No one has to break the bank to give their home a little extra spark. With a handful of these budget-friendly tips and tricks, you can spruce up your home in no time and without actually breaking the bank.
1. Take advantage of free resources. You don’t have to shell out a lot of money to start improving your home; often, there are things that are free or very inexpensive. Check out free decor picks in thrift shops and on Craigslist or see if your local library or community centre will lend you some of the tools you need for a project.
2. Take on DIY projects. Take on some DIY home improvement projects that don’t require a lot of skill or experience. Re-painting a room, refinishing furniture or updating classic pieces by giving them a new coat of paint are all great ways to save money on home improvement. Even something as simple as tightening the hardware in your cupboards can save you from making unnecessary repairs.
3. Get creative with materials. Think outside the box for creative and budget-friendly materials. Think about utilising everyday objects like beach sand, river rocks or feathers as countertops or cabinet hardware. Recycled materials can be used for something as simple as rustic decor.
4. Shop around for deals. Buying certain items, such as mattresses, linens, curtains and furniture, at the right time can mean huge savings. Look for seasonal sales or marked down items at department stores or go to an outlet mall for discounted home goods.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Sometimes it can feel embarrassing to ask for help, but if there is a specific project that needs to be done, enlisting the help of a family member or friend who may have the right tools will save you money.
6. Archive the thrifty finds. Use your smartphone to capture inspiration and ideas for creative and budget-friendly home improvement projects. Keep your thrifty finds in one place so that when you do have extra resources you can purchase the items that you’ve had your eye on.
7. Embrace the power of plants. Plants have the superpower to make any space look brighter and more inviting. Invest in some small house plants in tasteful planters to freshen up a space. Not to mention, natural elements can reduce air pollutants and freshen up the air in your home too.
1. Think energy efficiency. While you may not get the “wow factor” from uncovered insulation and energy efficient windows you will certainly benefit from lower energy bills in the long run. Not to mention, you can get applied for rebates or grants to help fund energy efficient home updates.
2. Make use of natural light. Natural light is a wonderful way to open up any space in your home. Update your windows to allow for maximum light flow, especially in dark hallways and rooms. Consider adding more mirrors around the room to reflect and maximise the amount of natural light intake.
3. Choose timeless elements for your space. Opting for classic furniture pieces and structural elements like doors, crown moulding, and flooring that will stand the test of time can mean significant savings over the years. A timeless piece of furniture can be given a much needed update with modern fabrics or a quick coat of paint.
4. Go green in the kitchen. Repurposing vintage pieces or even appliances is a great way to save some money and add a unique flair to your kitchen. Don’t be afraid to look at flea markets, yard sales or even thrift shops for hidden gems. You can also try to give your kitchen a facelift with re-coating your countertops or cabinets.
5. Incorporate a few family treasures. Incorporating family heirlooms and antiques makes for a unique and personalised space. Having these pieces of sentimental value gives a sense of nostalgia and will put your own stamp in your home.
6. Experiment with colour. Don’t be afraid to incorporate colour into your interior. Adding a few throw pillows or deep-hued curtains can give a room that extra something to draw the eye.
7. Update furniture with a faced lift. Sometimes, switching up your furniture doesn’t have to mean spending a lot of money. Remove covers on chairs, couches or benches – or make your own with vintage fabrics – and paint those furniture pieces to create a fresh look.
1. Do your research. Research is essential before embarking on any home improvement projects. Working out what you want from your project and gathering some ideas is key before beginning. Get to know the area and read up on the most popular trends in your neighbourhood.
2. Refresh your walls. Choosing the right type of paint and colour will give the best and lasting result. Research affordable and hard-wearing paints that are low in VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) which can help eliminate some of the pollutants in your home. You can also play around with wallpapers to give your walls a facelift.
3. Improve the energy efficiency of your home. Not all windows and doors are created equal. Look for weather stripping and windows to help you gain back some of the energy you lose through sub-par windows. You might even get back some of the money spent on energy efficient upgrades when you sell your property.
4. Maximise the use of storage. Finding efficient storage solutions can considerably increase the life of your furniture. Think beyond traditional storage solutions. Maximise the inside of cupboards, drawers and spaces that are easily overlooked.
5. Personalise your space. Everyone has their own style, likes and dislikes. Incorporating these elements throughout your home reflects who you are as a person as well as who lives in the home. Little personal pieces of art that you have produced yourself will have a special meaning and a real impact on the ambience of a room.
6. Make the most of what you have. A room can always be improved without purchasing any additional furniture pieces. Rearranging furniture can help create the illusion of more space and gives each piece a chance to speak for itself. This can open up the floor and even make the room feel bigger.
7. Enhancing your front door. Enhancing the front entrance to your home gives a great first impression and can enhance the value of your property. By investing in a new front door that is energy efficient, it will give the home a more contemporary and modern look.