Sometimes, the least expensive home improvement projects, like switching all your receptacles and outlet covers, can make the biggest difference. Other times, low-cost projects look cheap and are a waste of money and time. To save you your hard-earned dollars and precious time, we’ve consulted with designers to get the low-down on budget-friendly projects that actually look good.
Cheap and Impactful: Swap Your Lighting
Lighting and cabinet hardware act as jewelry from your home. They accent your style and can make a big statement or offer a streamlined look.
“Change the old and boring fixtures for something more stylish. You’d be surprised at the affordable options that are available,” said Anna Tatsioni, lead interior designer at Decorilla. “Or if you’re handy, you can try making your own pendant light repurposing an old basket. Trust me, good lighting can really set the mood and make your space feel more put-together.”
A Fresh Coat of Paint is Always a Good Idea
Almost all the designers we spoke to agree—a fresh coat of paint is money well spent. It’s also a project you can work on a little at a time, making it easy on the wallet. Start with the room you most want to change or the one with the worst paint job.
Take time to prep for your paint job, choose an appropriate sheen for your room, and select a good quality paint.
Add an Accent Wall for $50-$75
“One of the most impactful and budget-friendly DIY projects is painting an accent wall,” said Elissa Hall, lead designer & founder of EDH Interiors in Portland, Oregon.
“For around $50-$75, you can transform a room by choosing a bold, complementary color that enhances the existing decor. I once worked with a client who used a deep navy blue to create a focal point in their living room, and it completely changed the space’s atmosphere. Accent walls are a great way to add personality without overwhelming the room.”
Liven Up the Space Around Your Front Door
If you have $100 or less to work with, focus on a small space, like the area around your front door. Consider repainting the door and adding a welcome mat, accent rug, and greenery. Other ideas include new house numbers, a mailbox, or decorative signs.
Give an Outdated Brick Fireplace a New Look
While we appreciate the beauty of brick fireplaces and are hesitant to paint over those in good condition, sometimes a little updating is needed to breathe new life into a room.
“I recommend updating a dated brick fireplace with a fresh coat of paint,” said Brian Curran, interior designer and architect at Drafting Services in Queens, New York. “The idea is to choose a neutral color for a modern look or go bold with a vibrant hue. For instance, a white-painted brick fireplace will make the room brighter and more spacious, while black or navy blue adds depth and sophistication.”
Freshen Up Your Trim and Door Paint
Painting baseboards and doors isn’t an exciting project, but it’s well worth the effort. Fresh-painted trim and doors look clean and can transform your space depending on the color..
Stick with white trim and interior doors for a traditional or farmhouse look. If your style leans toward modern, consider painting your interior doors black to make a splash.
DIY an Entryway Organizer
Most people drop their bags, kick off their shoes, and lay their keys in the entryway. If yours looks messy, spend a couple hundred dollars on a refresh.
Add a rack with hooks for car keys and lower hooks to hang book bags and purses. Depending on the space you’re working with, you may be able to fit shoe and coat storage.
Create a Custom Gallery Wall for $100
Gallery walls are classic. While the layouts have changed over the years, grouping family pictures and art never goes out of style.
“A gallery wall is a wonderful way to personalize your space and display your favorite art or photos,” said Hall. “You can achieve this for under $100 by using affordable frames and printing your artwork or photographs. I helped a client create a stunning gallery wall in their hallway using a mix of black-and-white family photos and colorful abstract art. The project brought warmth and character to the space, all within a tight budget.”
Replace Faucets and Shower Heads
A new bathroom faucet can be as cheap as $50, but it significantly impacts how a space looks. When the faucets in your house are outdated or have limescale and calcium buildup that won’t come off, a replacement is a great use of your money.
Check out the big box stores and Amazon to find reasonably priced faucets and shower heads. In most cases, you can change these yourself in under an hour.
Add Organization to the Laundry Room
The laundry room is often overlooked, but since it is a hardworking room, it deserves a little love. Plus, added laundry organization, like hampers, hooks, or shelving, can make your life easier and make washing clothes feel like less of a chore.
Consider a counter over the washer and dryer if you need more space to fold. Those lacking space for detergent and laundry supplies might be better off with an easy-to-access shelving unit over the washer and dryer.
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