Home improvement isn’t just about fixing a leaky faucet or painting your walls. It’s about revitalizing your space, adding value to your property and creating a home that reflects your personal style.
Here are a few simple upgrades to make your home feel like new. These hacks are sure to boost your curb appeal and make you feel proud of your property.
Paint It
A fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to breathe new life into a room. Aside from making the space feel new again, it also adds value if you’re looking to sell your home, reports American Home Shield. Learn more about how to paint the outside of your house through the link.
If you’re looking to add some texture or a pop of color, try adding beadboard to your ceiling. It’s a great option for farmhouse modern and rustic style, and it can make your living room or kitchen feel extra cozy. Plus, it’s a simple DIY project that can be done in just a few hours, according to House Updated.
Changing out your doorknobs, light switches and cabinet hardware is another quick way to upgrade your space. Doing this in every room will create a cohesive design, says designer Maureen Stevens, and help your home look more thoughtfully designed.
If you want to give your kitchen a new look, consider installing a backsplash without the hassle of ripping up existing countertops or hiring a professional. This simple tutorial by Sawdust 2 Stitches uses adhesive flooring to create a faux shiplap backsplash in just a few hours. The best part? No carpentry skills are required! You can even get creative with your wall color and opt for a bold shade to make your kitchen really stand out.
Refinish Your Floors
Hardwood floors offer a timeless, sophisticated look that can add value to your home. But after years of tenants and general wear and tear, they may need a little TLC to get back their former shine. Fortunately, you can refinish them for less than it would cost to replace your floor with a modern hardwood option.
First, be sure to remove any furniture or other items from the room that you are working in. It’s also important to open windows and use a fan in the room to improve ventilation while you’re working. This will help reduce the amount of toxic chemicals that can build up in the enclosed space.
To start the process, sand down your wood floors with 220-grit sandpaper. This will remove any scratches, marks or other imperfections that have accumulated over time. Be careful not to go overboard or you could damage your hardwood. After sanding, vacuum the dust off your floors.
Next, wipe your floors down with a damp cloth to remove any debris or dirt that may be stuck on the surface. This will help your finish adhere better. It’s also a good idea to mark any problem spots that need extra attention. This way, you can focus on those areas first when you are refinishing the rest of your floors.
If your wood floors are in good shape, but need a bit of a pick-me-up, try using a revitalizer gloss to restore the original shine. These products are available at most home improvement stores and are easy to apply. They will also fill in minor scratches and make your floors appear newer for a more affordable price than sanding and staining your entire floor.
Update Your Cabinets
If you’re looking to give your kitchen a major facelift without spending a fortune, refinishing or repainting may be just the ticket. It’s not as expensive as replacing them, and can bring new life to an aging space that you still love.
If repainting isn’t in the cards, replacing the cabinet hardware can make just as big of an impact. Whether it’s new drawer pulls or a shiny new faucet, swapping out the old for the new will give your cabinets a new look that feels fresh and modern. For a cohesive design, match the finish of your new cabinet knobs to other hardware in your home (like doorknobs and switch plates) for a pulled-together look.
Another cool home improvement hack that makes a big impact is installing a backsplash or changing out your ceiling fan. For a DIY backsplash, try this easy tutorial that uses adhesive flooring. Or, give your ceiling a unique style by using beadboard instead of paint or wallpaper. Or, turn your standard ceiling fan into a statement piece with this cool tutorial from Sawdust 2 Stitches.
Install a Backsplash
A backsplash is a small addition that packs a big punch in terms of changing the look and feel of a kitchen. It can instantly elevate the style of counters, flooring and cabinetry, and even add a pop of color to a bare wall. But while a new backsplash is a great upgrade, it can be expensive. Fortunately, there are many ways to save on this project.
For a quick and easy DIY solution, try installing a peel-and-stick tile backsplash. This type of backsplash comes in a variety of eye-catching patterns and colors, and it can be purchased for a fraction of the cost of regular tiles. Plus, you can cut them to size with household scissors and apply them in a day or two.
Another affordable option is to install a mosaic tile sheet ($3 per square foot at The Home Depot) for a custom backsplash that looks like a much more expensive design. These are available at home improvement stores in a wide range of tile patterns and designs, and each sheet of mesh backing has several rows of individual tiles attached, so you can easily install a full square foot at once.
If you can’t bring yourself to splurge on new tile, try updating your existing backsplash by painting it. Paint is an inexpensive option and is far less costly than replacing the drywall behind your cabinets. Just make sure to use a waterproof or epoxy paint. You can also create a faux tile look with paint, as Charleston Crafted did in this tutorial.
Upgrade Your Lighting
Lighting can make or break a room, and upgrading your light fixtures is one of the easiest ways to improve the overall look of a space. Plus, new lights are usually more energy efficient and can save you money on your electricity bills in the long run.
But don’t just focus on ceiling lights—wall sconces, pendants, or even plug-in lamps can bring a whole new dimension to any room. You can also add dimmer switches to rooms where a softer feel is desired, such as a bedroom or bathroom.
Adding plants is another easy way to make a room pop. Not only do they provide color and texture, but they can also boost moods, reduce stress, and filter air, says Kat Christie, a licensed carpenter and DIY expert.
If you’re ready to upgrade your space but don’t have a huge budget, try these handy home improvement hacks. From painting to installing a backsplash, these projects can make your house feel like your home without costing you a fortune. And all of these project ideas come together with free tutorials that make them a breeze to do. So get to work on your next DIY project! You’ll be surprised at how much your house can be transformed with these easy hacks.