Summer is the time of year when some people get the urge to redecorate, remodel and update their homes. Thinking about new paint, new appliances or a fun new DIY project is always exciting, but it can also be a lot of work and usually costly. If you’re on a limited budget but want to refresh your space, here are a few ideas to satisfy the urge without draining your bank account.
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You do not need a big renovation or a hefty budget to breathe new life into your home. With a few clever tweaks and wallet-friendly ideas, you can make your space feel fresh, stylish and more personal, without calling a contractor or maxing out your credit card. These simple updates are quick to pull off, easy on your budget and big on impact.
Switch out hardware
Small changes can make a big difference in any home. It is amazing how quickly you can jump from the 1980s to the present day just by switching out hardware. Replace old, outdated door knobs, handles, lightswitch plates and cabinet hardware. This can instantly modernize your home without the cost of a total renovation.
Paint an accent wall or front door
Sometimes the urge to paint cannot be resisted. Before tackling an entire room, consider painting an accent wall or your front door.
Look for paint sales around holidays and save. Check out hardware stores for cans of paint that were not mixed correctly, or those that people were not happy with. The paint is of good quality at a large discount. If painting is not something you want to tackle right now, consider creating an accent wall with wallpaper to make an easy upgrade and breathe new life into your home.
Organize a closet or the garage
Organizing is a lot of work because it requires you to remove everything from the closet or garage, decide what you want and don’t want, and then put it back. The joy you will feel after it is done, however, is very much worth it. Tackle this project in one to two days, and it will be a huge stress relief once you step into an organized closet or garage.
Update your light fixtures
If your light fixtures are still stuck in the ‘80s or ‘90s, a simple upgrade can bring a room into the current year. Check out your local home stores for a fresh, new look.
“Adding motion-detecting lighting inside my lower kitchen cabinets was a huge upgrade that cost almost nothing. I bought rechargeable LED light strips that attach with magnetic tape. When they need recharging, I just pull them off the magnetic strip and plug them in. The installation took less than a minute, and it feels so luxurious to have lights come on when I open the cabinet.”
— Ashley Wali, Wanderlux
Also, consider installing a dimmer switch to change the mood of any room with lighting that adjusts to the moment. It will also help with your energy bill and is surprisingly simple to install.
Add a new small appliance
If you have been eyeing a new appliance or want to swap out an old one for an upgrade, now is the time to do so. Swap out your old, beat-up drip coffee maker for a new, fancier one, or install a coffee bar so you can fully enjoy your morning cup of coffee.
Update your pictures
Hanging up new family photos can be fun and refreshing. You don’t have to get rid of the old ones; just find any recent candid or vacation pictures to freshen things up. You can also schedule a low-key family photo shoot, print it on an 8×10 or a larger canvas and smile when you see it hanging on the wall.
Upgrade your entryway
Add a welcoming doormat, plant or hang a few hooks for keys, bags and hats. First impressions count for everyone who walks in the door. Adding a mirror and a stylish entryway table is a perfect upgrade.
Add some house plants
House plants can make any house feel cozier and improve the feel. Check out your local stores to find one or two that are easy to take care of. Research the plants’ lighting and watering needs before purchasing, so the plants will add to the space for years to come.
Hang floating shelves
Floating shelves are an easy way to add some texture and depth to your walls. The best part is that you can switch out whatever is sitting on the shelves as often as you would like. These are great for picture frames, seasonal decor, plants, books and more.
Declutter and rearrange
If your bank account is really suffering, decluttering and rearranging are always free. Pick one area to do every day, and in a month, you will be done with the entire house. Bonus: You can set aside and sell anything that you find and don’t want anymore.
In conclusion
Don’t feel like you have to spend lots of time and money on making simple upgrades to your home. Switching out hardware, painting a wall or adding a house plant can be just what you need to make the space more enjoyable.
Gena Lazcano is the creator, writer and recipe creator at Ginger Casa. She loves her air fryer and pressure cooker, and loves creating new recipes to share. She is also a self-proclaimed houseplant expert and a lover of all things garden related. Gena and her husband live with their three sons in East Texas.
This article originally appeared on Ginger Casa.
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