Whether you’re renting or own a property, home improvement projects are both fun and necessary. But these projects can also turn out to be expensive, leaving you scrambling for a hack. Lucky for you, there are tons of creative and painless ways to upgrade your place without breaking the bank.
Do it yourself! DIY projects should be your go-to hack if you’re looking to upgrade your space on a budget. Grab a few supplies from the Dollar Store, and voila – you’ve just saved some cash! Whether you’re shuffling furniture, repainting cabinets, or making art, tackling projects by yourself is often the best and cheapest route. Plus, it’s a fun way to hone your craft skills and express your creativity.
Natural Lighting: Flooding your space with natural light can really brighten up a room while cutting down on your electric bill. Swap out heavy drapes and add a sheer layer for daytime privacy. If there’s a room in the house that needs a little more sunlight, adding a few skylights or installing a wall-sized window would really brighten up your mood.
Organize the little things: Buying a blanket, pillow, or throw isn’t exactly going to break the bank. But those tiny essentials that build up over time, like baskets, bins, and hangers, can add up fast. Get creative by using jars, vases, or old books, which can be a great ways to subtly hold items that would otherwise be scattered around the house.
Think Just Add Paint: Paint is one of the least expensive, most effective ways to renovate any room at home. Not only will a new coat of paint make a room pop, but it’s also a great way to update furniture too. As long as you’ve got a basic understanding of tools, you can paint, sand, and seal just about anything!
Have a plan: Whether you’re planning a project from scratch or you want to break down one big project into smaller tasks, taking out a bit of time to plan ahead can really pollinate your wallet. Not having a plan could be costly and time-consuming and leave you with an unexpectedly high purchase bill.
Switch out hardware: One of the easiest and quickest ways to give your cabinets and furniture a quick upgrade is to swap out the hardware. Change the hinges and pulls of your cabinet and drawers to something fresh and modern. It’s a great way to update any piece of furniture and make a striking statement with minimal effort.
Rearrange your furniture: Rearranging furniture is a great way to breathe new life into a room while completely avoiding any extra costs. Make sure to consider the traffic flow, the way the furniture will interact with the natural light, and the way it will look in the overall layout.
Use a statement rug: Adding a statement rug can be an inexpensive way to tie the room together without adding additional furniture, pillows, or accessories. A bold rug will become the center of your room and upgrade the atmosphere without the extra costs.
Opt for second-hand: Instead of buying brand new furniture or accessories, look into second-hand options. You can find some really great finds online or at your local shops, and you know it’s better for the environment too! Do your research, compare prices, and hunt for items that are still in good condition.
Go classic: You don’t need to follow the latest trends to make your home look like a million bucks. Invest in styles that tend to stand the test of time and put your money towards timeless pieces that last. Classics like oriental rugs, wooden furniture, and brass accessories will never look old.
Mix and match: It’s perfectly ok to add a slew of items into your home from different places or click-and-collect stores. But it’s important to pay attention to the elements that go into the mix. Make sure all of the items complements each other in terms of style, texture, and function.
Incorporate sustainable materials: As more of us become aware of the harms of fast-furniture and overconsumption, sustainable materials are becoming both more popular and important for the home. Try looking for pieces that are made from recycled materials and are built to last. Also, consider investing in vintage furniture that have already been used.
Make a statement with wallpaper: Not everyone is brave enough to delve into the power of wallpaper, but such a move can be extremely rewarding. Wallpaper is one of the quickest and more dramatic ways to change the look of any room. It also comes in a large variety of styles and colors, so there’s a pattern out there for everyone.
Rethink what you already have: Before you upgrade, take a thorough look into your existing items and see what can be saved. If something’s past its prime, research whether it can be brought back to life with a little creative TLC. After all, some of the best home improvements cost nothing more than a bit of elbow grease.
Create an accent wall: Spice up any old room with an accent wall. You can go bold with wallpaper, vibrant colors, or dramatic images. If you’re looking for something subtler, painted vertical stripes or geometrical shapes can be just as effective. With an accent wall, you’ll be surprised how much a seemingly tiny change can really upgrade the entire look and feel of the room.
Bring in plants: Not only can the presence of plants add life to your home, but many plants also help purify the air and reduce noise levels. Plus, they’re downright beautiful and refreshing. If you don’t have a green thumb, fear not. Pick easy-care plants that will thrive without a lot of effort.
Add texture: Textured walls not only give life to the room but also add visual interest. Whether you add layered wallpapers, wainscoting, or wallpaper borders, adding texture to your walls will keep you renting the same home for years without having to constantly and expensively update.
Don’t underestimate curtains: Cleverly chosen curtains can not only spice up any room, but can also be used to seal in cool air during the hot summer months. If you prefer a more rustic look, roll-up shades can be an amazing way to add some texture and add some old-school charm. Can’t afford or decide on a set of new curtains? Simply swap out the fabric from pre-existing drapery.
Shop for deals: There’s nothing wrong with taking advantage of sales and promotions. A great tip is to keep an eye out for furniture retailers and online stores having a closing down sale or discounted items. Just make sure to go into it with the right style in mind so you don’t end up bringing home something you don’t like.
Light up the room: Good lighting isn’t just important for the environment but can also make a huge difference in how your place looks. A few toss pillow cushions, a cozy throw blanket, and some mood lighting will really liven up any space and give your house a more inviting feeling.
Hang mirrors strategically: Carefully placed mirrors can double up the space and also create the illusion of a larger area. If you’re dealing with a smaller room, try to locate a mirror across from a window – this will reflect the natural light and make the room appear much bigger.
Mix in vintage with the modern: If you’re looking to instantly elevate the look of your home, incorporate vintage pieces into your existing décor. Craft stores are great places to find vintage statement pieces. However, make sure not to go overboard as balance really is key.
Create an entryway: An entryway sets the tone for the rest of your home, plus it’s a great way to let people know they’ve entered your territory before they march in. You can quickly create an entryway by adding a mirror and a small table – perhaps even a painting or a wall collage.
Display art: Art is inexpensive and can be a great addition to any area of your home. There’s also no wrong way to display artwork, so worry not if your space is minimal. Keep art to a minimum if you’re working with a smaller area and let the artwork take center stage.
Don’t replace what you can repurpose: Reusing items and furniture gives you more bang for your buck. You don’t always need to replace an item or a piece that’s treated you well over the years – there are many ways you can revive it. For instance, you can sand or stain a side table to give it a fresh look.
Little touches: Details always matter. Injecting a few elements like cedar chest, antiques, or old photographs can be an amazing way to showcase the things you adore and tell a story about you. It’s these little things that will help you create a home no one will forget.
Decorate with scents: Good smells have a powerful way of connecting us to the present moment and creating an inviting atmosphere. Instead of sticking typical air fresheners, try to work with something more natural like incense, essential oils, or candles.
Stay away from trends: Just because something is trending doesn’t mean it’ll be your style forever. While it’s totally fine to stay up-to-date, try not to rush into any type of purchase before weighing options and considering all options.
What have you been waiting for? With these tips, ideas, and hacks, it’s time to start transforming your place without breaking the bank. It’s surprisingly easy to jazz up any room with just a few items. Get creative, be experimental, and start thinking outside the box!