As we all know, home improvements can add convenience, value, and enjoyment to our homes. But they can also be expensive. The national average cost to remodel a kitchen is roughly $27,000, but prices range widely from $15,000 for a minor cosmetic update up to $130,000+ for major structural overhauls. Ouch! We are already feeling that our wallets are being squeezed by inflation. To help out, here are a few ideas for low-cost upgrades you can do all by yourself.
Be Thrifty with Your Kitchen Remodel
Let’s start with the elephant in the room—your kitchen. “With the cost of appliances, countertops, and cabinets, this project can quickly become a major investment,” notes Lifehacker.com. “If your kitchen is feeling dated, you can do some simple (and cheaper) updates like changing out cabinet hardware, painting the walls, or adding a backsplash. If you have appliances that are outdated, consider replacing only the ones that are broken or damaged. Mismatched appliances might not be such a big deal if [they save] you thousands of dollars.”
Pinch Your Pennies on a Bathroom Makeovers
The second most expensive improvements are in the bathroom (and because of their smaller footprint. on a cost per square foot basis, bathrooms are easily the costliest). Like in your kitchen, fresh paint and upgraded hardware can make a world of difference here. If your bathtub or shower are looking shabby, recaulking them may be all it takes to improve their look. Instead of a custom bathroom vanity, a new mirror and faucet fixtures may be all that you need to achieve a swanky appearance.
Add Some Contrast
While you have your painting gear out and your painting clothes on look around the rest of your home. “Instead of the standard, basic white, painting your doors a different color is a great way to make your home look more expensive,” blesserhouse.com suggests. “You could try a steely gray or a mushroomy taupe. Go bold with a punch of color, if that’s your style. Choosing anything but plain white makes your home feel custom without needing to spend a lot.”
Reflect Your Good Taste
Businessinsider.com offers “Mirrors are [a] secret weapon for adding depth, light, and sophistication to a space. Large, strategically placed mirrors can reflect both natural and artificial light, making a room feel brighter and more spacious. They also create intriguing visual layers and a sense of opulence. Consider placing mirrors across from windows or adjacent to artwork to amplify their effect.”
Dress Up Your Indoor Plants
“Plants often come with small containers that can look a little wimpy,” remarks thriftydecorchick.com “I suggest replanting into a large pot and placing that in a simple basket or pretty vessel. This adds some texture and weight to the plant. I use large, cheap plastic pots all the time! You don't even notice when they're placed in a basket. The added width at the bottom makes the whole thing look bigger...which is especially helpful if you don't have a green thumb!”
Shed Some New Light
“Does your home still feature builder-grade lights?” styleathome.com asks. “Swapping them out for more curated picks adds flair and personal style to your design. Keep an eye out for sales at your local lighting stores or head to an antique market for a unique find.” Another way to score cheaper lighting fixtures is to look for clearance and open box items online. For example, lampsplus.com offers a dedicated sale section where you can snag designer and traditional styles at significant markdowns.
Don’t Get Decked
If you want to add an outdoor seating area, adding a deck is a major expense. If your funds are limited, instead of building a deck, concrete pavers from one of the big box home improvement stores is an alternate way to create a patio area that’s mud free. They are easy to install for the average D-I-Yer and will save you a few thousand dollars.
For more ways to give your home that "lap of luxury" look without breaking the bank type “Make Your Home Look Expensive on a Budget” into your favorite search engine.
