5 Budget-Friendly Ways to Update Your Home
If you’re itching to improve your space or switch up your style but aren’t ready to renovate, these tips are for you. Here are some low-cost, easy options to help your home feel fresh and new again.
A fresh coat of paint: Let’s start with a classic. Transforming a room with a fresh coat of paint is a one-day project with a huge pay-off. One gallon of paint averages around $30, and depending on the size of your room, you’ll likely need just a couple of gallons. Grab rollers and masking tape (and maybe a pal to pitch in), and you’re good to go!
Pro tip: Paint sample swatches on multiple walls beforehand to test how the color looks as the lighting changes throughout the day.
Use contact paper to refresh hard surfaces: Maybe your desk needs a refresh. Or your kitchen countertop or backsplash feel dated. Whether you love the look of marble, terrazzo, subway tile, or granite, contact paper is a simple solution for renters and homeowners alike.
Pro tip: Finish with polyurethane for a glossy look and added durability.
Create an accent wall with wallpaper: Not for the faint of heart, wallpaper adds a bold punch of color and texture to any room. Worried about removing it later? There are tons of peel-and-stick options to choose from.
Pro tip: Make sure your accent wall is framing a focal point in the room. A small entryway wall or behind your bed are great choices.
Add crown molding to a room: If you’re looking to achieve a timeless look, this is for you. Crown molding is an affordable way to add visual interest to a room, and it only requires basic carpentry skills to install yourself.
Pro tip: You can line up several rows of crown molding to create a book display shelf in a child’s bedroom.
Browse a vintage/thrift shop: This one is a lot less predictable but potentially even more satisfying than other options on this list! Set aside a day to explore local vintage shops. New-to-you or vintage art and furniture can add heaps of personality to a space.
Pro tip: Arrive with a goal or two in mind—otherwise, larger antique shops might feel overwhelming at first.
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