Tired of your home looking old and dated but lacking pots of money to undergo major renovations? Here are some fun, creative projects to give your home a new and updated look without breaking the bank.
Paint the Front Door
One can of paint can boost your home’s curb appeal in one afternoon. Painting the front door can refresh the look of your whole house. Removing the door from the hinges and laying it flat is the easiest way to tackle repainting a door but be sure to give it a good cleaning and sanding before you prime and paint it.
Update House Numbers
Give your front door a personality-filled facelift by changing out that dirty, rusty hardware and add some new pretty, more readable house numbers. All it takes is a screwdriver and a few minutes to completely transform your front door into one you love.
Replace Switchplates
Replacing those dull, impossible to clean, plastic switch plates with wood, metal, or ceramic covers makes a strong visual statement. Some switch plates are available that are textured to blend in with marble, tile, or stone surfaces. If you can’t afford new switch plates, recover them with complementary or matching wallpaper.
Jazz Up Your Storage
Plastic bins are a versatile and inexpensive way to take your storage options up a notch in almost every room. Storage baskets come in many styles, with different sizes in each collection to suit your space. Woven baskets are a popular and versatile option. Some even have wheels for under-the-bed. Use clear bins though for the pantry or for a closet gift-wrap station, as they are an easy way to take inventory and identify items at a glance. Print out some calligraphy labels to ensure everything stays tidy and easy to access.
Hang some Mirrors
Mirrors are great addition to any home and can help give an updated look to any room. Find a spot that will reflect a good view like over a fireplace or next to a piece of artwork. Mirrors placed opposite windows help brighten up a dark room and make a small room look larger. They are a neutral option when you’re not sure how to decorate your wall space.
Bedside Storage
Repurpose an old storage basket (or buy a new one) and hang it near the head of the bed. This can become a useful charging station. Just thread your charger cords through the back of the basket. This easy-to-install storage idea is especially good for a small or guest bedroom.
Add Open Shelving
Fit an empty stretch of wall space in the kitchen with open shelving to display your favourite items or to hold frequently used items, such as coffee mugs. Laminated shelf boards cost about $10 each but, if you’ve got the time to go a flea market, save cash by buying vintage wood shelves that you can repaint or stain and install.
Create an Office Space
A closet can be transformed into a small, compact office by fitting a floating table and adding a lighting fixture. The floating table can accommodate your computer and printer and smaller shelving above can provide extra storage space. Try wallpapering or painting the back wall of the closet to add some color.
Update Furniture with Paint
A fresh coat of painty can breathe new life into any old pieces of furniture. For wood pieces, remove dirt or wax buildup with a household cleaner and rinse. Sand rough areas and wipe away any dust. Apply two coats of stain-blocking primer and allow it to dry between coats. Roll or brush on two coats of latex paint in the direction of the wood grain, and use a brush to finish the surface with smooth strokes.
Add Hanging Storage in Your Garage, Basement
Free up valuable floor space in your basement, garage, or entryway with hanging storage. Seasonal items, such as bikes and sleds, are difficult to store and take up lots of space. Adding hooks to an unused wall or ceiling area will give you space you didn’t know you had.
