We all want our houses to look the best when holiday revelers come to visit. If you’re like me, though, you waited until late November to start your home improvement projects, and now you have to scramble for time and some extra money in the holiday budget.
To spruce up your home without breaking the bank, check out these five ideas for projects that yield maximum results with minimal effort and cost:
- Paint: All you need is a can of paint to make big changes. Completely transform the mood of a room, or turn your front door into the main attraction of your porch. You can even paint a tile back splash or turn worn vinyl flooring into something that resembles stone.
- Lighting: If you have lamps, you don’t necessarily need new ones ‘ simply changing lamp shades is a great way to update a room. You also can install new overhead lighting, such as a pendant lamp, or add inexpensive LED strips underneath your kitchen cabinets. Finally, dimmer switches can cast a whole new glow on your lighting options.
- Furniture: You don’t need to buy new furniture to have “new” furniture. A slipcover or new upholstery can refresh a tired couch or chair. Or, if you like your pieces the way they are, why not rearrange them? That won’t cost you anything at all.
- Don’t forget the hardware: Do your cabinet pulls and handles look dated or worn? Replacing them will make a bigger difference than you might think. While you can buy new ones at a local home improvement or department store, check online auction sites or local “freecycle” groups for other interesting options. A new faucet for your bathroom or kitchen is another great update that won’t break your budget.
- Take a look outside: Spruce up your porch and create an inviting atmosphere with container plants, which are easy to swap out. A new welcome mat, door-knocker or house numbers could further lend an entirely new feel to your curb appeal.
Your options are limitless, and some are even easier than you think. One of the easiest fixes of all? Clearing up clutter around the house, and getting rid of things you no longer use. It might not be as much fun as these other projects, but you’ll be just as happy with the results!
