If you home needs some help but you do not have much extra cash, you can still make some noticeable changes for the better. As with any home improvement project, you will need to invest some sweat equity, but the final results are worth the effort. This article provides some valuable tips to make your home look great on a budget.
Your kitchen or bathroom cabinets may be looking worn or tired, so think of re-finishing or repainting them. Your choice will depend on the finish that is currently on them. If they are painted, it would be difficult to remove all the old paint adequately to expose the underlying wood for refinishing. In this case it would be better to just repaint them. If they are currently finished, you can strip the old varnish off and refinish them. You could even stain them a different color before applying the final coat of varnish.
You can add a whole new look to your cabinets by replacing the hardware on them. Look in home improvements stores for matching hinges, handles and knobs in a style you like. Whether you prefer a modern look or a more traditional style, you can find what you want in your choice of several finishes.
Adding an accent wall to a room can really change the look. You will need to consider the size of the room when choosing the color of your accent wall. Do not use a dark or intense color in a small room since it will only make the room appear smaller. Once you have painted your accent wall, repeat the color in some of the rooms' furnishings. Perhaps a few throw pillows in coordinating shades or a room-sized rug would be just the touch you need to finish the look.
Unless the room you are updating has been recently painted, you may want to refresh the paint. Here again, you need to pay attention to the room size when choosing your paint color. Cool colors in pale shades will make the room seem larger, but if you have a large room, you can use warm colors in slightly darker shades.
Window treatments are a big part of interior design, and updating the drapes or curtains in a room can make a big improvement. The type of window and its orientation should be considered when you choose your window treatments. If your window is large and faces south, you should make sure your window treatment can block out the sun if necessary. Installing blinds on the window before adding the drapery is often the best choice.
Real wood floors are a valuable asset to your home, but if they are worn and stained, they detract from its appearance. Consider having your hardwood floors refinished, or rent a sander and do the work yourself. This job is time-consuming and requires adequate knowledge to finish it properly, but the project is worth the effort. Do not just cover your hardwood floors with carpet unless absolutely necessary.
Some of these updates may involve more time and expense than others, but all of them will add value to your home. The best plan is to start with the simplest project and work your way up from there.