Home Improvement On A Shoestring Budget
Home improvements can be a great way to update the look of your home. You may choose a home improvement project in order to increase the home's sales appeal, make over an outdated look, or just renew your interest in your dwelling.
Some home improvement projects, such as room additions, kitchen remodels and furniture replacement, can consume a large amount of time as well as money. Many of us cannot afford to do major renovations, but would still like to do something to spark a new interest as well as a new look in the old style. Here are some ways you can improve the look of your home, even if you are doing it on a tight budget.
New Paint Can Do Wonders
One of the least expensive major improvements you can accomplish on a small budget is re-painting your home. New paint offers the biggest bang for your buck, and can make your entire house look and smell like new. If you can wield a paintbrush, roller and some masking tape, you can do the job yourself, and save a bundle. To save even more, visit a local home improvement center, and look for paint that has been returned unopened, or priced for clearance. You can create interesting new looks by painting a whole room, or just one wall. Try using stencils, or even try your hand at an abstract design. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination.
Portrait Wall
You can create an eye-catching wall design by displaying portraits of family members and friends. Look at the local dollar store to find interesting, inexpensive frames to complement your photos. You can add embellishments, such as beads, stones or seashells to plain frames, or add personal touches, such as text, with craft paint or glitter pens. Try antiquing paint from a craft store to age frames for old black and white photos. Then, arrange your "family wall" in an attractive way.
Thrift Store Savvy
Thrift stores are all the rage these days. You can find bargains galore while perusing the aisles of your local second-hand store. Unique furniture items can be bought for a fraction of the cost of new, and are brought back to life with a little paint, stain or a few door handles and drawer pulls. Look for nice linens, tableware or bedding that will look new in your home.
Overhaul a Bathroom
A bathroom is a small room that has a huge impact on a home. You may not be able to replace expensive fixtures, or lighting, but with a little creativity, you can change the look for very little money. Start with a cheery new paint job. Some good color combinations are blue and yellow, or lavender with mint green. Use one color for the walls, and the other for accents. Find inexpensive towels either on sale, or at a thrift shop. Add a shower curtain, some candles and a second-hand light fixture, and you won't recognize your bathroom!
The opportunities for inexpensive home improvements are endless. These are just a few suggestions, and with a little creativity, you can think of more ways to create a pleasant, new atmosphere without breaking the bank!
