We all want to live in a comfortable and maybe even fashionable home. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you step into a home improvement store or watch one of those TV shows where a room or entire house is updated. Who has that kind of budget? Well the good news is that there are plenty of ways to reinvent your space on a dime (or even if you don’t have a dime to spare!).
1. Move Your Curtain Rod Up
Feel like you have low ceilings and limited space? You may want to consider moving your curtain rod up a few inches. Most of us install the rod right above the window but moving it a few inches up creates the illusion of space in the room.
2. Use Scarves, Belts, or Ribbons as Curtain Tie Backs
No tie backs? No problem. Don’t rush to the store, instead look through your collection of scarves, belts, and ribbon to see if there’s any you can use to add a splash of color and a creative low cost transformation.
3. Replace Drawer Knobs or Cabinet Pulls
A fairly simple way to change the look of your kitchen is to purchase new cabinet pulls or knobs. You can find several affordable options in your local home improvement store (look for the packages of multiples rather than purchasing individual knobs). It won’t take too much time or skill and you’ll create a whole new look.
4. Spray Paint Furniture You Already Have
Oh how we love spray paint in our house! We’ve used it to customize light fixtures, rehab old lawn furniture, and create accent pieces. It’s easy to use and oh so affordable. Plus you matching the color is usually a snap when you buy a brand name.
5. Change Light Switch Plates
Like changing the bulbs, you can change light switch plates with little skill and a small budget. You might even consider spray painting a switch plate to give your room some extra pizazz.
6. Install a New Light Fixture
Last year, we made a major change in our kitchen. We dumped the old ceiling fan we had for more than a decade and purchased a very cheap drop down light fixture. We then spray painted it bright red to match our kitchen. It’s one of my very favorite elements of our house and I love the way it looks! The cost was right around $25, too!
7. Clear Out Excess Clutter
While it’s probably the last thing we want to do, clearing out the clutter is where most of us (ME!) should begin when it comes to our homes. Be sure you work on spaces where items seem to collect – counters, closets, night stands. Be honest with yourself. If you haven’t used or worn an item in the last three months, it should either be stored or donated.
8. Rearrange Your Furniture
A great simple and FREE way to give new life to your home is by rearranging the furniture you already have. Move larger pieces in the room and take accent pieces and move them to another room entirely. If you’re not skilled with visual arrangement (an area where I struggle), ask a friend to come over and help you with the process.
9. Repurpose Jars for Storage
Need a place for make up brushes, markers, small toys, or craft supplies? Look no further than your own pantry. You can repurpose the food jars you bring into your house from the grocery store and use them for storage. Simply wash the jar thoroughly. Consider spray painting the cap or covering it with shelf paper so it coordinates with your room. Add your items and voila, free storage!
10. Decorate With Family Treasures
There’s no need to throw out beautiful birthday cards or precious letters. Consider stringing them on a piece of twine with clothes pins and then hanging them in your home. A few years ago, I framed one of my grandmother’s recipes and then displayed it with a few of her kitchen utensils. Bring out the cake plate or that old vase in the cabinet and decorate your home with items that count.
For those of you local, I’ll be at the Indianapolis Home Show today (1/29/2017), sharing these ideas along with my favorite ways to save money at stores like Menards, Home Depot, and Lowe’s. You can even get a $3 discount on tickets with the code QUEEN. I’d love to see you there!
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal or maybe even something for free, you also help our family pay off our mortgage early. And for that, we royally thank you!
