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Redecorating Success Story: How to Transform Your House on a Budget

HerMoney Staff  |  May 3, 2021

Ready for a home redecorating project but don’t have the funds? A few of these quick fixes should do the trick for your house.

We all wish our homes could feel fresh and appealing all the time — both to us and to our visitors. However, when you have to balance keeping up with essentials versus a full-scale redecoration, the latter is easy to put on the back burner, especially when your budget is tight.  But what if we told you that redecorating your home doesn’t always have to break the bank? A few creative tweaks here and there can transform your home without emptying your wallet. Here are 5 ways to refresh your home while sticking to a budget. 

1. Up the exterior

They say that first impressions matter, and the same is true for your home. Forget redecorating for a second. Working on the exterior of your home is one way to make it stand out. 

No, you don’t have to redo all of the siding and the roof right now. Instead, upgrade your front door with a new coat of paint, or swap out the rusted hardware with affordable yet stylish new choices.  You can also spruce the entryway with a new doormat or add potted plants to your porch. 

Working on the walk up to the home also adds a little umph to your home’s exterior. For instance, you can achieve beautiful concrete borders by mixing fields of broom-finished concrete or less-expensive plain concrete with stenciled concrete borders. You can keep the cost down by doing most of the work yourself, but it is wise to work with a general contractor for the best results.

2. Work on your sofa

The sofa not only serves as the focal point of any living room, it’s undoubtedly the place we spend the most time, especially during the last year. Giving this one piece a makeover can breathe life into your home. You don’t have to head out and buy an entire new piece to achieve this, though. Try reupholstering it with a new funky fabric instead. Head to your local fabric store to explore the prints that might work. You’ll be shocked at how cheaply you can finish the couch for — starting at only a few dollars — then work with an upholstery expert that offers affordable services. If your budget can’t allow that, you can spruce up your sofa by adding new throw pillows and blankets. Mix up the colors and patterns to give it a good feel.   

3. Change your window treatments

Old windows? No need for new panes. Instead, swap those outdated drapes or dirty blinds for something brand new. New — and clean — styles on your windows will go a long way in transforming your home. Incidentally, it doesn’t have to cost you much to achieve it. Rather than going for curtains that are already stitched, you can buy the fabric and have them stitched by your local seamstress at a lower fee. Alternatively, if you are a bit resourceful, you can do the job yourself. (PS: There are plenty of guides online that you can follow if you need a little extra help). Once they’re done, consider hanging your gorgeous new treatments yourself instead of employing someone else to do it. 

4. Replace the hardware in your home

The bathroom and kitchen are probably the most expensive spaces to upgrade considering the pricey appliance market. But fear not, you can redecorate these rooms without having to take out a second mortgage. Just changing the hardware can do wonders. Ditch the old cabinet knobs and handles and replace the faucets in your bathroom and kitchen with new ones. Though it might be a lot of tedious work, you don’t have to pay a plumber to do this job. If you really want to save money and are reasonably handy, dedicate a weekend to work the magic on your bathroom and kitchen yourself.

5. Wallpaper an accent wall

Accent walls are IN. (Seriously!) However, buying high-quality paint that won’t disappoint can be quite expensive. Thankfully, you can achieve this coveted accent wall by installing wallpaper on the wall — a sometimes cheaper option compared to paying for a bucket of paint. Wallpaper comes in a ton of colors and fun patterns, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding something you love. It’s also super easy to install, and many wallpapers come in a stick-on option these days that makes the job even simpler. 

Your redecorating story — one you’re likely writing during this pandemic — can be a success even if you have few coins to spare. A few touches here and there don’t cost a lot but can give your home a new lease of life. To really cash in on savings, getting the job done yourself, like, without hiring anyone to do it for you, is the way to go. Plus, you can use those savings toward future redecoration projects. 

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