10 Essential Tips to Revamp Your Home on a Budget

The very word 'wallpaper' might make you cringe, especially if you have attempted to install wallpaper yourself in the past. Founder of removable wallpaper company Chasing Paper, Elizabeth Rees says, “Removable wallpaper is a stylish and affordable way to update your space with minimal investment. Moreover, it’s a really easy way to add color or pattern to your space with little commitment.” She also recommends sprucing up the front of your stair steps with removable wallpaper. Simply cut strips to size and apply. 

4. Paint your walls

If you prefer paint to wallpaper, you may be surprised to realize just how easy it is to paint a room yourself. The downfall is that you have to take your time to reap quality results. The key starts in preparation and that will make the job and cleanup much easier. Skip Bedell, home improvement expert from Home Depot says “I love CoverGrip drop cloths because they are reusable. They also have PVC dots on the back, so they don’t slip or slide as you are painting.” If you don't feel like doing the whole primer and paint approach, opt for an all-in-one paint to drastically reduce your paint time. 

If your cabinets look old, it can make for a dreary kitchen. But, before you replace them, paint them and switch out the hardware for a dramatic update. “If you are not adventurous enough to paint your cabinets, consider changing out one cabinet door in the kitchen to glass, so you can highlight your entertaining glassware, serving pieces, and China,” Anthony Navarro, author and co-creator of the online talk show The Wedding Planners says. 

6. Apply a new backsplash

A fresh backsplash can give the impression of a bigger renovation. You can also opt for a peel-and-stick tile, as opposed to the real thing. While it may seem costly, a new backsplash is surprisingly affordable, especially when you opt for the peel-and-stick tile. This makes it a DIY project that can be completed without complicated or expensive tools. These tiles can be cut to size with ordinary tin snips, and stuck to the wall without added adhesives.

If you cannot afford a complete bathroom renovation, upgrade hardware and fixtures, suggests Jamie Gold, a kitchen designer and author of the New Bathroom Idea Book. However, he recommends you keep it easy.  “When replacing cabinet pulls, choose new ones that can fit into the same holes so you don’t have to patch old ones.” In addition, Gold recommends you replace your shower door and fixtures to update the room. “For hundreds of dollars, instead of thousands, you can replace a shower door with a modern frosted style that will hide a builder basic interior, replace a basic shower head with a handheld model offering massage settings, install a designer-friendly grab bar that doesn’t need to be blocked, or add handsome storage shelves if there’s no niche.” 

8. Hang wall art

The look of a room can change completely simply by hanging artwork. The mother-daughter duo behind interior design studio Verandah House, Judy, and Jess, say “Before you place holes in the walls, measure your wall and mark out the same space on the floor. Lay out your artwork on the floor.” They also suggest cutting out cardboard to the size of the artwork and temporarily affixing them to the wall with a removable adhesive. 

Giving your windows a new treatment can dramatically enhance a room without requiring a ton of effort. You can also find reasonably priced and easy-to-install shades, curtain, and rods at stores like Target and Home Goods. IKEA's no-sew curtains are easy to trim and finish to size. 

10. Update old floors

Floors that are worn out can set the tone for an entire room, but re-sanding and finishing your floors could be beyond your capabilities. A great way to spice up your floors and change the look of a room completely is to apply a couple of coats of durable floor paint or peel-and-stick tiles from your local home store can go a long way.