
If you want to update your home but are holding back because you don't think you can afford it, think again. You can make many simple changes that won't drain your bank account. Even minor modifications can make a noticeable difference in your home's appearance. Here are five home improvement ideas that will breathe new life into your old home.
1. Upgrade Your Curtains
Most people don't think of changing the curtains as a renovation idea, but making a simple swap can significantly improve your home's look. Curtains come in various colors, sizes, and designs, which means they can greatly alter the appearance of any room. Imagine how much you could lighten up a room if you traded dark drapes for a pair of white, sheer ones.
Alternatively, if you're looking for the perfect option to keep cars' headlights and bright parking lot lights out of your eyes at night, consider grabbing a pair of blackout curtains. They are great for bedrooms and guest rooms, as they maintain a level of privacy other curtains don't.
Maybe you like your drapes and don't want to change them. If so, you can get a new look simply by using a different curtain rod or adding a tieback or tassel.
2. Paint the Walls
Consider adding a coat of paint to your rooms, giving them a rejuvenated look. Remember that neutral colors are timeless, and white and tan brighten rooms. These options are always practical.
If you're painting a room after it's decorated, you're at an advantage because you can base the color on the decor. For example, if you have a beach theme in your living room, light blue walls would match well. Make sure you test each sample on the wall before deciding, as the shade may look less appealing in your home than you initially thought.
3. Add New Flooring
If your living room carpet or kitchen floor is worn out, it may be time for an update. Carpeting is an affordable option for living areas and bedrooms. However, some people prefer hard flooring in every room because it's easy to clean.
Vinyl sheets are becoming more popular in homes. This option is durable and comfortable to walk on, and you can choose from nearly any pattern or color. It's also pretty easy to install.
Another option is laminate flooring. This flooring takes longer to set up than vinyl and can become warped if it isn't put together correctly. However, it looks like authentic wood, which many people prefer.
4. Alter Kitchen Cabinets
You can do several things to change the look of your kitchen cabinets. For instance, if you like the color, you can opt for new handles and hardware. But if you look at the color and shudder with disgust, it might be time to dust off the paintbrush and make some changes.
You use your kitchen cabinets multiple times a day, so you should look at them with admiration rather than disdain, which means you need to choose a color you're going to love. White cabinets will brighten the room but may look boring if everything else in your kitchen is white. Instead, consider going with a bold color. Navy blue and dark gray are popular and mesh well with white or stainless steel appliances.
If you prefer the classic wooden look, you may want to stain the cabinets instead. However, this option requires a lot of work because you must sand the doors, drawers, and cabinets several times to remove the preexisting finish before you can apply the stain. Fortunately, you'll have a fresh-looking kitchen once the job is complete.
5. Hide Eyesores
No house is flawless, but you can easily hide your home's imperfections. For example, if you have a stain on your floor, you can add an area rug to cover it up. Or, if you have a lot of storage containers under your bed, you can conceal them with a bed skirt. As long you're creative, you'll be able to come up with eye-catching options to cover up your home's eyesores.
There are so many ways to update your home. Remember that these alterations add up even if you can only afford one small change at a time. Eventually, you'll meet all of your improvement goals and have a home you're proud to show off.