Go for a boost on a budget
Five inexpensive projects to make improvements for less than a new TV
Giving your home a little extra “oomph” doesn’t have to cost thousands of dollars. For just a few hundred bucks, you can make some dramatic home improvements.
These five projects will make a big impact for less than the cost of a new TV.
Entryway revamp: A stylish entrance makes an instant impression. Begin with simple, affordable upgrades such as a new welcome mat and house numbers. Arrange potted plants around your front door for an eye-popping esthetic.
Consider a quick colour update to your front door. A new shade can spruce up the overall look of your home’s exterior. Chic door knockers, updated doorknobs and alluring porch lighting are the perfect finishing touches for your revamped entryway. Bathroom update: Revive your tired bathroom with a new coat of paint in a colour that will open up the small space and rejuvenate your esthetic.
Next, upgrade your linens. New towels, shower mats and shower curtains can hide dated features and improve the feel of your bathroom. Add sconces, towel-hanging ladders and reclaimed crates for extra storage and fashionable functionality. Anew coat: Repainting a room can bring it back to life. Lighter colours are perfect for creating a sense of calm. You can also paint your walls and trim (or other features such as mantles and built-in bookcases) in subtly contrasting tones to add depth and interest.
Accent walls are perfect for reviving dull spaces — and they cost less and require less work than painting a whole room. New hardware: Installing stylish cabinet hardware is quick and cost-effective. Consider your kitchen’s style — don’t mismatch modern pulls and knobs with traditional cabinets. If your kitchen has a contemporary design, go with sleek, understated hardware.
Ornate, classically inspired hardware works best for traditional cabinetry. Let there be light: Dated light fixtures not only look bad, they make kitchen duties difficult.
New fixtures offer the chance to take your decor to the next level — and there are thousands of pendant light and chandelier options to suit every taste and budget. If you’re unsure how to switch out your lighting, it’s best to hire a professional to do it for you.