Today’s busy homeowner can find time to make improvements on their home without spending a lot of money! There’s no need to break the bank and pour a fortune into your place to give it a much-needed refresh, just a few small and simple DIY actions to improve the look and feel of your house. Here’s a handy list of 10 easy home improvement projects for the busy homeowner that don’t take a lot of time or energy.
1. Refresh your walls with a fresh coat of paint. A quick and easy way to freshen up your home is to pick up some paint, either in cans or sample cans, and give your walls a much-needed lift. If you do it yourself, the cost for everything can be under $50 and won’t take more than a weekend. It can be a satisfying way to show off your newfound talents and you’ll be surprised how much it brings a room to life.
2. Introduce some add-on storage. If your home feels crowded, consider adding some extra storage – like shelves or baskets – to help keep you organised and clutter-free. Hoists, which easily hang off ladders, can also give you quick and easy access to items in high cupboards and lofts.
3. Update your home with new flooring. Invest in some new carpet or solid wood flooring or furniture items for different rooms in the house, like the kitchen or bathroom. If carpets are too pricey, there are luxury vinyl tiles or parquet laminates that are a cheaper alternative.
4. Install lighting extras. Installing lights or extra spotlights in a hallway or room can completely transform the look and feel of the area. If you’re on a budget, you can simply put up Fairy Lights or solar festoon lights around your home. They really add a wow factor and are completely affordable.
5. Take the time to declutter. Take some time to go through your garage or attic and declutter those spaces. Wasting your time reorganising things can make you feel overwhelmed so many people opt for a company to do the job for them. Otherwise, you could always pay attention to your own organising skills.
6. Make small repairs. That loose tap, the peeling wallpaper, or the clogged up drains―all these improvements and minor repairs can enhance the look of your home in no time. If it’s something complex, why not call a professional to make the job easier?
7. Add a dash of botanicals. Is it time for your living room to be rejuvenated? Introduce some plants! Air-purifying plants are a great choice to bring a bit of greenery indoors, such as spider plants, peace lilies, and ferns, that will bring some nature into your home. This is a surefire way to give your home an uplift but also, you can reap the household detoxifying benefits from having plants.
8. Spruce up the windows. Buy some inexpensive curtains or blinds to spruce up the windows in your home. If you need some extra privacy during summer evenings, go for the sheer linen curtains that filter light from coming in. You’ll get the outdoorsy feel without compromising on your privacy.
9. Refresh and replace your furniture. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could opt to paint your furniture to add a personal touch and save yourself some money. Just make sure to prepare the surface before using the paint with some sandpaper and a thorough cleaning with some cloth.
10. Transform your kitchen backsplash. Spice up your kitchen through the backsplash! Whether you opt for an industrial stainless steel look or rustic copper, there are tiles that you can stick onto your wall for a fraction of the cost. This inexpensive renovation makes a huge difference to the presentation of your kitchen.
11. Take advantage of crown moulding. Simple crown moulding or floor trims can give your rooms the traditional look and feel of a much more expensive renovation but at a fraction of the cost. These are a great way to add subtle classical character to your home and look great when installed.
12. Carpets and rugs can make a huge difference. Rugs are the perfect ‘pop’ to a drab room. They can be as expensive or inexpensive as you like. If you have a bigger budget, why not invest in a custom-made carpet to really add a luxury feel to your room.
13. Invest in multipurpose furniture items. You don’t need to go out into the world and buy all new furniture items, even if that would be a great idea! Instead, invest in some multifunctional pieces like benches with storage compartments underneath or an ottoman with a lift top. These are a great option if you’re limited in space.
14. Upgrade your windows with shutters. Another quick and easy improvement to make around the house is adding curtains or shutters to your windows. If you don’t have shutters already, you can buy them online or get custom made. You can’t underestimate the power of shutters when it comes to improving the look of a home, especially from the outside.
15. Change lighting fixtures. Old light fixtures can make a world of difference. Ditch the monotonous ceiling lights that haven’t been changed in decades and upgrade to something more stylish and modern. Pendant lights are also an inexpensive and stylish way to spruce up a room.
One of the best things about these projects is that you can do them yourself and at your own pace. Always remember to keep costs to a minimum and don’t forget about the little touches that can bring a room to life. With these projects in mind, you could be living in a spruced up and freshened home in no time!