Photo by Roselyn Tirado on Unsplash
In the past, if you wanted to renovate your home, it was a costly and time-consuming process. That's not the case anymore. There are many ways to update the look of your house without breaking the bank or spending too much time on it. In fact, in most cases, these renovations will only take a few hours with a bit of elbow grease and can be done by anyone who knows how to use power tools or a paintbrush.
15 Cost-effective Home Renovation Tips
1. Paint Your Walls
A fresh coat of paint does wonders for any room! It will cover up any imperfections in your walls while providing an updated look with just one day of work from you! This is also the easiest way for homes on a budget to update their look.
You can also use chalkboard paint in your children's rooms so they can decorate the walls themselves.
Take a look at the previous blog post to learn more how colour of the walls can affect your mood in.
2. Replace The Hardware
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One of the easiest and least expensive ways to update the look of your home is to replace the hardware. This includes doorknobs, cupboard handles and knobs, drawer pulls, hinges, towel racks, and anything else that has metal or brass hardware on it. You'll be surprised how such a small change can change the entire look and feel of the home.
I found a few options on Amazon that will make your cabinets really stand out:
3. Update Faucets
If you have older faucets, bathtubs, or sinks in your home, you can quickly update the whole look by replacing them. This will give your bathroom a new and updated look without the expense of purchasing all new items.
4. Refresh Kitchen Cabinets
Photo by Chastity Cortijo on Unsplash
If you have dated kitchen cabinets, giving them a facelift with a fresh coat of paint is a great way to update the look of your kitchen while saving money! Perhaps add new hardware or change the configuration of your cabinets for more dramatic change.
Learn from an expert how to increase the value of your home and incorporate nature indoors using Biophilic design.
5. Install New Flooring
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One of the most expensive and time-consuming home renovation projects is installing new flooring. However, some cheaper alternatives can give your home an entirely new look.
Rugs are a great way to add a pop of colour and personality to any room. You can also install bamboo flooring, a sustainable yet affordable option, and it comes in many different colours and styles.
If you fancy leaning more about creating a Sustainable home, take a look at our previous article.
6. Upgrade The Lighting
One of the quickest and easiest ways to update the look of your home is to add new lighting. This includes lamps, chandeliers, ceiling lights, and sconces. You can turn any room into a showplace by adding new lighting.
7. Refresh Countertops
If your countertops are outdated or damaged, instead of installing an entirely new kitchen, resurfacing or replacing countertops is a quick and inexpensive fix.
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8. Redo Backsplash
Refresh your tired backsplash by painting it or installing peel and stick wall decals. They come in all shapes and sizes and can be used with almost any decorating theme for different effects. Again, you can find some pretty good deals on Amazon.
Both options don't require any particular skills, and it will take about a couple of hours from start to finish (depending on the size of the surface). A tip - before painting a backsplash, make sure you're using a bonding primer.
9. Change Outdated Window Treatments
When it comes to home renovation, window treatments are another thing that can significantly change the look of a room. If your window treatments are outdated or no longer match your decor, sand off old paint and give them a fresh coat. Perhaps install new curtain rods, and get statement curtains. Trust me, it will feel like an entirely new home.
10. Add An Accent Wall
If you want to create a focal point in any room and infuse personality, adding an accent wall is the way to go. For example, you could paint one wall in contrasting colours, install wall slats or add wallpaper for a one-of-a-kind look. You could also add accent paint colours on your doors and cabinets to make them stand out more.
Read the previous article to get some inspiration on adding personality with unique floral wallpaper choices.
11. Choose Your Colours Wisely
Before painting any walls, you might want to research different colour schemes and undertones. This is because lighting can change significantly how colour comes across. The easiest way to find your perfect shade is to take note of the lighting in your home and ask a specialist in your local paint shop.
Try to create a cohesive, balanced palette that will flow throughout the room and match existing interior.
12. Give Your Bathroom a Mini Makeover
Bathroom tiles are one of the most overlooked ways to update the look of a bathroom. If you have tired tiles, replacing them will make your bathroom look new and fresh. Another super affordable alternative is tile stickers if that's too big of a project for you. I found some really cute ones on Etsy. You can never go wrong with adding new shower curtains, artwork, mats or plants.
13. Add Smart Storage
When doing a home renovation project, it is easy to get carried away and add all sorts of items that you may not really need. However, one great way to save money and give your home an updated look is by adding innovative and stylish storage solutions.
This includes installing wall cubbies or hooks for coats, so you won't have to add a coat closet to your home. It also includes installing under-the-sink baskets. storage rail or corner storage cubes for cleaning products, so you don't have to purchase a cabinet.
14. Turn Your Staircase Into a Focal Point
If you have a wood staircase, painting them will make them pop. You can also add new carpeting to add the cosy element, or perhaps install tile decals. Check out Drew from Lone Fox, who did a brilliant job creating an impactful entryway in a small space.
15. Replace Interior Doors
Photo by Pawel Czerwinski on Unsplash
Replacing interior doors is a relatively easy and affordable way to update the look of your home. You don't have to necessarily buy a brand new door. Instead, you could salvage one from your local shop or warehouse. Then, pop a fresh coat, replace the knob, and you've got yourself a beautiful new door. You will find some beautiful eco-friendly shades inspired by nature at frenchicpaint.co.uk.
Final Thoughts
These are some of the many cost-effective ways to update the look of your home without spending a fortune. Get creative and try to think outside the box. You will be amazed by how many projects you can DIY by following YouTube tutorials.
Find home decorating tips that will increase your wellbeing in the previous blog post.
By Aaron Mears, the writer and editor of House Stories.
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