16 Ways to Improve Your Home on a Budget

Paint is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to transform a room and really make it your own. You can add a splash of colour for an impressive feature wall, stencil designs into a kid’s room for some fun flair or go for a subtle new hue across the board for just a few hundred dollars.

Wallpaper can add instant personality and design appeal to a space. These days, you don’t need to commit with paste, either. There are many peel-and-stick wallpapers out there that you can use to create your own feature wall or even update an entire room (think powder rooms).

If your cabinets are an awful colour or you just really want to change things up and can’t afford new doors, consider painting your cabinets instead. If you have wood, wood laminate, veneer, fiberboard or metal cabinets that are in good condition, you can sand, prep and paint them a new colour on a budget.

Need more storage in your life? Looking to upgrade an otherwise bare wall? Consider transforming that dead space into a bookshelf. Fill it up with interesting books or neat plates, antique cups or other cool knickknacks that showcase your personality.

It’s incredible what a difference new light fixtures can make in a space. If you want to add character but aren’t up for a new paint job or a feature wall, start sourcing new and vintage light fixtures for a little design pop instead.

If you want to upgrade your kitchen or even a bathroom, there are plenty of inexpensive and easy-to-install under-cupboard lighting options out there. Doing so adds some mood lighting in the evenings and makes your space feel polished and pulled together.

Sometimes our cupboards need a facelift, but the idea of replacing them all together is just impossible with our budgets. Instead, source sleek or unique handles and hardware for an instant upgrade that makes cupboards feel like new.

Knobs and door handles aren’t the only things in your home that can be cheaply upgraded; faucets in bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchens are easy to replace, and add loads of personality to a room.

Not enough money to upgrade your windows? No problem. Shop or even make new window coverings instead. Sweeping drapes can help cover awkward walls or nooks, while in-frame covers add a little retro charm. These days you can also order made-to-fit blinds online that pop right into your window frame, giving you plenty of new options.

Who doesn’t love fresh new bed sheets? What about a new comforter, throw pillows or a duvet? When it comes to your bedroom and living room, some new textiles can go a long way in upgrading your look. Don’t want to spend too much money on throw pillows? Grab some new covers for a few bucks on Amazon instead.

If you’re tired of boring walls, why not add a little texture to them? Wainscotting and shiplap are still popular choices, and they are an easy way to add depth and character to a traditional room.

If you can’t afford new floors but no longer want to look at the ones you’ve got, consider adding some area rugs to your space. Rugs pack a big design punch and add a cozy layer to pre-existing spaces. Plus you can get some great designs on sale during online promotions. Just be sure to measure your space before you order!

If your bathrooms are feeling a little grey and dingy, think about applying some fresh caulk to all of those edges. It’s an easy way to revive tubs and sinks in just a few hours. You’ll need a few tools to remove the existing caulking, but once you get the hang of the applicator it’s a pretty straightforward procedure.

If you don’t have a huge need for an actual office but would like an area to write or answer emails the old fashioned way, consider hiding a desk in a unit so that the room stays otherwise open and free-flowing.

Feeling a little claustrophobic or confined? That’s where mirrors come in handy. No matter what your look (vintage, modern, contemporary) there is a mirror out there for you. Add one (or several) to open up the space and help reflect extra light.

If the outside of your home feels a little tired, break out your green thumb and a shovel. Adding garden beds or adding fresh mulch to existing designs can make a big difference to a home’s exterior. Add some potted plants, use the pressure washer to clean up sheds, fences and walkways, or add some simple lighting to rev up your outdoor space.