5 Easy and Inexpensive Ways to Upgrade Your Home

Looking for some easy ways to add character and appeal to your home? Whether you're getting ready to list your home or just want to freshen things up, read on for five easy tips that won't break the bank.

Swap out Hardware

One of the most simple and inexpensive ways to make your home look less cookie-cutter and updated is to swap out your hardware. This goes for kitchen drawers and cabinets, bathroom vanities, and even dresser and nightstand hardware. If you're like me and have a mixture of inexpensive furniture (from places like IKEA, Hobby Lobby, Kirkland's, etc.) and more quality furniture, you may have noticed the difference in hardware quality and visual appeal. Usually cheaper furniture has very plain hardware, and upgrading your knobs and pulls can go a long way in giving those pieces more character. If your kitchen has builder-grade, boring pulls, it's worth it to invest in some unique hardware to really give your space a more custom look. Hardware costs can vary wildly, but the important thing is finding pulls and knobs that are a little bit unique and fit the vibe that you're going for. If your ideal style is boho, consider with brushed brass, painted ceramic or rattan knobs. If you're more of a farmhouse fan, go with sleek black knobs and pulls or hammered cup pulls. If you prefer a glam look, go for brass, faceted crystal/glass or acrylic pulls. Great places to source hardware include: Hobby Lobby, your local salvage store, Build.com, Etsy, Anthropologie, Cabinetparts.com, rejuvenation.com and even Lowe's and Home Depot (the extent of their online selections may surprise you!)

Do Window Coverings Right

Bare windows have their place, but simple panels can make a huge difference in creating a more luxe space. The key with panels is twofold: hanging them at the right height and making sure they are full enough. One of the worst mistakes homeowners make is hanging curtain rods right above their windows. This look draws the eye down from the ceiling, and makes the ceiling appear lower than it is. My tips for hanging panels: 1) Buy two sets of panels (for a total of 4) and hang two on each side of the window to create a full look. 2) Hang the rod 2/3 the distance between the ceiling and the window and extend the rod beyond the window on each side. The curtains should just barely kiss the floor. Great places to source ready-made panels in a variety of heights: IKEA, Bed Bath & Beyond and Amazon.com. Also consider the inexpensive yet high-impact drop-cloth curtain trend!

Update One Key Piece

If you're on a decor budget, you're not alone! Most people can't afford to replace every piece of furniture in a space at once, and that is A-OK. If you're determined to update your room but don't have much wiggle room in the budget, I recommend replacing one or two items in the room with items that have more character. For example, replacing your dog-nibbled dated coffee table with a funky piece from a thrift store or chalk-painting your existing table with a fun accent color can totally change the vibe of the room. Transform your couch with an inexpensive slipcover or some plush new throw pillows in fun colors. Update hodge-podge end tables leftover from your college apartment by chalk-painting them the accent same color, or replacing them with some on-trend and inexpensive pieces from places like Target, Homegoods or World Market. The goal here is not necessarily to replace them with high-quality heirlooms, but to simply soften the thrown-together or dated look with an fresh, intentional vibe.

L-R: Live Edge Wood And Resin Cailen Coffee Table from World Market, Roesler Frame Coffee Table from Wayfair, Sonoma Coffee Table from Kirkland's

Paint or Wallpaper over Bland Walls

One of the least expensive things you can do to your home is also one of the things that can make the biggest impact: switching up your wall color! If your walls have been the same colors since Trading Spaces was on TLC, it's probably time for a refresh! Whether you choose a popular greige or gray (great for resale), a funky accent wall color, or a light and airy ivory, a fresh coat of paint can make a huge impact for a relatively small investment. Check out my color posts for more on choosing the perfect color palette for your home. Another option is wallpaper, which is back in a very big way. While small, traditional patterns and the mess of hanging traditional wallpaper may be a turnoff, you have more options now than ever before. DIY peel and stick papers are widely available, and there are huge varieties of patterns to choose from. Some of my favorites are large-scale, bold botanical patterns, vintage boho patterns, and more traditional grasscloth for added texture. Whatever you choose, remember to go with something that reflects the vibe you're trying to create, not something that matches what you currently have and aren't happy with anymore. Baby steps toward your vision! Visit hardware stores to pick up paint chips and sample cans before you commit. Try your color on each wall of your space to see how it works with your natural and artificial lighting, as it can change dramatically. As for sourcing wallpaper, try minted.com, etsy.com, cb2.com, chasingpaper.com and grahambrown.com.

Photo credit: www.dorbnob.com https://dornob.com/before-after-paint-22-home-furniture-interior-photos/

Freshen up Your Lighting

Last but not least, changing out dated light fixtures can totally change the vibe of a room. Shiny, traditional brass from the 90s, amber frosted glass, and the infamous "boob lights" are out. Try finding a fixture with some texture and character instead, which will draw the eye up and add warmth and personality to your room. Whether your style is boho, industrial, glam or farmhouse, there is a wide selection of lighting out there for you. Some of my favorite stores to source lighting are IKEA, World Market and Amazon, which all have great selections at reasonable prices. And, even though it is totally personal preference, I HIGHLY recommend warm white light bulbs over cool white, as they will give your space a cozy glow as opposed to a stark, cold feel.

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