Giving your home some love doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a little creativity and elbow grease, you can spruce up your space on a budget. Here are 21 free or low-cost ways to show your home some TLC.
Clean and Organize
A clean, tidy home instantly looks and feels better. Start by:
- Decluttering each room. Donate, sell or trash items you no longer need.
- Organizing cabinets, drawers and closets. Use baskets, dividers and other inexpensive storage solutions to corral clutter.
- Washing windows, floors, walls and baseboards. A thorough cleaning makes your home sparkle.
- Clearing out cobwebs inside and out. Use a broom or duster to remove them.
- Cleaning out the garage and/or attic. Toss or donate anything you haven’t used in years.
Refresh Walls and Ceilings
Walls and ceilings take a beating and can start to look dull and dirty over time. Freshen them up with:
- A coat of interior paint in a new hue. Stick to budget-friendly brands.
- Removable wallpaper or contact paper to cover problem areas or add an accent wall.
- A textured ceiling coating to hide imperfections.
- A fresh coat of white paint on ceilings to brighten up a room.
Update Lighting
Better lighting instantly makes a home feel cleaner and more inviting. Try:
- Replacing outdated light fixtures. Check thrift stores and yard sales for budget options.
- Installing dimmer switches to control light levels.
- Adding floor and table lamps to dark corners. Check discount stores for deals.
- Upgrading regular bulbs with brighter LED bulbs. They use less energy too.
- Adding lighting to display favorite decor items or highlight a room feature.
Improve Storage
An organized home seems cleaner and less cluttered. Boost storage with:
- Shelving units, cabinets or containers to hide clutter. Seek secondhand options.
- Closet organization systems to double hanging space. Use rods, shelves and baskets.
- An over-the-door organizer for bathroom or pantry supplies.
- Clear containers or bins to group like items in cabinets, on shelves or in the garage.
Rearrange and Repurpose
Sometimes a simple rearrangement makes your home feel brand new. Get creative:
- Move furniture around to create a fresh layout.
- Turn an unused guest room into a home office or hobby room.
- Convert a closet into a craft station or reading nook.
- Use large furniture pieces like beds and sofas in non-traditional ways.
Also look for ways to repurpose items you already own, like:
- Turning thrift store finds into unique home accents.
- Using an old door as a desktop.
- Turning windows into art displays.
- Making over an outdated piece of furniture with paint or new hardware.
Add Personal Touches
Add personality throughout your home with meaningful personal touches like:
- Family photos displayed on shelves, walls or tabletops.
- Framed mementos from trips and special events.
- A gallery wall of framed art, photos or other ephemera.
- Sentimental textiles used as wall hangings or pillow covers.
- Collections displayed on shelves or in cabinets.
Freshen Decor
Freshen up your decor with simple upgrades like:
- New throw pillows and area rugs in updated colors and patterns. Check discount retailers.
- Fresh coats of paint or stain on worn cabinets, side tables, picture frames and other accessories.
- Modern drawer pulls and knobs to update dated cabinets and dressers.
- Coordinating shower curtains, towels, bathmats and soap dispensers in bathrooms.
Plants instantly liven up any room too. Opt for low-maintenance varieties.
Add Curb Appeal
Make a great first impression by enhancing your home’s exterior:
- Plant bright flowers or greenery in beds, pots or window boxes. Opt for low maintenance native plants.
- Install new house numbers or a mailbox for a boost of color.
- Add decorative touches like wreaths, wind chimes or bird houses.
- Clean and seal outdoor wood furniture. Use a fresh coat of paint or stain to revive pieces.
- Wash exterior surfaces including siding, windows, screens and light fixtures.
- Clean out landscaping beds and add fresh mulch. Edge walkways, trees and beds.
Improve Energy Efficiency
A few simple upgrades can make your home more comfortable and efficient:
- Switch standard power strips for advanced ones that conserve energy.
- Install a programmable thermostat to control heating and cooling more efficiently.
- Seal air leaks with caulk and weather stripping to prevent drafts and heat loss.
- Add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces.
- Upgrade old appliances with ENERGY STAR models.
Enhance Flooring
Floors take a lot of abuse. Restore shine and color with:
- A thorough floor cleaning. Use the appropriate method for each floor type.
- Area rugs to cover worn spots in high-traffic areas. Check secondhand stores first.
- New slippers and shoe racks by the entry to prevent excess dirt and grit.
- Floor polish to protect wood and other smooth floors.
- Tile or grout cleaners to revitalize bathroom and kitchen floors.
Schedule Home Maintenance
Preventative maintenance keeps your home looking its best for years to come:
- Inspect your roof and exterior yearly. Make minor repairs as needed.
- Check gutters and downspouts and clear debris that can cause leaks.
- Lubricate garage doors, hinges, locks and other hardware.
- Inspect caulk and grout and reapply as needed to prevent leaks and mildew.
- Drain sediment from water heaters to improve efficiency.
- Replace air filters every 1-3 months.
- Sharpen lawnmower blades yearly for a clean cut.
Final Touches
The little details make a house feel like home. Add finishing touches like:
- Fresh cut flowers and potted plants to add life.
- Scented candles or essential oils to make rooms more inviting.
- Cozy throw blankets and pillows to create a comfortable retreat.
- A bowl of lemons or limes to add a pop of color and fresh scent.
- Personalized details like monograms and family photos.
With a little creativity and effort, you can give your home some extra love without spending a lot of money. Focus on quick fixes like decluttering, deep cleaning and home staging first to make the biggest impact. Then slowly build on these improvements over time as your budget allows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good places to find inexpensive home decor and furniture?
Some places to find budget-friendly home decor and furniture include thrift stores, garage sales, discount retailers like Target and Walmart, flea markets, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, estate sales, clearance sections of home goods stores, and websites like Wayfair and Overstock.
What are easy ways to update kitchen cabinets on a budget?
Some easy and inexpensive ways to update kitchen cabinets include adding new knobs or handles, painting or staining the cabinets, installing peel-and-stick wallpaper inside cabinet doors, replacing hinges with more modern versions, and adding trim pieces like crown molding.
How can you make a small space feel bigger?
To make a small space feel more spacious, focus on cleaning and decluttering, painting walls white, maximizing natural light with sheer curtains and mirrors, using furniture with exposed legs, and optimizing vertical storage space with solutions like wall-mounted shelves and over-the-door organizers.
What are some quick ways to add color without painting?
Some options for adding color without painting include using decorative contact paper or removable wallpaper, switching out textiles like pillows, blankets and curtains to brighter hues, displaying vibrant art and decor items, adding an area rug with bold patterns, and placing fresh flowers and plants throughout the home.
How can you make a rental feel more homey?
Some ideas for personalizing a rental home include displaying photos and art, adding coordinating accent decor like throw pillows, rugs and blankets, using 3M strips and tension rods for hanging items, upgrading lighting with stylish yet removable fixtures, installing custom shower curtains and curtains, and placing meaningful knickknacks around the home.
Conclusion
Breathing new life into your home doesn’t require a complete renovation or remodeling. With some elbow grease and creativity, small touches like decluttering, rearranging furniture, adding pops of color, and displaying personal mementos can make a space feel brand new. Focus on quick, budget-friendly projects first to make the biggest visual impact. Then slowly keep building on these improvements over time. With a little love, you can turn any house into a comfortable home that reflects your personal style.
