Home Improvement on a Budget: Tips and Tricks

Home improvement on a budget can often seem like an impossibility, but it doesn’t have to be! With a few simple tips and tricks, anyone can have a beautiful-looking home and still save money.​ Here are some of our top tips for home improvement on a budget:

Paint: A fresh coat of paint can really work wonders for a home, but you don’t have to buy gallons of expensive paint to transform the walls of your home.​ Instead, head to a local charity or thrift shop.​ Buy one or two gallons of basic, no-name paint, then use the money you save to purchase additional colors or accessories.​

Upcycle: Upcycling is all the rage and it’s a great way to spruce up a home without spending too much.​ Try using old furniture pieces in new ways.​ Take an old coffee table and turn it into a bookshelf or a storage box, or use thin wood strips to make decorative accent pieces.​

Embellish: Embellishing doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult.​ Simple things like wreaths, curtains, or switch plates can all add personality to a room.​ Check thrift stores for curtains you can alter for a unique look.​ Get creative and think outside the box.​

De-clutter: You don’t need to throw out old furniture or other items to de-clutter.​ Try rearranging the items in the room.​ Move the chairs and sofas around, create different “zones”, or add additional storage solutions.​ De-cluttering doesn’t have to be expensive – it can be as simple as moving objects around in a room.​

Focus on the ‘little’ details: Little details can make a big difference in a home.​ Buy inexpensive knick knacks, pillows, mirrors, and pictures to add texture and personality.​ Even the right throw blanket or accent rug can really pull a room together.​

Add plants: Adding plants to a room can add texture and color to any space.​ Head to a local nursery or farmers market to purchase low cost plants.​ Create seasonal displays for a nice touch.​

Swap Items: If you’re in need of new furniture, ask family members or friends if they’d like to swap items.​ You can also swap with local moms in online parenting Facebook groups or other local swap groups.​ This is also a great way to find free items.​

Now let’s explore four ways to maximize space while on a budget.​

Organize: Organization can really save space and make a room feel bigger.​ Buy wire racks for closets, use built-in shelves, or purchase multi-purpose furniture pieces like ottomans with storage.​ Having a designated spot for items in the home is key for organization.​

Use mirrors: Mirrors really make a room “pop” and create an illusion of space.​ Place mirrors on walls, windows, or shelving to make the room appear bigger and brighter.​

Replace big furniture with smaller pieces: If there’s one big piece of furniture taking up the majority of the room, consider replacing it with a few smaller pieces.​ A loveseat with a small side table takes up less space than a huge sectional.​

Light it up: Natural lighting can work wonders in a room, but having adequate artificial lighting is also key.​ Place table lamps or floor lamps in dark corners of the home to brighten up a space.​

Finally, decorate with items you have: You don’t need to head to the store to decorate – look through old magazines or photos for inspiration.​ Repurpose items to decorate your room, like using an old frame to hang a cute scarf.​ Make your own artwork or search thrift stores for unique items.​ It doesn’t have to be expensive!

Using bright colors and art prints can also give a room an instant makeover.​ Pick bold colors that reflect your style and personality.​ Hang art prints using double-sided tape or nails.​ If you opt for nails, use a picture hanging kit to make sure everything remains level.​

Reupholstering furniture is another great option for those on a budget.​ It’s much easier than it may sound.​ Simply buy a few yards of inexpensive fabric and substitute it for the old fabric of a piece of furniture.​ Choose colors that match the overall theme of the room and you’ve instantly brightened things up.​

Finally, rearrange the items in the room to create the look you want.​ Rearrange the furniture, switch out the curtains, or rotate throw pillows every few weeks.​ You’ll be amazed at how much of a difference a small shakeup can make.​

To really save on home improvement, look for secondhand items.​ Estate sales or flea markets are great ways to scour for hidden gems.​ Thrift stores are also packed with hidden treasures.​ No matter what, home improvement doesn’t have to cost a fortune.​ With a little bit of creativity and patience, anyone can improve their home on a budget.​

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