12 Simple Ways to Update Your Home for Cheap

Bored of your home but don’t have a ton of money to spend on home improvements? Here are 12 fun ideas for home improvement on a budget.


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How Can I Improve My Home On a Low Budget?

Remodeling a home can be a daunting and expensive task for many homeowners. Luckily, there are a number of ways to modernize a home without breaking the bank.


Let’s take a look at 12 simple home improvement ideas on a budget.


Also check out this post: Decorating on a Budget – Frugal Décor Ideas to Make Your Home Beautiful.


Home Improvement on a Budget – 12 Ideas that’ll Make You Fall in Love with Your Home Again

Updating a current home instead of purchasing a new one can help save a lot of time and money.


While big remodeling projects can add great value to a home in the right market, there are easier ways to update a space for a lot less money.

Here are some easy and inexpensive ideas for home improvement on a budget.


1. Style ALWAYS Follows Function

No matter how great that new white sofa is, if it isn’t practical then it isn’t functional.


And if you have little kids – it is not practical.


Avoid new trends that don’t fit your lifestyle.


2. Start with a Plan When You Are Working on a Home Improvement on a Budget

If you go to the grocery store without a list you almost always spend more than you planned and almost always forget something!


Same goes for your home.


Take the time to write out your plan and shopping list.


Related post: 10 Simple Ways to Go Green at Home (That Will Also Save You Money!)


3. Start Small

If you want to try out something trendy/new, choose a small space or a room you don’t use very often.


This gives you the opportunity to see if that bold color or design trend makes you feel at home or leaves you out in the cold.


You don’t want to waste money on a big home improvement project that sounds good in your head, but you don’t actually like once it’s in your house.


Related post: Stupidly Cheap Home Gadgets You Need in Your Life ASAP.


4. Avoid Costly Mistakes by Getting Sample Sizes When Doing Budget Home Improvements

Large samples are readily available for wallcoverings, paint and fabrics either at your local vendor, online or through an interior designer.


Spend the $5 or $10 for the sample and put it up on the wall where you can see it through the day and in changing light.


Better to spend $5 than $100s before realizing that it isn’t for you.


5. Trendsetting Accents

Buying accents is one of the easiest, safest and least expensive ways to add a little new to your home.


Experiment with new colors through candles and colored glass, easy ways to add home improvements on a budget.


Add pattern and color through a new table runner on your dining table or sofa table or area rug in your foyer.


Related post: Decorating for Fall on a Budget – 17 Cheap Fall Decor Ideas


6. Ask for Help When Tackling Home Improvements on a Budget

It can be perceived as a luxury to hire a designer when it can actually save you time and money.


If navigating the process of designing your home seems daunting, a good designer will be able to work with your budget and needs.


They can put you on the right path to a harmonious, trendsetting home!


7. Easy Home Improvement Idea on a Budget: Add a Fresh Coat of Paint

Paint can go a long way in updating the look of a home at a very low price. Painting can also be a great DIY project for families and friends.


When choosing paint colors, try to create a flow from room to room.


New paint will make a space look great and buying environmentally friendly paint can improve air quality and remove toxins.


8. Improvement Idea on a Budget: Install Moldings for a Unique Look

Moldings are a great feature to add to a home in order to create a unique and customized look.


There are a variety of moldings that can be installed, including crown, baseboard and chair rail.

Hiring a contractor to install molding could be pricey. With a little research and guidance from someone who has installed molding before, it can be relatively inexpensive if you do it yourself.


Don’t have any equipment? Rent everything needed from the local hardware store and have a customized look in no time.


They even now have beautiful peel-and-stick crown molding that makes it super easy for you to DIY.


9. Update Kitchen Hardware

Outdated kitchens can be an eyesore and completely remodeling them can be very expensive.


One way to update a kitchen without spending a lot of cash is to purchase new hardware for kitchen cabinets.


New hardware will bring out the best in old kitchen cabinets and give an updated look.


Buy hardware that complements the style of the home.


10. Install New Light Fixtures and Ceiling Fans

Purchase new light fixtures for bathrooms and living areas.


Update old chandeliers by using spray paint or replace it altogether.


Old fixtures can make any room look outdated. Install ceiling fans in bedrooms and living room areas to bring functionality and a new look to the home.


On a very tight home improvement budget, consider spray painting old fixtures to create a custom look and save money.


11. Cover Old Linoleum Floors with Vinyl Tiles

Buy vinyl peel and stick tiles to cover old linoleum floors in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and mud rooms.


Not only are vinyl tiles inexpensive but they are easy to install and very durable.


Vinyl tiles are available in a variety of colors and styles to match the décor of the home.


12. Add Area Rugs for an Easy Home Improvement on a Budget

Area rugs are a great way to add warmth, style and comfort to living room spaces.


They also help to break up spaces between living areas and can give a room a new sense of design.


Area rugs can anchor the furniture and make a space feel more intimate and inviting. The great thing about area rugs is that they can go with the homeowner to the next apartment or home.


Final Word on Home Improvements on a Budget

Overall, when your goal is home improvements on a budget, try and purchase items that are not only functional and modern but can add resale value to the home.


If it’s a temporary space, look to purchase items that can move with belongings to the next place.


All of these home improvement projects can be completed for under a thousand dollars if they are completed as DIY projects.


Next, check out this popular post: 10 Creative Ways to Save Electricity and Money At Home.


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