Here are eight quick and easy ways that can totally elevate your space—at prices that won’t break the bank.
Give Your Space a Fresh Coat of Paint
Painting is one of the simplest ways to refresh your interior—and it makes a major difference. Committing to one light, bright color—Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace—throughout our space was one of the first design decisions we made, and we’re so glad we did.
“If you’ve purchased a new home and have a limited budget for immediate improvements, I always strongly recommend you start with painting,” explains Lauren Vallario, CEO and Principal Designer at Lauren Vallario Designs, Inc. “Painting can be a messy job, but it is one of the few that even an inexperienced homeowner can tackle themselves. It is also much easier to do right before you move in without all of your furniture and belongings in the home. The key to a good paint job is quality paint and precision. Consider investing in a good paint and good tools.”
Vallario says you can spend roughly $75 per gallon of paint, so if you aim to keep your spending at $500 or less, you can paint several rooms without blowing your budget (depending on the size of your home).
Keep in mind that doing your research is key. For instance, prepping your walls correctly and taking your time will help you obtain a more professional look overall.
Reevaluate Furniture That No Longer Suits Your Vibe
Sometimes, the difference between a drab sofa and a more aesthetically pleasing look can be as simple as investing in new throw pillows and blankets. Think about a color palette that will work, and even bring a picture of your couch with you as you shop.
Take it from a HomeGoods regular shopper and connoisseur: It may take a few trips to the store—and maybe even a few returns—but there’s an improved version for everything. The last time I went throw pillow shopping at HomeGoods, I actually bought two full sets I absolutely fell in love with—then styled each on my sectional to see what worked best. The set I almost left behind ended up being truly exceptional—very Serena & Lily-esque, for a mere fraction of the cost.
By going this route, I spent roughly $175 on a collection of eight throw pillows and a new blanket, as opposed to $3,000+ on a brand-new couch. A small swap like this has the power to completely transform a living area.
In addition, consider painting any accent furniture pieces that seem tired to give them a new life. You’d be amazed what a fun new paint color and whimsical hardware can do to a vanity, buffet, or TV console. Whether you will replace them at the right time or plan on keeping them for the long run, this small investment won’t go unnoticed.
Replace Lighting Fixtures
Replacing lighting fixtures is an expense you will likely have down the line that can be addressed now—if you know the style you want. In the meantime, this tip updates and improves the look of any room, whether it’s dreamy bathroom sconces (which can cost just $49 each) or a chic chandelier hanging over your kitchen table.
“When homes change hands, sellers often tend to replace good light fixtures with really basic ones,” Vallario says. “Consider changing fixtures that [your guests] are likely to see upon entering the home (foyer lighting, hallways, etc). Great lighting can really set the tone. If you’re trying to keep the budget to $500 or less, you may only be able to replace one or two fixtures, but that can easily make a big difference.”
If swapping fixtures isn’t an option, consider changing the bulbs to create a brighter or softer ambiance.
Swap Out Kitchen Hardware
Hardware is another area where you can let your personality shine. Replacing kitchen cabinet knobs and pulls is a seamless way to upgrade the overall look. Plus, a set of 10 sleek brushed brass pulls costs around $51 for a set of 10, as opposed to opting for new custom cabinets, which can be roughly $18/SF to $150/SF. Generally speaking, Niemela says that hardware can range anywhere from $3 to $20+ each, so prepare to budget around $75 to $600 for the average kitchen or bathroom.
“The first thing you want to do before you purchase new hardware is to measure the center-to-center holes of your existing hardware. The hardware needs to match the same size as your existing, or you will have to patch, paint, and redrill in order to replace it — which will certainly break the budget,” Vallario explains. “I always recommend doing a basic drawing of your cabinets and notating the sizes so you can easily know what size goes where and count how many you need to order. Once you have them, it is really simple to unscrew the old hardware and screw in the new ones. This is a project that you can accomplish in an hour or less.”
Tweak Your Furniture Layout
If you can re-work the layout of your bedroom furniture, you’ll feel like you’re sleeping in a brand-new space. Rather than completely remodeling a bedroom, you can easily work with what you have and shop with a budget of $250 for a fresh comforter, throw pillows, nightstands, and curtains to turn your bedroom into an oasis you look forward to retreating to at the end of the day. For instance, this comforter and sham set from Wayfair costs $45, a set of two rattan bedside tables from Target costs $150, and you can snag breezy semi-sheer curtains (set of two) from Birch Lane for $32.
“One of the biggest things homeowners overlook is simply decluttering and improving furniture layout. Sometimes the home itself isn’t the problem—it’s overcrowded rooms, poor lighting, and too much visual clutter,” Jeri Goodkin Dausey, Certified General Contractor & Certified Building Inspector at Violation Clinic, says.
Splurge on the “Little Things”
It’s easy to get trapped in the same old boring habits. Splurging on a few “little things” can make a big difference and bring daily joy to your space. For instance, head to Bath & Body Works for foaming hand soap for your bathroom, treat yourself to a bouquet of fresh florals each week for your dining table, or pick out just the right scented candles for every season—and light them regularly.
Niemela recommends updating small things in your master and/or guest bathroom—rather than a total reno that can cost upwards $10,000 to $80,000+—but do it as a complete package. This means including things like your bathroom mirror, faucet, towel holder, and vanity light.
“Expect to spend $450 to $1,200 for this upgrade,” he says. “Full bathroom remodel prices could range from $10,000 to $80,000+. Plus, accessories, depending on how fancy you go.”
Make sure to turn off the water under your sink before getting started. Niemela recommends installing your new faucet with the old faucet hole spacing and patching the wall where the holes from your old faucet were. Another rule of thumb? Hang your mirror so that it’s positioned 60 to 66 inches from the ground. In addition, keep metal finishes consistent throughout.
“Pro tip: Behind some old sinks, the plumbing supply lines and drain pipes can become rotten. Anticipate spending another $75 to $200 for these parts if needed,” Niemela adds.
Use Peel-And-Stick Backsplash, Shiplap, or Molding
Peel-and-stick applications like backsplash, shiplap, wainscoting, or molding are fun projects you can tackle at home—and many brands offer kits that make the process easy. For instance, you can elevate the look of a room with peel-and-stick shiplap wall paneling ($66) for a coastal vibe, or opt for peel-and-stick wainscoting panels ($52) to create an elegant, vintage-esque feel. And rather than completely remodeling your kitchen—which can range anywhere from $30,000 to $150,000—peel-and-stick backsplash is a stellar alternative. This is an affordable solution that will temporarily freshen up your look.
“Use peel and stick wisely. Tile that looks like wood might cost $100 to $300 as a peel-and-stick backsplash,” Niemela tells us. “Laundry room floors, powder room walls, and rental property backsplashes make great places to start since you won’t have to live with it forever. Apply peel-and-stick tile the same way you wrap a gift. Clean the area with a degreaser, wait for it to dry, locate the highest point on the wall, and mark a level line around the room. Start in the corner most people will notice first, and apply the tile with consistent pressure.”
Keep in mind that steam, heat, and texture can wreak havoc on any peel-and-stick tile. In addition, avoid using it in rooms where the humidity is higher, like shower walls.
Update Your Front Door or Porch Aesthetic
According to Vallario, curb appeal can set the tone for the rest of your space.
Opting for a new front door isn’t a major expense—typically starting around $400—and it can give your home’s exterior a new look and personality. It’s also an investment in the future, since it would likely be part of a bigger renovation down the road. If a new door is out of the question, a unique paint color can make a similar statement—and just one quart of paint will get the job done.
Vallario also recommends investing in new planters and florals to flank your front door. You can hang a lush wreath from your door and incorporate lanterns into your setup as well. Snag a new doormat the next time you’re out shopping, too.
Last year, I decided to refresh my front door—which came primed—with a quart of Benjamin Moore’s Fountain Spout, costing me roughly $29. I totally revamped my wreath to coordinate by adding more white and baby blue faux flowers. I’m now totally obsessed with my front porch and spend most of my mornings out there, sipping my coffee.
“Nothing says welcome more than a beautifully decorated front entrance,” she points out.
About The Experts
- Danny Niemela is the Vice President and CFO at ArDan Construction, a luxury home remodeling company in Scottsdale, Arizona. Niemela is also a Licensed Contractor, Professional Remodeler, and the current Board Chairman and former President of the Greater Phoenix Chapter of NARI. He regularly meets with homeowners on budgets for bathroom makeovers, kitchen remodels, and whole-home renovations.
- Lauren Vallario is the CEO and Principal Designer at Lauren Vallario Designs, Inc., a luxury residential design firm based in Stamford, Connecticut. Vallario has been creating functional, timeless designs for more than 15 years throughout the greater Fairfield and Westchester Counties and has earned an A.A.S in Kitchen and Bathroom Design from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh.
- Jeri Goodkin Dausey is a Certified General Contractor and the Founder and CEO at Violation Clinic, a team of trusted experts who resolve building and code violations throughout the state of Florida. Goodkin Dausey is skilled in sustainable design, and single-family homes.
Sources
- “How to Paint a Front Door” (2022)