Looking around your home and deciding you need a refresh can leave you wondering where to start. Do you focus on making it more functional? Or do you aim for a more elevated and stylish aesthetic? And how much is this all going to cost?
Fortunately, there are some pretty awesome budget-friendly ways to do both. Borrow these tips from interior designers to refresh your home without blowing your savings. You can both love your new space while keeping your costs low with these ideas.
Create a Low-Cost and Cushy Master Retreat
After a long day, you likely just want to retreat to your room for some rest and relaxation. Create an awesome place that you can recharge in and feel refreshed for the next day. A cushy master’s retreat will give you a sanctuary that makes you feel like royalty.
Adding a fireplace to your master suite might seem like an out-of-reach project. However, you can get the same effect as adding a wood burning unit at a fraction of the price. An electric fireplace heater insert can be easily purchased and installed without any major renovation. Imagine snuggling in your bed after a chilly day, relaxing in front of the glowing realistic flames.
A custom feel will also make your master’s retreat feel more elevated. Adding an accent wall can give your room a polished and upscale look. Consider adding wallpaper with metallic details for a classy and sophisticated vibe. Or create a DIY board and batten wall for a classic and custom touch.
Create an overall look that is welcoming in your space with low-cost accessories. Add plants and flowers, real or faux for a charming touch of nature. Sprinkle candles throughout the space and hang your favorite photos or a unique piece of art.
Look for high-quality bed linens at a great steal. Discount stores often sell top brands in last season’s designs and patterns. You can also usually find amazing deals on items like duvet covers and throw pillows to tie the whole look together.
A Sophisticated Dining Room Ready for Hosting
If you are excited to host holidays and family dinners, it’s a good idea to prep your dining room and create a space that you can be proud of. However, many times dining furniture and dinnerware can come with a steep price tag. But getting creative means you can still save some cash while making your dining room guest-ready.
You don’t have to splurge to have great dining room furniture. Scour garage sales and second-hand sites for great deals on tables and chairs. Then, clean up your new pieces and refinish them to match your unique style and taste.
Use linens to elevate the style of basic furniture. Fun placemats in an accent color or a unique table runner can add pops of color to your space for just a few bucks. Craft a simple yet elegant centerpiece out of low-cost pillar candles or mason jars filled with greenery.
Nowadays, even large general retailers carry a great selection of dishes and flatware. Look for plates and bowls in neutral colors that match your decor and will seamlessly complement each other. Add a pop of bling like gold silverware or chrome wine glasses for budget-friendly refinement.
An Impressive Front Porch for Less
Your front porch is likely the first impression most of your guests will get of your home. Make sure it’s looking its very best to welcome friends and family. Designing it to be beautiful and functional also gives you a great space to enjoy.
Outdoor furniture can come with a hefty price tag. Ease the burden on your wallet and look for budget-friendly options at end-of-season sales. You can also often find used furniture at resale shops. Grab a few cans of spray paint and transform that second-hand cafe set into a front porch statement that you’ll love.
Painting your front door is one of the cheapest ways to add curb appeal to your home. With just a quart of paint, you can easily make a bold statement. A cheery yellow or a trendy teal are stunning colors to add to the front of your home. Just make sure the hue you choose makes sense with the rest of the exterior colors.
Get creative and make a DIY wreath that adds a pop of color to your porch. Many craft stores sell kits with instructions that beginners can often easily pull off. Or, look for a class at your local community center for a fun way to create a low-cost wreath.
Elevate Your Kitchen to the Next Level
For many, the kitchen is often the most frequently used room in the home. It makes sense to put some of your interior design budget into making it more enjoyable. Fortunately, you don’t have to overhaul your countertops and cabinets to refresh your kitchen and give it a whole new look.
Lighting is one of the biggest ways to change the look and feel of a whole room at a low cost. Look for open box deals at the hardware store to get great prices on a new island light or breakfast nook chandelier. Or, simply update your current lighting with Edison bulbs, new domes, or a fresh coat of paint.
Adding cabinet and drawer pulls to your cabinetry gives it a more custom look. Buying in bulk online will allow you to transform your whole kitchen for the best price. Purchase a low-cost cabinet pull installation template to make attaching them a breeze.
Sick of that outdated backsplash but don’t have the money for demo and installation? Fortunately, you can paint tile and give it a whole new look. So that dated mosaic or multicolored patterned backsplash can be easily transitioned to a crisp solid white or sophisticated grey tone.
Designing a Refreshed Home You’ll Love for Less
You don’t have to empty your bank account to design a house you love. For a few dollars, you can make small changes that create a big impact. And together, they will create a refreshed look and feel that you are happy to come home to.