It’s true: there are many things you can do to make your home feel like yours. You could paint the walls, buy new furniture, or even replace the carpeting. But why spend money on something that might not be important to you? Here are ten ways to improve your living space without breaking the budget.
1. Add a Little Greenery
Who says your home can’t be a little of nature? Be careful when choosing what to put in your yard, and make sure there isn’t a plan in place for it before doing so. Otherwise, you could end up with an overgrown mess on your hands. Hire a landscaper who will work within your budget and show you pictures of previous jobs.
Pro tip: When planting flowers or shrubbery, be sure to work on your beds first. Lay down the weed-blocking fabric, so you have less of a headache when it comes time to pull the weeds.
2. Replace Your Windows
Who says you can’t have new windows? New windows are great for keeping the energy costs down and enhancing the value of your home. Replacing them can be a lot less expensive than you think, too. You can try getting free quotes from property restoration services or search online for contractors to help you.
Pro tip: Try to choose windows that are energy efficient and made with high-quality materials like steel and wood. This will give you the best bang for your buck in terms of both beauty and function.
3. Make Your Bedroom Cozier
Your bedroom should be a place where you can relax at the end of a long day, so why not make it something you love? Replace that old bed with something new that will make you feel good. Try a bed that has a headboard to add some flair and personality.
Pro tip: If you have a lot of old furniture in your bedroom, try reupholstering it to give it a fresh look. Also, think about adding a bold color or print to the walls before hanging up any new artwork or posters.
4. Add Some Pizzazz to Your Kitchen
You spend a lot of time in the kitchen, so why not make it something you love? You can learn how to refinish cabinets online, or you can hire a professional for less than $500. Doing it yourself will let you personalize your kitchen to fit your style.
Pro tip: If you have a lot of cabinets, try adding a bold color or print to the backsplash. You can even paint it yourself if you want to. When choosing a color, think about going with something that coordinates with the appliances and the rest of the kitchen, if possible.
5. Add Some Curb Appeal
Sometimes, all your home needs is a little sprucing up. One of the best ways to do this is by planting flowers out front and pulling out any dead plants. If you want to be adventurous, try building a new garden bed in place of that old bush or flower pot.
Pro tip: If you’re looking for ways to upgrade your backyard, consider what could make it more functional. Maybe you need a deck or an above-ground pool to relax in the summer.
6. Decorate Your Walls
If you feel like something is missing in your home, look no further than your walls. Adding fun wall decals or pictures can make a big difference in how your living space feels. For example, you could add a gallery wall of self-framed photographs on a bare wall for a simple yet elegant look.
Pro tip: When thinking about what kind of wall decor to use, think about the room as a whole before making any final decisions. For example, a photo collage will work well in a narrow hallway or children’s room, but it might not be the best choice for your living room.
7. Use Paint to Change Your Living Space
Painting is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your home without spending too much money at once. Not only is it easy to do yourself, but you get the satisfaction of knowing that you did it all by hand. You can also paint your furniture or appliances if you want to get creative.
Pro tip: If painting walls, try choosing a color that goes with the existing tones of the room. For example, picking out a light gray in a bedroom might not go well with the bedspread, curtains, and nightstands.
8. Make Your Headboard
Headboards can add a lot of personality to your bedroom and create a focal point for the room. You can even buy cheap bookshelves from yard sales or thrift stores and paint them, so they look more polished.
Pro tip: If you have a few extra pillows lying around, try making your throw pillow covers with them. It’s easy to do and will give your bed a brand-new look. Also, don’t be afraid to head down to the fabric store for some inspiration.
9. Make Your Home Smell Amazing
One of the easiest ways to decorate your home is by making it smell good. You can buy scented candles online, or you can try making your own with soy wax and essential oils.
Pro tip: If you’re thinking about getting a pet, be sure to check your lease before you make any final decisions. Some apartment complexes have a no-pets policy, and if they do allow animals, there might be a hefty pet deposit.
10. Upgrade Your Bathroom
While not all of us can afford to tear down the walls in our bathroom and start from scratch, there are still ways you can make your small space feel bigger. One of the best ways to do this is by going with a clean white or beige color scheme and adding pops of color through towels or bath mats.
Pro tip: If you want to remodel your bathroom without spending much money, consider changing out your shower head for a rain showerhead instead. It’s more fun to shower under, is good for your skin, and can save you money on water bills.
Don’t pay for things you don’t need! There are many ways to upgrade your home with minimal effort or cost. All it takes is a little planning and creativity, but the results are always worth it.
