It’s easy to become blind to your surroundings. You may not notice the paint peeling or the scuffs on the floor when you’re wrapped up in daily life. But the second you slow down and take a look around your home the tiny flaws are uncovered. That’s when the cracks and fraying edges are impossible to overlook.
Some renovations need a qualified professional. You can probably fix a leaky pipe or change electrical outlet covers. You’re probably not qualified to install a pellet heater or new metal roof. Yet, there are many affordable and simple home upgrades you can do yourself in an afternoon.
Think of these affordable projects as stepping-stones to bigger DIY renovations. As your confidence grows, you’ll be ready to tackle any home improvements. Here are a few ideas to help you get started:
Paint Outdated Cabinets
Often cabinets are one of the focal points of a kitchen. Battered cabinet doors or dingy surfaces can instantly age a kitchen. And while there are many who like the rustic or distressed look, there is a big difference between artistic and worn out.
One of the easiest and simplest solutions is a fresh coat of paint. House Logic suggests a high-gloss or semi-gloss paint for cabinets because it cleans easily and generally won’t absorb water or grease splatters. Depending on the size of your cabinets, a new coat of paint is extremely cheap compared to installing new cupboards and is a great starter DIY project.
Replace Old Bathroom Hardware
With all the water and steam, bathrooms need to be very durable, but that doesn’t mean you have to choose function over style. And while many bathroom renovations need a professional to ensure proper installations, there are simple upgrades that can instantly upgrade a boring bathroom.
Your first thought for a low-cost bathroom renovation may be a new shower curtain or bath mat, but there are many affordable renovations for under $50 each. You can change your sink’s faucet, upgrade light fixtures around your bathroom mirror, or get a new shower curtain rod. While a new faucet may seem like a job for your local plumber, these are easy installations and good starter renovations. Small hardware installations can change the character of any bathroom.
Create an Accent Wall
Sometimes, there is only so much that can be done with a wall. You can artfully hang pictures and update curtains, but it’s still just a wall. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. However, with a little imagination, you can easily turn your plain wall into an accent wall and change the feel of your entire room.
The most affordable and easiest way to create an accent wall is to paint it a bold color. Another option is to try a Peel and Stick type wall covering. They are inexpensive and can be applied in a few hours. Home Depot sells this 28.18 sq. ft. Blue Distressed Wood Peel and Stick Wallpaper for under $25 a roll. You can choose rustic wood, stone, brick, and many other beautiful selections.
Hide Worn Floors
Replacing flooring may be one of the most expensive renovations in any upgrade. There are endless options, including easy (but pricey) DIY options and professionally installed hardwood. Choosing a stylish area rug can be an easy way to hide worn areas until you’re able to replace old flooring. But that doesn’t mean you’re limited to basic or ordinary.
Bamboo mats and other natural fiber rugs are good options for high-traffic areas. However, if you’re artistic, consider creating your own DIY floor cloth. These are canvases made specifically for beauty, durability, and a chance to show off your creativity! You can purchase a primed and hemmed floor cloth for under $35 on Etsy. You’ll need to paint the canvas and seal it with polyurethane, but a floor covering like this would be an amazing and unique addition to any room.
Whether you tackle simple bathroom renovations, a repainting project, or simply add accent decor to brighten the look of your home, remember to enjoy the DIY process, especially the results!