Hey friend, have you ever wanted to upgrade your home but just can’t afford a big renovation? No worries, I got you! Today I am going to share with you 12 ways to update your home without a big renovation.
I know how it is to want it all, but you gotta pull back. And a big renovation is a hassle to live through, trust me. I’ve lived through two full house renovations, while actually living there while we did it.
Not to mention, one of them I almost did all the work by myself because it was CoVid and no contractors wanted to go anywhere and work. Frustrating! But as homemakers, we often want an upgrade or a change that will make living more comfortable.
A quick word about resale
Reselling your home isn’t always a concern. Many people buy a home and plan to live in it for decades. If that describes you, jump down a few paragraphs. But if you’re like me, and you know you will want to move at some point, then make SMART decisions for your upgrades.
Smart DOES NOT mean boring. And it especially doesn’t mean trendy. Chances are, when you go to sell, that trend could have passed and now you will look outdated. Make classic choices and you will always be safe.
So here are 12 ways you can upgrade your current home, without having to do a big nightmare redo. Choose one to do a month, and within a year, you’ll be much farther down the road and closer to what you really want for your space.
Add value storage built-ins
Everyone loves more storage, and some built-ins will provide what you need while saving space or adding decorative appeal. Consider what you will be storing. Is it a collection that is interesting or a place to hide everyday things?
Even if you are short on space, built-ins that add a decor feature will make your space seem stylish AND functional. Sounds like a win/win.
Update old built-ins to look more modern
Many homes already have built-in areas, but they may look dated. It’s easy to upgrade old built-ins. Don’t be afraid to rethink them in a way that feels fresh. Eliminate a few shelves, paint them a bold color, change how they are structured, or back them with paneling or wallpapering.
Whatever makes sense for your personal style and how you want to use the space should be your guide. Just because the house came a certain way NEVER means that it has to stay there.
Repaint and add some color
The quickest refresh of a space is to repaint. This may mean adding bold colors, removing old colors and starting fresh with a blank palette, or even freshening a look you have but with a more durable and cleanable sheen.
Learning to paint is such a valuable skill and will really save you money in the long run. Always use quality paint, the right tools, and work on developing a steady hand.
I’m so glad you’re here
If you love to decorate your home, and create a unique space full of personal style OR if you are interested in learning how, then you are in the right place!
Let’s talk about home decor, vintage, how-to’s, and all the home inspiration to help you make your space a true reflection of YOU and your personal style!
We can solve design problems together. I’ll be sharing resources, tips, inspiration, and some ways I’ve learned to navigate thru the homemaking life.
Hey, Jill here. I’m excited to share my passion for design, vintage, and all things home. I look forward to hearing your questions and comments.
Replace boring light fixtures
There are so many good light fixtures out there now that are super budget friendly. Lowe’s, Menards, and Home Depot all have great lighting departments and switching fixtures out for something with a bit of style is an easy change.
Consider all your lighting options, from overhead pendants, to task lighting, table lamps, and chandeliers. Just because a light fixture is “only in the hallway” doesn’t mean it can’t be stylish. That is the perfect place to choose something striking.
Install LED pot lights and plugs where you need them
Task lighting is so important to everyday life in your home. To me, my most important renovation dollars always go to the electrician. Since I don’t have a desire to electrocute myself, I always hire this task out, cause it is not in my wheelhouse.
Even without a renovation, the electrician can come in and install great task lighting, give you a plug where you really need it, and update other plugs and switches with USB plugs, dimmers, and more.
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Update doors with paint and trim
An easy way to add style and color to a space? Paint those doors! Doors can also be replaced with non-swing options if you’re space is cramped.
Install a sliding door, add trim to make a flat door special, or incorporate a vintage door for added personal style.
Upgrade trim and paneling
If your room feels boring and you want a bit of architectural interest, upgrade your window or door trim, add paneling in your space, and make it special. Adding that extra decorating layer will really bring visual interest to a room and make it feel renovated.
If your walls are smooth, creating a board and batten look is very easy. Even if you have orange peel walls, like many homes out west, paneling can easily be added with smooth board and lots of trim options.
Replace flooring, especially worn-out carpet
Many times, after you have lived in a house for decades, it really is time for new flooring. New carpet or hardwood can reduce allergens floating around in the air, along with making your space feel larger and more expansive.
If you’re lucky enough to have hardwood floors, switch up area rugs or have the floor refinished if it needs it. An updated look for your floor will elevate the entire space.
Upgrade hardware and door knobs
Details do matter, even small ones. Hardware is the jewelry of your house, and installing upgraded hardware, along with a new finish, can give your home that newly renovated feel.
If your budget is super tight, consider removing what you have and spraying it with a metal paint in the color that you desire. I have done this in the past with much success. Don’t be afraid to go for what you want.
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Change window treatments
Yes, window treatments are for looks, but more important, for light control. Is it time to upgrade those blinds, add drapes, and control your light and privacy?
Window treatments can add quite a bit to the decor aspect of a room too. Choose wisely and make sure they fit your window properly.
Declutter and organize
If you don’t like how a room feels, then decluttering and organizing is the first place to start! Remove items that haven’t been touched in years. Pull favorite items together and create a decorative grouping and allow your room to breath a bit.
Organize closets so you can actually see and find everything. When you don’t know it’s there, you will never use it. Keep things current and what you use most in the forefront.
Decluttering is free and usually sends you on a journey of cleaning, which is always a good thing. Make sure you have boxes to corral the items you don’t need and put them right into your car so you can drop them off at the nearest donation center in a timely manner.
Restyle and rearrange
Rethink how you currently want to use your room and rearrange furniture and items to accommodate that. When we had our big house, while the kids were growing up, I used to swap the furniture all the time.
My hubby traveled quite a bit for business and I would always move things while he was gone. One day my Dad commented, “Good thing he’s not a drinker, because he could come home and not know which house he was in!” Of course, the kids and I used to take bets about how long it would take him to notice what was changed (I think the longest record was 2 weeks!)
What changes will you make first?
When wanting a change, start out with those things that are free (decluttering and restyling), then make your plan according to budget and time. The most important thing is to create a space that functions well for those that live there, and is a reflection of your personal style and what you love.
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Hopefully this gave you some ideas to start thinking about it! Thanks you friend.
Great ideas! I think I’m due for a refresh!! I love these ideas!