Budget-Friendly Remodel Ideas
Spruce Up Cabinets with New Hardware
Would you like to give a kitchen or bathroom an upgrade without replacing all the cabinetry? Try switching out the cabinet and drawer hardware for a style that creates a more modern look. This small upgrade can make rooms and cabinetry feel much newer.
Tip: A great resource for low cost, good quality cabinet hardware is
DoorCorner.com. Two other good options are
Knob Deco and
RokHardware.
Paint the Front Door
Does your home's entry door create a visual "pop" as you approach it, or does it blend in with the rest of the house?
When your front door color contrasts strongly with the trim or main body color it attracts the eye and can be a huge boost for curb appeal. (Depending upon the color choice, of course. :)
Tip: Sometimes unusual color combinations work surprisingly well.
Replace Lighting
New lighting fixtures can make a home feel far more modern and appealing, but replacing lights can be
expensive. Fortunately, it doesn't have to be!
Here are some attractive ceiling lights that are low cost and easy to install:
-
The Calypso from IKEA. It's a 20-inch diameter light that works well for bedrooms and living spaces. Price is currently around $40.
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The Hyby from IKEA has a 13-inch diameter and fits nicely in smaller bedrooms, hallways, and even kitchens. Price is currently around $17.
- IKEA's
Kattarp ceiling light has a modern look and goes well in kitchens or over a dining area. Price is currently around $40.
Note: IKEA currently has longer than usual shipping times due to coronavirus, so if you need something quickly
here's a good alternative that arrives sooner:
The 13-inch Hykolity ceiling light from Amazon - worth a look. It has dimmable LED bulbs already installed and can be set for three different lighting types - from cold to warm. It comes in black and brushed nickel and in various sizes (with the brushed nickel just a little on the shinier side). Currently priced from around $32 to $40.
Revive Faded Cabinets
Did you know that
Danish Oil can do wonders for making woodwork look newer? This often works well on older oak cabinets, which can develop a faded look over time.
If you search for information on how to apply Danish Oil you'll find instructions involving sandpaper and repeat finishes, but a shortcut that can work really well (at least on many oak cabinets) is to simply
rub the oil directly into the cabinet face and then wipe it down.
Tip: If there's any doubt as to how the wood will react to the oil be sure to do some research first.
Do a Quick Flooring Upgrade
The words "quick" and "flooring upgrade" may not seem like they belong in the same sentence, but
Click Lock Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring is a fast and cost-effective way to rejuvenate rooms.
Sterling Oak Luxury Vinyl Plank - Photo courtesy of Home Depot
Luxury Vinyl Plank is durable, looks like hardwood, and is relatively easy to install. It can often be laid directly over the current flooring (the baseboards may need adjusting).
It's a great solution for areas that have dated flooring because covering them with Luxury Vinyl Plank can make the rooms look 30 years younger overnight.
Cost at large hardware stores is often in the $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot range.
Click here to see the selection at Home Depot.
Note: Luxury Vinyl Plank is being used more and more for entire home interiors. Some of the high grade versions are similar in cost to engineered hardwood.
Create Landscaping Borders
While not exactly a "remodel" idea, creating distinct borders in landscaping is a great way to enhance your home's exterior appeal.
This photo shows pavers being used to create a contrasting edge, but something as simple and inexpensive as
a plastic landscape border sold at hardware stores creates a very nice, clean edge.
Click here for examples from Lowe's.
Combine this with cedar bark or mulch in landscaping beds to create a strong color contrast, and watch your home's curb appeal pop!
