20 Budget-friendly ways to update your home

20 Budget-friendly ways to update your home

At one time or another, many of us have experienced looking around our homes and no longer feeling satisfied or inspired by the same old tired interior, says Yael Geffen, CEO of Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty.

"But during the past three and a half months, most of us have spent more time in our homes than we normally would in a year, often with little to do, giving us loads of time and opportunity to really notice flaws and shortcomings, perhaps for the very first time.

"Which is could be an especially disheartening realisation at the moment considering the financial constraints that lockdown has imposed on many of us for the foreseeable future, making home renovations and upgrades seem like an unattainable pipe dream."

But Geffen says that whilst the sky really is the limit when it comes to home improvement, creating a stylish home does not require a big budget.

"Even if you aren't a DIY enthusiast, with a little imagination and planning and a bit of advice, there are many ways to cost-effectively spruce up and modernise your home so that you can fall in love with it all over again."

Declutter and organise

The very first step is a good spring clean, decluttering and organising as you go. It can make a big difference to the look and feel of a room, giving it a more relaxed and peaceful feel. Pack away all your treasured items for safe-keeping and fill a box with unwanted items for charity.

Add natural light

Natural light automatically makes a room appear larger so remove blinds from windows where no-one can see in, trim back trees and bushes just outside the windows and open curtains wide.

Mirrors

Mirrors are one of the easiest and cheapest ways to brighten up your home and lighten a room. When placed strategically, they bounce light, reflecting it around the room and making everything feel that much more open and spacious.

Install new light fittings

A new light fixture or replaced light fitting can single-handedly polish off a room, instantly making it look more modern.

The power of accent walls

Instead of taking the time to revamp an entire room, by changing the colour of just one wall in a room, you can make a dramatic difference. So, pick a bold new colour or choose a great accent wallpaper pattern to give a space an entirely new look.

Statement Art

Make a bland wall more eye-catching with oversized artwork. Go for large-scale photography or an abstract and vibrant print to really make a statement.

Create A Statement Wall

When you declutter and tidy you might find you have a stack of mismatched plates which would look great hung on a wall together or you could print and frame family photos to fill a wall with happy memories.

Update fixtures and fittings

Give your home a quick and easy update by replacing out-dated features such as light fittings, ceiling fans, door handles, doorknobs and locks. And instead of replacing kitchen or refinishing those old kitchen cabinets, funky new knobs will make a world of difference.

Install a backsplash

A colourful tile backsplash in your kitchen will give the room an upgrade that will make you feel like you just moved in all over again.

Upgrade your bedding

If your budget stretches to it, buy a super-comfortable new mattress or simply get a new duvet cover set, some fluffy pillows and a stylish comforter. Not only will it look great but you will sleep better too – and when you're sleeping well, you feel better all-around.

Paint your front door

Now that family can finally visit again, give them a colourful welcome by adding a lick of paint to that worn wooden door. Pick a bold colour to make a real statement.

Spruce up your entryway

Even if you don't have a grand entrance foyer, you can still make it far more welcoming by adding a small console table with fresh flowers in a vase and perhaps a striking mat.

Rug rage

Rugs really do add a finishing touch to a space but it has to be done right. The most common mistake people make is choosing a rug that is too small which can actually ruin a room. When in doubt, go large.

New flooring

Perhaps you have wooden floors under those tired wall-to-wall carpets? Or the bathroom floor tiles are older than you are? It doesn't cost the earth to rip up the carpet and sand the floors to their original glory and if you can't face retiling you can always buy some tile paint which is cheaper and easier.

Paint and stain

Dated wooden furniture like cabinets and occasional tables can be given a new lease on life with a wood stain or transformed with a coat of paint.

et up a cosy reading spot

If you have dead space in the corner of a room, turn it into your designated reading nook with an old chair or chaise lounge and a standing lamp.

Create a dedicated coffee nook

If you have the space, set aside a separate area of your kitchen, whether you bring in a small table or use a designated section of your countertop. Set out your best mugs, along with the grinder and a funky jar of your favourite beans.

Introduce greenery

Including pot plants as part of your décor will not only give a room a lift, but they also help detoxify the air and improve your home's health.

Upgrade old appliances

Upgrading visible appliances like kettles and toasters will not only give your kitchen a new look, but could also save you money in the long run if you buy energy-efficient models.

Geffen concludes: "It really doesn't have to cost a king's ransom to revamp your home as long as the underlying structure is solid. Cosmetic changes are mostly quick and easy to do and you can easily give your home a whole new look without breaking the budget."