Updating your home can be an exciting yet daunting task, especially if you want to avoid a full remodel. Fortunately, there are several budget-friendly ways to give your home a fresh, modern look without breaking the bank or going through the hassle of major renovations. Here are eight simple, affordable tips to refresh your space.
- The Power of Paint: Beyond the Walls
When we think of paint, the first thought is often about changing the color of our walls. While this is a great way to refresh a room, consider using paint in other areas of your home to make a big impact. Paint can be applied to brick, tile, wood trim, ceilings, floors, and even countertops! A fresh coat of paint can transform dated spaces like fireplaces, staircases, and tile floors without the need for costly replacements.
Pro Tip: If you’re dealing with outdated wood trim or flooring that has an orange or dated tone, painting or staining it can provide a modern update. Black-painted fireplaces or whitewashed brick are timeless choices that add a modern touch to any space.
- Update Doors with Simple Molding
Old, flat-panel doors can make your home feel outdated. Instead of replacing them, you can easily upgrade their look by adding molding to create a custom design. This DIY project is both affordable and simple—just apply wood trim to the doors using construction adhesive, then paint over it.
This method works great for closet doors, bedroom doors, and even bathroom doors, offering endless style possibilities from traditional to modern.
- Replace Ivory Switch Plates
Ivory switch plates are a dead giveaway of a dated home. In just a few minutes, you can replace these with clean, modern white or even screwless switch plates that look sleek and updated. For a more seamless look, you can also paint switch plates to match the wall color or cover them with wallpaper for a subtle, invisible finish.
- Add Trim and Molding to Walls
If your walls are looking plain or outdated, consider adding picture frame molding or wainscoting to create depth and elegance. This upgrade instantly makes a room look more expensive and polished, whether you’re aiming for a modern or traditional style. Installing pre-made picture frame molding is an easy DIY project that adds character to hallways, living rooms, or even small spaces like closets.
Suggested Photo: A hallway with fresh picture frame molding.
- Remove Dated Window Treatments
Old, heavy drapes or vertical blinds can severely date your space. Spend a day removing them and replacing them with modern roller shades, Roman shades, or light, neutral curtains. Hanging curtains high and wide around windows allows for more light to enter the room, instantly brightening and modernizing the space.
- Tone Down Saturated Wood Tones
Saturated wood tones, like orange oak or cherry wood, are a common culprit of a dated look. However, instead of ripping out the wood features, you can opt for staining or whitewashing. Staining your wood with a more neutral color or whitewashing it will give it a fresh, modern appearance while preserving the natural beauty of the wood.
Pro Tip: Choose a stain color that sits in the middle ground—not too gray, not too orange. This neutral tone will give you flexibility in decorating your space.
- Modernize Light Fixtures
Another affordable way to update your space is to replace old, outdated light fixtures. Swap out brass chandeliers, ceiling fans, or dome lights for more modern designs like sleek pendants or minimalist flush mounts. This is a relatively simple upgrade that can completely change the atmosphere of a room.
- Declutter and Optimize Storage
Sometimes, the simplest update is reducing visual clutter. Over time, homes accumulate unnecessary items that can make a space feel cramped and outdated. Take time to declutter and organize with stylish storage solutions like woven baskets, floating shelves, or sleek cabinets.
