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Smart, affordable home renovations for every budget

Redesigning your home doesn't have to break the bank. Save money with these affordable home renovation ideas

Gray and orange retro inspired living room
Ground Picture / Shutterstock

While you may be saving up for that dream reno, you don’t have to put redesigning your home on the back burner. Refreshing your space can be a simple and budget-friendly process if you know what to do. So, instead of putting off your interior design plans for a later date, consider trying some of these affordable home renovations to update your space.

Budget-friendly ideas for the living room

Modern farmhouse living room with a blue sofa
Katy Hill / Shutterstock

The living room is the space for entertainment, family movie nights, and relaxing on your day off. Here are a few budget-friendly ideas to help you spruce up the space and give it a fresh look.

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Update your window treatments

A simple yet effective method for renovating your living space is to update your window treatments. From a fresh coat of paint to some gorgeous new curtains, your windows are often the spotlight of this room and can greatly benefit from a new dressing. Swap out your old curtain rod for a gold or bronze metallic option, which is super trendy right now.

Vary up the lighting

Lighting is an essential part of pulling off a successful living space. Invest in multiple light sources, from overhead lighting to side table lamps, to create the best atmosphere for each time of day. Additionally, statement lighting is coming back into style. So, investing in show-stopping pieces can be a great way to refresh any living room.

Try a new rug

Another simple trick to renovate your living room in a big way is to try a new rug. Pick a rug with a new color palette or pattern to invite more inspo to your redesign. You’ll be surprised by how much of a difference a new rug can make in your space.

Kitchen renovation ideas

cottage kitchen design
2M media / Shutterstock

The kitchen is the heart of the home. Chances are you’ll find yourself spending more time here than in any other room of the house. To prevent the space from appearing dull or boring, try these affordable renovation ideas.

Update the backsplash

If you have a little money to spend on home renovations, consider updating your backsplash. Nix the white subway tile in favor of colorful and patterned tiles. If that’s not within budget, use ceramic paint and stencils to create a new design on your backsplash. Or, if you’re renting or want a non-permanent change, invest in stick-on tile sheets.

Add a table as a center island

Not everyone has the space or finances for a grand center island. Kitchen islands can become costly projects, but there’s no reason you can’t get a more affordable solution. Add a table to your kitchen to function as a center island and provide more counter space. Or, purchase a mobile island to bring more storage into the room.

Paint your kitchen cabinets

Painting your kitchen cabinets is the easiest way to update your kitchen aesthetic. It’s a cost-effective renovation project that makes a huge impact on your design. We recommend a low-sheen yet durable paint like semi-gloss latex paint. Trending colors right now are navy blue, evergreen, deep maroon, aubergine purple, and mocha brown.

Affordable bathroom reno ideas

Clean bathroom sink with two mirrors
Christian Mackie / Shutterstock

Bathrooms can be small and difficult to decorate. Here are some affordable ideas to refresh your space.

Try out a wallpaper

Wallpaper looks stunning in bathrooms. These small spaces can get a massive facelift from some added print along the walls. If you don’t want to go all out in your space, consider adding wallpaper to one wall as a feature. Or, add wallpaper to the top half of the wall and opt for paneling, wainscoting, or tile on the lower half.

Change up the hardware

Swap out old hardware with new alternatives. Today’s designers and homeowners are craving more luxe finishes like gold, copper, and bronze. Choose ornate, rounded fixtures or minimalist, sleek styles for a trendy look.

Low-cost dining room design ideas

Dark brown luxe modern dining room with pendant lighting
onurdongel / Getty Images

Update your entertainment space and weeknight family dinners by trying out some low-cost dining room ideas.

Invest in paneling or wainscoting

Paneling is taking center stage this year. With a spotlight on shiplap, fluted features, board and batten, beadboard, wainscoting, and classic wood paneling, walls are getting all sorts of dimension and shape. Paneling is even becoming a feature for ceilings as interiors trend toward luxurious features. Add paneling on the lower half or two-thirds of your walls or install a ceiling treatment to reno your dining room.

Get a statement light fixture

Statement lights are trending and making a significant impact on home design. Consider swapping out your old dining room light fixture for a gorgeous statement piece. Chandeliers, oversized flush mounts, rattan, and light drums are all gaining popularity. Go big with a statement ceiling light, or invest in an oversized lamp to accent your space.

Home renovations don’t have to break the bank. With these budget-friendly ideas, you can create an affordable yet stylish home design that feels fresh and inventive. While you can invest in larger renovations, making small changes can help you keep up with trends and keep your space feeling inspiring all year long.

Amelia Wilson
Amelia Wilson (author pen name Amelia J. Wilson) is a content writer in Greenwood, IN. She often enjoys topics on…
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