This post is all about 10 affordable at home upgrades
Do any of you watch the HGTV renovation shows? Well, the overwhelming popularity of home renovation shows, now more than ever, people are looking to tackle their own upgrades and invest in making their homes look and feel stylish, updated and reflective of their personalities without breaking the bank (or spending months in the process!). To help you master your own easy home renovation, here are 10 easy and budget-friendly ways to make your home feel fresh and new.
1. Paint is King
This is the quickest and easiest way to update your home for less. Opt for a unique color or texture, like my current obsession: vibrant orange. You can also try a textured paint (like kaklitir) to add a polished cement look to your painted surfaces. For a small but impactful change, choose high gloss paint and add a jolt of color—like a canary yellow or cobalt blue—to your front door.
2. Wood is All the Rage
Reclaimed wood is all the rage right now. Depending on the style you’re going for, use wood from an old barn, and break down old wooden pallets (which some places give away for free!) or purchase a variety of boards from the hardware store to add an accent wall that will give any room an instant update.
3. Curb Appeal is a Must
Give your house major curb appeal with an easy DIY front door lock upgrade. Take any exterior door to the next level by replacing your locks with keyless hardware for a major tech (and design) upgrade. A great option is the Schlage Sense™ Smart deadbolt—it’s modern and chic, and gives you the option to enter your home with an access code or with Siri voice control. And you get to do away with keys indefinitely! Or switching out your interior hardware can really make an aesthetic difference in your home and quite well with other finishes already in your style of home. I’d check out Schlage’s new finishes including Satin Brass with Camelot Trim and an Accent Lever.
4. Faux is an Option
For an instant polished and chic look, or to add a new focal point to a room, consider installing a faux fireplace. They can be as traditional or modern as you wish (like this modern Moda Flame fireplace) with wood, pebbles or glass inserts. They’re easy to find and buy online, and also easy to install on your own.
black lacquer design
5. Lighting is the way to luxury.
Lighting really is everything, and dimmers are magical. Dimmers allow you to make a room much more personal as you can set the mood for a brighter or darker ambiance. Ask your local hardware professional for advice on which dimmers to get to work best with your lights.
6. Faucets are the Heart of the Kitchen
A gorgeous kitchen faucet can give the entire room a new look. Try touchless faucets in a variety of finishes—like this faucet from Delta Faucet— that are so stunning and screams modern glamour. Make sure to select one that not only makes your life easier, but also steals the show!
7. Banish Outdated Cabinet Hardware
Instead of opting for a complete kitchen renovation, modernize with new hardware on your cabinets, etc. If you can't find exactly what you’re looking for, change the color of the existing hardware. Make sure to clean and sand the hardware thoroughly and apply a primer to ensure that the color will apply well and remain durable. Choose a metal primer for metal hardware, a plastic primer for plastic knobs and pulls, or a self-etching primer for brass hardware. Then simply apply the color or finish of your choice!
8. Conquer Closet Chaos
No power tools required here! Simply upgrading your current closet layout with modern shelving and storage solutions —like this chic closet kit from Martha Stewart Living—will help to create a beautifully organized space. Add a pop of color, a decorative light fixture and some chic boxes to make your closet will feel like a glamorous boutique.
9. Get Artsy
Gather your favorite photos or prints and create a gallery wall. I personally love maps of my favorite places and cities or menus from restaurants. Purchase 5-8 frames to hang in any arrangement you like. Lay your frames on the floor to try out a few different layouts. There is no right or wrong way to do this—space them out, put them close together or in a row—whatever draws your eye is the way to go!
10. Light it Up
Ever thought about changing up your light bulbs? Pop an Edison bulb or two into your kitchen pendants or other open light fixtures. It will give your space a completely new feel! You can also opt for trendy LED lighting to add a pop of color in unexpected spaces like under your kitchen cabinets or recessed in crown molding to lighten spaces that are naturally a little darker.
The easiest thing about these DIY projects is that you can pick and choose. Do as many or as few as you like and take your time so you’re not feeling pressured or overwhelmed! This summer I started with updating my front door with a Schlage keyless lock and I’ve been on a roll ever since! Not only do I want to increase the value, but I want to have a more luxurious living experience.
