Design on a Dime – How to Spruce up your Home on a Budget

There are many reasons why you might be ready to decorate your home. Perhaps you’re looking to get rid of an outdated look or just want to freshen up. Maybe you’re looking to change things up for the summer season, just want a change or you’re having a special party. Regardless of the reason, it doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. There are many ways to spruce up your home without expensive renovations or even a lot of time. But do take your time doing the research before you tackle a DIY project because preparation goes a long way toward a professional look. Remember what your mom used to say, “Anything worth doing, is worth doing correctly.”

Paint your Hearth

Do you have an outdated fireplace? Maybe an old brick hearth in an outdated color? Light grey, white or black paint are the most popular colors to paint that old, ugly fireplace with. It updates the entire room when you freshen a fireplace and, done correctly, it becomes a beautiful focal point in the room and not the thing you wish you could unsee. And if you want to go the extra mile, you can add new mantle at a low cost and with little effort. You just need to be the slightest bit handy with tools and voila, you have a brand-new look that seems expensive but isn’t. You don’t want to do a poor job on a fireplace painting job because it will be difficult to undo it.

Kitchen Cabinets

You don’t have to be a decorating expert to give your kitchen a new look that looks like high end without a complete renovation. Painting your kitchen cabinets is the best way to make your kitchen look brand new without a complete renovation. But make sure you learn how to do it correctly and take the time to do a quality job or you’ll just make it look cheap. Using the correct type of quality paint makes a difference as well. White is a popular color right now or a light gray. Then add some new cabinet pulls to complete the look. This project may take time but it well worth it if you’re trying to save a ton of money.

Small Décor

Artificial plants (not the great big fake trees of old) like some small succulents in a cute decorative pot can make a big statement without breaking the budget. Pillows, pillows, pillows! They are the best bang for your buck. They add texture, color, and take up empty spaces on your furniture. Get plenty of them in different sizes and fabrics. Artwork doesn’t have to be expensive anymore. You can find some very pretty stuff at some of the more budget friendly stores around town. My favorite is Home Goods. They have quality items at good prices. And don’t forget linens. Changing your bedding is a cost-effective way to brighten up a room with colors and textures and you can add some curtain that blend. New towels in the bathroom also give you a way to decorate without spending a fortune.

Do the Simple Stuff

In some cases, a little goes a long way. Cleaning up your home is one of the best and least expensive ways to freshen it up. Don’t just scrub it up but also organize. For instance, organizing any open shelving, decluttering rooms, and putting things away can make a huge difference. Also, fix things that you’ve been putting off like lose door handles or obvious things that are esthetically obvious and take away from the pretty décor in your home. And lastly, paint it! Updating paint colors and painting high traffic rooms where there may be scuffs and dirty paint is an excellent way to freshen it up. Paint an accent wall in your main entertainment room of a master bedroom to create some contrast and update the design of your home on a dime. And if you have a green thumb, update the outside of your home by landscaping. Yes, landscape is a form of design on the exterior of your home. Part of your landscape plan can be some new patio furniture, lighting, and pillows. Hang some large bulb string lights to brighten it up and create a cute design element. You don’t have to be an expert to do any of these things. It’s all online these days. Just Google it and find out how to.

Need to find out how to stage your home for sale? Find out more about Sallie Elliott and the Priority Group here. We’re here to help.