Spring is the perfect time to give your home a fresh new look without spending a lot of money. With some clever DIY projects, thrift store finds, and inexpensive seasonal décor, you can update your space on a budget. Here are 16 fabulous spring home updates that won’t break the bank:
Refresh Walls with New Paint
Painting is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to transform a room. If your walls are looking dull or dated, consider giving them a fresh coat of paint in a trendy spring hue like light green, robin’s egg blue, or pale yellow.
Tips for painting on a budget:
- Opt for matte finish paints – they help hide imperfections better than glossy paints. Matte paints are also usually cheaper.
- Buy paint from home improvement stores when they have sales, and purchase the largest quantity you’ll need to get a bulk discount.
- Use paint sample pots to test colors first before committing to a full gallon. Often the sample sizes are free or just a few dollars.
- For small touch ups, use leftover paint from previous projects rather than buying a whole new can.
- Paint just one accent wall instead of the entire room to save on quantity.
- Use paint rollers and trays instead of brushes which waste more paint. Rollers apply paint more efficiently.
- Protect floors and furniture with tarps and drop cloths to avoid damage and the need to repaint.
With a sample pot or two and some basic rollers and supplies, you can change the look of a room for less than $50 in most cases. The transformation a fresh coat of paint can make is amazing.
How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Room?
On average, it costs $25-$75 to paint one room with a single coat. This includes the paint and basic supplies like brushes, rollers, trays, tape, and drop cloths. Additional costs may include:
- $10-$30 per gallon of paint
- $3-$10 per paint roller cover
- $1-$5 per paint brush
- $5-$20 for a paint tray, roller frame, and pole
- $1-$5 for painters tape
- $5-$15 for a canvas drop cloth to protect floors
So painting a 10’x10′ room with one coat could cost as little as $25 if using cheaper paint and limited supplies. For a larger room two gallons of premium paint could be $75. Extra coats, specialty brushes, or accent walls can raise costs but staying under $100 is reasonable for most rooms.
Inject Color with Fresh Flowers
Nothing says spring quite like fresh flowers! You don’t have to spend a fortune on large floral arrangements to give your home a seasonal pop of color. Even a simple $5-$10 bouquet from the grocery store can make a big visual impact.
Affordable floral ideas:
- Purchase flowers when they are in season for the lowest prices. Spring varieties like tulips, lilies, roses, and daffodils are abundant.
- Opt for loose stems rather than pre-made bouquets – you get more for your money when buying buds individually.
- Mix real flowers with faux varieties to make arrangements look fuller without added expense.
- Display flowers in unexpected vessels like teapots, mugs, or vases found at thrift stores.
- Keep flowers looking fresh longer by trimming stems and changing water daily.
- Dry and preserve your favorite flowers to enjoy their look year-round. Hang bouquets upside down or press flowers between pages of a heavy book.
A few stems on an entryway table, kitchen counter, or dining table can make the whole room look bright and renewed for spring. The visual impact is big but the investment is small.
Refresh Tired Furniture with Slipcovers
Want to revive worn furniture without the cost of reupholstering? Try affordable slipcovers! Available pre-made or custom fit to your exact pieces, slipcovers create a whole new look in an afternoon.
Benefits of using slipcovers:
- Made from fabrics like cotton, linen, twill, or microfiber making them durable and easy to clean.
- Easier and cheaper than reupholstering which can costs hundreds to thousands. Slipcovers start around $20-$50.
- Come in many styles from casual cottons to elegant fabrics like velvet or damask.
- Can be changed out seasonally for a quick room update. Keep a set for summer and switch to cozier fabrics in winter.
- Protect furniture from dirt, spills, pet hair, and everyday wear-and-tear.
- Fit tightly or loose like a billowy skirt for different looks.
- DIY slipcovers are an option too saving even more.
Revive tired sofas, chairs, ottomans and more with the transformative power of slipcovers. It’s an easy update that can make furnishings look brand new again.
Display Seasonal Greenery
Freshen your home for spring by bringing the outdoors in! Natural greenery like leafy branches, flowering stems, and potted plants add lovely seasonal accents to shelves, tables, and empty wall space.
Ideas for seasonal botanicals:
- Clip branches like dogwood, cherry blossoms, or forsythia from your yard or neighborhood.
- Purchase inexpensive potted annuals like pansies, daffodils, or primrose for pops of color.
- Look for affordable small houseplants like succulents, snake plants, or pothos that thrive indoors.
- Opt for low maintenance varieties that don’t require frequent watering or direct sunlight.
- Fill glass vases, jars, and containers in different heights, sizes, and shapes.
- Add interest by including elements like river rocks, moss, or artful twigs.
- Freshen water and trim stems every few days to maintain freshness.
Bringing the beauty of nature indoors with seasonal botanicals is an easy way to celebrate spring. The varieties are bountiful and adding a few simple stems or plants can make a dramatic difference.
Update Window Treatments
Replacing all the blinds and curtains in your home can really add up. But you can switch up the look of your windows for spring without buying entirely new window treatments.
Affordable options for seasonal updates:
- Add sheer panels over existing drapes for an airy layered look.
- Use decorative curtain rods and finials for a quick style update.
- Replace higher maintenance curtains with easy roller shades.
- Freshen up faux wood blinds with a coat of crisp white paint.
- Purchase patterned curtains from big box stores and add your own custom trim or tiebacks.
- Switch curtain panels to lighter breezy fabrics like linen, cotton voile, or lace.
- DIY roman shades using foam core board and decorator fabric for an elegant look.
- Update the hardware by spray painting existing rods and hangers with metallic finishes.
Reimagining and refreshing window treatments can make the room feel brand new. With small affordable changes, you can switch up the style just in time for spring.
Refresh Tired Cabinets with New Hardware
Cabinets, drawers, and dressers start looking worn and dated over time. Replacing them altogether can be expensive. Instead, you can give boring cabinets new life with an easy hardware update.
Reasons new hardware makes a big impact:
- It’s one of the fastest and most affordable upgrades you can do. Hardware starts around $1-$3 per knob or handle.
- Instantly changes the look from boring to bold and modern with the switch of a knob.
- Comes in a wide variety of styles like minimalist, industrial, rustic, and more to match your taste.
- Sized appropriately, new hardware makes cabinets feel more high end. Usually around 3-4 inches is ideal.
- Well-chosen hardware hides minor scratches or damage better than dated brass or chrome.
- Can complement other finishes like faucets, light fixtures, and metal decor.
Take a few measurements, pick a style you love, and install new hardware in an afternoon to give cabinets a fresh modern look. It’s abudget-friendlyrevamp with amazing visual impact.
Add Interest with peel-and-stick wallpaper
Redecorating with real wallpaper involves a big commitment with installation and take down. Today’s peel-and-stick wallpapers make it easy to add bold patterns and textures without the hassle or expense.
Benefits of peel-and-stick wallpaper:
- Just peel off backing and stick to smooth walls. Removes easily without damage.
- Provides way more visual impact than just painting a wall.
- Self-adhesive materials look like real wallpaper but install in a fraction of the time.
- Comes in endless styles from geometric patterns to nature prints, textures, faux brick or wood, and metallics.
- Install full wallcoverings or use creatively on furniture, cabinets, ceilings, and more.
- Affordable rolls start around $25 making small spaces or accent walls budget-friendly.
- Rental-friendly option since it removes cleanly without damage.
With a little planning, creativity, and patience, peel-and-stick wallpaper allows you to reimagine your space affordably and temporarily. It adds wow factor without permanent commitment.
Make a Design Statement with an Accent Wall
Accent walls make a big splash without the commitment of painting an entire room. Just one bold focal wall can transform the whole look and feel of a space. It’s a budget-friendly project that makes a serious style statement.
Accent wall ideas:
- Use a bright semi-gloss color for a playful pop of color. Try burnt orange, mustard yellow, or lime green.
- Choose a rich moody shade like navy blue, emerald green, or eggplant purple for drama.
- Opt for luxurious textures like velvet, grasscloth, or faux crocodile for tactile interest.
- Add an exposed brick or faux brick wall for an urban loft vibe on a budget.
- Install peel-and-stick wallpaper or murals to quickly add eye-catching patterns.
- Use wood panels, shiplap boards, or beadboard for a rustic or cottage look.
- Feature collections of artwork, photos, mirrors, or shelves for an eclectic gallery display.
A strategic accent wall is a simple weekend project that makes a big visual impact while still being budget-friendly. You can paint or remove it anytime as your style evolves.
Update Entryway Flooring
The entryway sets the tone when you walk into a home. Old, worn flooring in foyers and mudrooms can leave a bad first impression. Replacing floors completely may not make sense, but you can refresh them affordably.
Budget-friendly entryway floor makeovers:
- Resurface existing floors by sanding and painting worn wood or tile. Use porch paint for durability and texture.
- Stencil a fun pattern with outdoor craft paint onto concrete, wood, or vinyl flooring. Geometric shapes or florals work well.
- Update vinyl sheet flooring by glueing vinyl tiles or planks right overtop to disguise dated patterns.
- Freshen carpeting with a thorough deep clean, patch worn areas, and use carpet runners protect high traffic lanes.
- Install peel-and-stick tile for an easy instant update on nearly any smooth subfloor. Super affordable and removable.
- Use indoor/outdoor area rugs layered over subfloors to add color and disguise flaws while protecting floors.
Even without a full replacement, it’s possible to update entryway floors affordably. A little creativity and elbow grease can make a big difference.
Create Custom Artwork
Original art is expensive, but you can customize affordable prints, posters, and photography to make them feel one-of-a-kind.
Make store bought art feel custom:
- Choose artwork with colors or themes that you love and get prints made at local shops.
- Size artwork appropriately for each space rather than just using standard sizes.
- Frame printed pieces artfully using paper, unique textures, wood, metals. Pay extra attention to matting and framing.
- Layer collages of framed photos, magazine pages, kids’ art, and prints for an eclectic gallery wall.
- Look for antique or vintage prints at secondhand shops and refresh them with updated framing.
- Use painter’s tape or stencils to add patterns onto basic prints. Try chevrons, polka dots, or abstract shapes.
- Order custom wall murals of landscapes or cityscapes that are personalized to your exact space.
With thoughtful curation and framing choices, you can make inexpensive prints and photos look like high-end original art.
Update Cabinets with Chic Paint or Paper
Tired oak or dated laminate cabinets can make kitchens and bathrooms seem old and dingy. Total cabinet overhauls are expensive, but small tweaks can make them look refreshed.
Quick and affordable cabinet updates:
- Sand and paint cabinets in a fresh white, navy, gray, black or on-trend hue for an instant update.
- Replace visible laminate surfaces with decorative contact paper for a faux stained wood look.
- Swap plastic laminate or oak veneer doors for inexpensive shaker-style doors in pine or premium MDF (medium density fiberboard).
- Frost or tint glass inserts in cabinet doors for a soft diffused look that hides contents.
- Coat inner surfaces of open cabinets with chalkboard paint for an interactive accent.
- Add trendy hardware like black pulls, copper knobs or brushed brass handles.
With some creativity and elbow grease, you can give outdated cabinets new life affordably. Even small tweaks can make a big visual impact.
Display Seasonal Decor
One of the easiest ways to freshen up for spring is with seasonal accents and decor. Swapping out a throw blanket, area rug, pillows or a table runner can make the whole room look renewed.
Seasonal décor ideas:
- Add fresh floral pillows in prints of tulips, roses, hydrangeas or other spring varieties.
- Roll out renewable grass or floral area rugs perfect for spring and summer months.
- Drape cotton macramé blankets over sofas and chairs instead of wintery knits.
- Arrange brightly colored pottery like sky blue ceramics or terra cotta pots on shelves.
- Display weathered white or wood grain containers and vases for an organic touch.
- Use decorative eggs and animal figurines like bunnies, chicks, and lambs for Easter charm.
- Incorporate natural accents like woven baskets, hanging planters, birdhouses and wind chimes.
With just a few new pillows, throws, rugs or accents, you can give your rooms a budget-friendly breath of fresh air.
Repaint Walls and Trim
Sometimes a fresh coat of paint is all you need to make your home feel brand new again. Especially after long winter months, a new spring paint color can work wonders.
Tips for quick DIY paint touch ups:
- Add a fresh coat of bright semi-gloss white paint to all trim and moldings for crisp contrast against walls.
- Reapply paint in high traffic areas like entryways and hallways where it fades faster. Use durable satin or semi-gloss.
- Paint interior doors to match trim or go bold with black for dramatic contrast.
- Freshen scuffed or marked walls with matching flat finish paint. Spot painting saves time and expense.
- Spray paint vents, registers, radiators or heating units in fresh white, chrome or bronze finishes.
- Paint the interior of a front door an inviting accent shade to make the entryway pop. Try light blue, green or pink.
- Use white or black chalkboard paint to create a fun message wall or menu space in kitchens.
Even though painting an entire room is ideal, sometimes a few small touch ups here and there can give you the look of an entire repaint. Focus on high visibility areas first.
Display Collections Creatively
Share your favorite collections in new creative ways this season. Gather similar items together and display cohesively for fun focal points.
Tips for collecting displays:
- Arrange white pottery or ceramic pieces artfully on contrasting cabinets or shelves.
- Install floating shelves in creative shapes, lines or angles to accent displayed items.
- Display natural items like sea shells, sand dollars, starfish or sea glass in apothecary jars.
- Mount a shadowbox frame or series of mini shelves to showcase smaller treasures.
- Fill a cluster of matching frames with colorful patterned or graphic fabric, wallpaper or wrapping paper.
- Group sentimental items like old photographs, postcards or ticket stubs attractively in frames.
- Use square or rectangle nested frames to showcase jewelry, small trinkets, or tiny art pieces.
Showcasing meaningful collections or objects can transform basic decor into endearing displays that reflect your personality.
Update Outdoor Living Spaces
As the weather warms up, take your indoor updates outside! Refreshing outdoor living spaces makes them even more welcoming for spring and summer fun.
Outdoor updates that add enjoyment without adding big costs:
- Wash outdoor surfaces like siding, decks, patios, furniture. Remove grime, mold, and dirt.
- Shop secondhand and vintage shops for affordable patio furniture and accessories in great condition.
- Add a café table and chairs to a small balcony or patio for meals alfresco. Folding sets save space.
- Toss or donate old worn pillows and refresh patio furniture with new sunny accent pillows and cushions.
- Install cement planter boxes or barrels plus colorful blooms like petunias, zinnias, and impatients near entryways.
- Use all-weather area rugs to define spaces and add color to dull concrete or wood patios and porches.
- String outdoor
