Transform your home into a personalized space by implementing affordable upgrades that can be completed within a weekend or less, elevating it from a standard builder-grade level.

These cost-effective home remodeling ideas provided in the list will assist you in enhancing the comfort, value, and functionality of your home, with the added advantage of being able to undertake them without the need for an expensive contractor.

Paint the Front Door

Creating a positive impact, a vibrant and inviting front door color is typically the initial aspect that catches the attention of individuals entering your residence.

Install a Shiplap Accent Wall

If you admire the appearance of antique shiplap walls and ceilings, but reside in a relatively new house, you can still achieve the desired aesthetic by creating a stunning shiplap accent wall for a cost of $50 or below. Simply cut plywood into planks, attach them to your wall using construction adhesive and nails, and finish the project by painting the panels. Now, you can appreciate your inexpensive DIY shiplap creation.

Set the Mood With String Lights

By suspending above a patio, porch, or backyard, globe cafe lights have the power to effortlessly transform any outdoor area into a gathering place, effectively expanding your available space. This additional area is particularly beneficial during moments of entertainment or in the summertime when one prefers enjoying the outdoors, clutching a beverage.

DIY Glass Cabinet Inserts

You can enhance the appearance of your kitchen and showcase your beautiful wedding china by exchanging the wooden cabinet panels with budget-friendly glass sheets. If you’re not feeling confident about completely exposing your cabinetry, you can attempt this project on either the cabinets positioned on both sides of your stove or the cabinet located above the coffee counter.

Stencil Your Patio

Is your concrete patio looking worn out? You have the option of placing an outdoor rug on it or attempting this durable do-it-yourself project. By using concrete stain, a plastic stencil, a good quality stencil brush, and dedicating a few hours of your time, you can completely change the appearance of your porch, sidewalk, or patio with a trendy tile design of your choice.

Fake the Look of Marble

To create a lavish touch, you can turn a well-worn dining table or aged countertops into elegant focal points resembling (imitation) marble. This innovative and creative do-it-yourself project involves utilizing any remaining project paint, high-gloss epoxy, and simple crafting materials to replicate the natural veining lines and texture of authentic marble.

Try Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

Looking to embrace a bold style without taking any risks? Peel-and-stick wallpaper offers a temporary solution for introducing a vibrant burst of color or pattern to a room, without causing any damage to the walls. In order to keep this project budget-friendly and manageable, consider applying the wallpaper to a prominent wall or a compact, low-moisture area such as a powder room or closet.

Hang Curtains the Right Way

To create the illusion of a larger and more elegant home, you can achieve this by hanging floor-length drapes either 6″ to 12″ above the window frame or all the way up to the ceiling. Additionally, extend your curtain rod by 3″ to 6″ on both sides. To achieve a professional appearance, it is recommended that the curtains slightly puddle or touch the floor.

Remove a Popcorn Ceiling

Are you displeased with the appearance of your popcorn ceilings? In addition to being unattractive, they are also unhygienic, collecting dust, dirt, and cobwebs. Thankfully, they can be easily eliminated using a wet/dry vacuum and a drywall knife.

Update Ceramic Floor Tile With Paint

Transform the appearance of your laundry room, bathroom, or any area in your home with old or dirty tile by following our detailed instructions on painting and stenciling ceramic tiles. You only require a few essential materials and a leisurely weekend to give outdated floors a rejuvenating makeover.

Paint Your Doorknobs

Are you dealing with outdated doorknobs in your home? Although it may be tempting to replace them with new ones, the expenses can quickly accumulate, especially considering the price of approximately $30 for each oil-rubbed bronze knob. Additionally, the cost of matching hinges and door latches should not be overlooked. If you are seeking an affordable and durable option, you might consider painting the knobs in your house, which can be accomplished with just a can of spray paint and a weekend’s worth of labor.

Update Kitchen Cabinet Hardware

By incorporating brushed gold knobs and pulls, a plain white kitchen can be easily transformed into a luxurious space. It is advisable to measure the width of your current cabinet pulls before making any purchases. Additionally, be ready to sand and fix any minor damages or scratches that might happen during the removal of the previous hardware.

Add Bling to Closet Doors

To create an illusion of a larger space in a small bedroom, consider incorporating mirrors onto the plain closet doors or the rear side of the bedroom door. You can easily acquire inexpensive, framed full-length mirrors from a nearby large retail store, costing less than $10. Personalize the mirrors by painting the frame to complement your room’s decor. For a lasting effect, affix the mirrors using construction adhesive, or opt for removable picture-hanging strips if you are in a rented space. For an added touch of sophistication, glue slender trim elements onto the mirrors.

Swap Your Shower Curtain

Swapping out your shower curtain has a significant effect on the bathroom as it occupies the most considerable space. Therefore, even with minimal cost, it can make a huge difference. Consider selecting a fringe-style curtain to achieve a boho aesthetic, embrace striking large florals for a bold statement, or opt for a gentle and contemporary ombre design.

Fake Fancy

Transform your builder-grade light switches into a personalized style using this technique. Simply select a picture frame that matches both the size and color of your switch cover, and affix the frame to the wall using adhesive putty. A helpful tip: Opt for 3.5″ x 5″ frames to perfectly fit a standard 1-gang switch plate.

Give Your Fan a Makeover

Is your ceiling fan in need of a refresh? Transform a dull, old fan by applying high-heat black spray paint to its blades and metal parts for an upgrade.

Try Peel-and-Stick Tile

If you’ve been online, chances are you’ve come across these incredible adhesive vinyl tiles. They typically come in 12″ x 12″ sheets or a 9-foot roll, offering a wide range of styles from Moroccan to subway tile. So what’s the downside? They may not be durable enough for high-traffic areas such as the bathroom or kitchen floor, and they can be negatively affected by heat. Nonetheless, they serve as an excellent affordable choice for smaller areas like the laundry room, den, or even as a kitchen backsplash. Moreover, their removable nature allows you to experiment with trends without making a permanent commitment.

Add Elegant Crown Molding

If you realize that your room closely resembles a basic box, you will feel inclined to take action. An increasingly favored choice is to incorporate crown molding. Crown molding pertains to the decorative trim that can be installed to join the walls and the ceiling. By selecting an appropriate one for your room, you can elevate the overall elegance.

Clever Closet Storage

Not only is minimalistic design aesthetically pleasing, but it also maximizes space in smaller areas. To optimize your closet, consider acquiring an affordable shelving unit from a nearby store or searching for a secondhand one on Craigslist. If necessary, apply a fresh coat of paint to enhance its appearance.

Inexpensive additions such as rods for hanging clothes, hooks, and attractive baskets can be incorporated to enhance the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your closet.

Makeover Your Headboard

It is impossible to overstate the impact that a sleek headboard can have on both the look and comfort of your bed. In case you have some spare time and are good at DIY, it is possible to construct an exquisite headboard for less than $100.

Hide Your Ugly Overhead Light With a Drum Shade

Currently, drum shades are extremely popular, but they often come at a high cost. However, if you are willing to visit the craft and hardware store, you can obtain the necessary materials to create an exquisite shade without breaking the bank.

Prior to beginning, ensure that your lighting fixture possesses a suitable hook to attach it to. This particular drum shade may not be compatible with all fixtures.

Additionally, if you have any concerns regarding flammability, consider using a fire-resistant spray on your shade.

Install New Handles on Your Vanity

There are hundreds of options available for upgrading from the standard plain handles if you want to achieve elegance.

In addition to being more cost-effective than replacing your entire vanity, this task can be completed in under one hour.

DIY Mirror Frame

You can easily and affordably enhance your regular clip-in mirror by creating a frame for it on your own.

A basic mitre saw is sufficient for various home improvement projects, and there is no requirement for any extravagant tools.

The process can be summarized as cutting inexpensive wood trim to match the size of your mirror, applying stain or paint to it, and effortlessly attaching it to the mirror using adhesive. Although it is a straightforward procedure, it significantly enhances the aesthetic appeal of your mirror.

Re-Paint Your Cabinets

When executed properly, applying a fresh layer of paint can yield significant results. If you are considering implementing other modifications to your bathroom, it offers an excellent opportunity to alter the entire color palette, including your cabinets.

Opting for a dark, earthy color is a favored alternative to the standard inexpensive wood color commonly found in cabinets, as it lends an air of elegance to the room.

Install a Bathroom Tile Backsplash

If your vanity is appearing dull, enhance it with an elegant backsplash. A tasteful backsplash consisting of a few tile layers can create a pleasant impact, and you can complete this project with a budget as low as $50.

If you have a smaller area, you have the option of either going with a small backsplash like the one shown in the picture above, or covering your entire wall behind your sink and mirror.

Vertical Storage for Baking Pans

Getting anything out of that ridiculously thin or short cabinet by the oven, which is filled with an excessive number of pans, proves to be an unbelievably challenging task for everyone.

Many cabinets can be converted into functional storage that is easy to access by utilizing basic dividers or constructing custom plywood shelves.

Install a Gooseneck Faucet

Take a close look at the majority of designer kitchens and specifically focus on the type of faucet they feature. You will observe that the majority of them incorporate a basic gooseneck faucet, which refers to a faucet that has a slender, curved water spout.

Not only are gooseneck faucets more elegant, but they also offer greater functionality compared to standard faucets. This minor remodeling concept can be effortlessly accomplished by oneself and does not require a significant expenditure.

Add Some Green Life to Your Kitchen

Planting a small number of plants can greatly enhance the appearance of your kitchen. You may also consider the practicality of growing herbs in teacups.

Your choice of plants will be determined by both the aesthetic you seek and the location of the plants. Certain plants thrive in areas with limited sunlight, while others require higher levels of watering and maintenance.

Add a Beadboard Exterior to Your Kitchen Island

Using painted beadboard on the exterior of a kitchen island can greatly enhance its appearance, instantly transforming a low-cost island into an impressive one. The added benefit is that beadboard is inexpensive, making it a more cost-effective option compared to purchasing a completely new island.

In terms of tools, it is necessary to have a Nail gun and it would be preferable to also have a basic mitre saw.

Under-Cabinet Lighting

If you want to do this yourself, there are two options available: an effortless approach and a challenging approach. For those seeking a DIY solution, it is advisable to use pre-made under-cabinet lights such as this one, which is priced at $16. Generally, you will only require a maximum of 3 or 4 lights.

The lights are equipped with a necessary attachment for effortless connection in a series, requiring only one of them to be plugged into an outlet. Apart from the lights, the expenses for this project are minimal; you will simply need ties or hooks to secure the lights and wires.

Upgrade Your Main Appliances

Given the high cost of appliances, it is crucial to choose wisely. Priority should be given to the stove and fridge, as they not only occupy a significant amount of space but also have frequent usage.

Although receiving a new microwave, dishwasher, or smaller appliances such as a coffee maker is enjoyable, they should be assigned lower priority when undertaking a budget remodel.

If your stainless steel appliances are slightly worn but you still desire their timeless and elegant appearance, you might want to consider using liquid stainless steel paint. This touch-up option will require an investment ranging from $100 to $200.

In order to apply stainless steel paint on plastic covers, it is necessary to properly prime them beforehand.

Jonathan
Author: Jonathan