When updating or renovating your home changing the decor is an inexpensive choice

Avoid being embarrassed by an out-of-date, rundown, old-looking home. Knowing how to inexpensively update your home will help keep it looking fresh and inviting without breaking the bank.

domestic-construction.com gathered the following information, tips, and suggestions to help you make simple and inexpensive updates in your home (even while on a strict budget).

1. Paint Your Front Door

When updating or renovating your home painting your front door is an inexpensive choice

A home’s front door is typically the first thing people see and judge when entering it. Make an impression with a bright, contrasting, welcoming front door color.

Tip: Be sure to choose paint made for outdoor use.

2. Paint Your Rooms

Give your stained, faded, and washed-out walls new life by painting them a new and refreshing color or tone.

Tip: Go to your local home improvement store, where you can pick up color tabs and booklets that help you visualize your project (they are supplied by the paint manufacturer and should be free).

3. Light up Your Porch or Patio

When updating or renovating your home hanging patio lights is an inexpensive choice

When hung over a patio, porch, or backyard, string “cafe” lights can instantly convert an outdoor space into a new destination spot, simultaneously increasing your home’s usable square footage. This new space proves valuable when entertaining or in the summer months when evenings are ideal for outdoor activities.

Tip: Use colored lighting during holiday seasons and celebrations.

4. Hang New Drapery

Your home can look bigger and feel instantly more luxurious by hanging floor-length drapes. You can accomplish this by elevating your curtain rod 6″ to 12″ above the window frame (or go all the way to the ceiling) and extend your curtain rod horizontally 3″ to 6″ past the window frame on either side.

Tip: Your curtains should puddle slightly or just graze the floor for a professionally installed appearance.

5. Swap Out Your Doorknobs

When updating or renovating your home changing your door knobs is an inexpensive choice

Is your home showing its age with dated doorknobs? Swapping them out for new ones can add up quickly but can last for decades, making them a good investment. While you’re at it, don’t forget to install matching hinges and latches.

Tip: If your budget restricts you to one or two at a time, consider painting them until you can afford to replace them.

6. Change Your Shower Curtain

Swapping out your shower curtain can make the greatest visual impact for little money. Choose a bold new color, display your favorite scenery or cartoon character, or large floral designs.

Tip: For larger tubs or “wrap around” tubs, use curtains on each side of it, opening in the middle.

7. Replace Switch and Outlet Covers

When updating or renovating your home upgrading switch and outlet covers is an inexpensive choice

With time, switch and outlet covers get stained, scratched, and broken. You can easily replace them and add a subtle look of rejuvenation to each of your rooms.

Tip: You can save money by removing, cleaning, and painting switch and outlet covers (just make sure they are completely dry before re-installing them).

8. Rejuvenate Old or Worn Furniture

While you are looking at reupholstering or purchasing new furniture, you can give your sofas and chairs a quick upgrade by draping them in blankets and throw pillows.

9. Add Plants to Your Decor

When updating or renovating your home using house plants is an inexpensive choice

A group of thriving, green plants can add instant style to any space. When potted in showy containers and arranged on colorful, multilevel stands, your plants can become the focal point of the room they occupy.

Tip: Most plants thrive in sunny and humid locations. Consider placing them near windows and in sun-filled bathrooms.

10. Install Under-Cabinet Lighting

Instantly alter the ambiance in your kitchen by installing lighting under your cabinets. LED puck lights are inexpensive, super easy to install, and can last for years without inconvenient burnouts.

Tip: If your cabinets do not go all the way to the ceiling, consider lighting up the tops of your cabinets too.

11. Increase Your Home’s Curb Appeal

When updating or renovating your home increasing curb appeal is an inexpensive choice

The front area of your house is the first thing everyone sees(including potential buyers), so make sure it’s clean and welcoming. Add plants to the porch or along the entryway, power wash walkways, install solar-powered walkway/garden lighting, and paint the front door (see #1).

Tip: Have your trees and shrubs pruned and shaped annually to maintain a sharp appearance while promoting tree and shrub health.

12. Upgrade Your Faucets

When updating or renovating your home upgrading faucets is an inexpensive choice

Changing or painting your faucets and handles can add an instant feel of renewal to any sink, tub, or shower stall. Upgrading faucets and handles also gives you an opportunity to evaluate and consider refurbishing or replacing the sinks, tubs, and basins they flow into.

Tip: Periodically check beneath sinks and tubs to detect any water leaks before causing any structural or cosmetic damages.

How do you update an outdated house?

In this article, you discovered multiple ways, tips, and suggestions on how to quickly and inexpensively update your home.

Knowing how to improve your home’s appearance by making subtle changes can keep your living space fresh and, in some cases, increase your home’s curb appeal.

Ignoring subtle but powerful improvements and updates can leave you in a dated, rundown-looking, embarrassment of a home.

Sources:
nyiad.edu/design-articles/personal-style/30-day-interior-makeover-challenge
scalar.usc.edu/works/hq/innovative-tips-to-remake-your-old-bathroom
howtobuildit.org/18-amazing-diy-home-upgrades/