As the year winds down and the holiday season gets closer, plenty of homeowners start itching to make a few changes around the house. The good news is that a noticeable refresh doesn't have to cost a fortune. Here are fourteen easy, wallet-friendly ideas for both the inside and outside of your home, from quick weekend projects to painting your tile.
1. Swap Out Cabinet Hardware
If your kitchen knobs and pulls are showing their age, new ones can make the whole room feel more current. Expect to spend roughly $50 to $100, and you'll find a huge selection on Amazon.
2. Hang New Curtains
The right curtains add privacy while making windows appear bigger and ceilings feel higher. For extra height, mount the rod about a foot above the top of the window.
3. Freshen Up With Paint
Paint is usually the simplest upgrade of all. You might tone down loud colors with something calmer, or go the other way and add a bold accent wall. Either approach can work beautifully.
4. Plant for Privacy
Shrubs or hanging plants are an attractive way to screen your yard from the neighbors' view.
5. Update Your Lighting
Trade dated wall sconces for something new, replace the bathroom vanity fixture, or simply try bulbs with a different color temperature. Smart color bulbs, like Philips Hue, give you plenty of flexibility.
6. Give the Front Door a Makeover
Your front door plays a starring role in curb appeal. Pick a look that suits the rest of your home's style. A coat of paint is an inexpensive fix, and black doors are especially popular right now.
7. Add Floating Shelves
A bare kitchen wall is the perfect spot for floating shelves, which show off your dishes in an open, modern way.
8. Conceal the Cords
Tidying up tangled cables instantly makes a room look more finished. A cord cover kit runs about $17.99.
9. Paint the Tile
Tired bathroom tile? Painting a pattern on it can give the floor a whole new look in roughly a day, with no demolition required.
10. Install New House Numbers
Modern address numbers make a surprising difference, especially when paired with other curb appeal improvements.
11. Try a Frame-Style TV
Televisions that display artwork in a picture frame can blend in like a piece of art, and you can choose from different frames and art options. This is one of the pricier ideas on the list.
12. Light Up Under the Cabinets
Under-cabinet lighting adds a warm glow to the kitchen and makes it easier to follow a recipe or cookbook while you cook.
13. Refresh Your Gallery Wall
If your photo wall is a mix of mismatched frames, switch to a single style and size for a cleaner, more unified look.
14. Dress Up the Front Porch
A seasonal wreath, a playful doormat, or new outdoor furniture can make your porch more inviting. An interchangeable welcome sign is a fun option you can change with the seasons.
When DIY Isn't the Answer
Sometimes a weekend project can't fix the real issue, like a home that's simply too small or no longer suits the way you live. If you're thinking about selling before the holidays, reach out and I'll be happy to put together a valuation of your home.