are a magical addition to any space. Not only do they improve your mental health, but they literally breathe life into your home.
Plus, for those on a budget, you can invest in cheap pots and grab a few tubes of paint to make them your own. They’ll add style and stability to your life. What could be better than that?
11. Add more kitchen storage
No matter how large or small your kitchen may be, having an adequate amount of storage is essential to keeping your space organized and cohesive. Better Homes & Gardens suggests installing shelves on unclaimed walls, and then outfitting them with a mix of kitchen tools and decorative accessories. It’ll look great, won’t cost you much, and will keep all of your cooking supplies well within reach.
12. Spruce up your fireplace.
If you have a real wood-burning fireplace at home, take advantage of it! Loosen the grime and give it a fresh coat of paint.
First, apply a soot-blocking primer to ensure you have an even base coat. Then, the experts at Better Homes & Gardens suggest using a high-gloss paint to finish the job. All of this should only cost you $100, which you’ll agree is a steal when you see the results.
13. Accessorize your entryway
Since the outside of your home is the first thing that guests see, it’s important that it shows off your unique style. Whether you go with home numbers and a letterbox or decorative plants, adding small touches to your front entryway will make it shine.
If you’re going for a classic look, be sure that all of the finishes on your outdoor accessories match. That cohesiveness is sure to create a great first impression.
14. Get your carpets cleaned
Another subtle and affordable way to update your space is to get all of the carpets in your home professionally cleaned. Apart from boosting the appearance of your home, ridding your carpets of dust, dirt, and hair eliminates allergens and can actually improve your health.
It will also remove years of stains and grit embedded into the fibers of your carpet. Plus, it can prevent mold and mildew from forming in the future, according to Better Homes & Gardens.
15. Replace your shower head.
Changing up your shower head is the perfect way to update your bathroom on a budget.
And there’s a great practical purpose to a swap, as well. If your home is full of adults, children, and pets, installing an adjustable, handheld showerhead will ensure that everyone in your household has the best shower experience—no matter their height.