Want to breathe new life into a room? You don’t need an expensive renovation or a brand-new set of furniture to make a space more appealing. You’d be surprised at the impact you can make without straining your budget. Here are some quick, economical ways to update the most frequently used rooms in your home.
Living Room
No-Cost Transformations
Rearrange furniture. Choose a focal point and then arrange the other furnishings around it. Be sure to allow enough open space for foot traffic and conversation.
Let in the light. In spring and summer months, pare down your window coverings to let in some natural light. If you’ve got a valance, draperies and blinds, take down the draperies for a more open feeling.
Low-Cost Transformations
Reframe and rehang. Paint old frames with fun colors or pick up new frames on sale. Experiment with different heights and groupings — you’ll likely see those old wall hangings in a whole new light.
Give the sofa a face lift. Look for a discounted slipcover online or at a thrift store. Experiment with a bold color or pattern you wouldn’t normally choose.
Bedroom
No-Cost Transformations
De-clutter. Look around and take inventory, eliminating what doesn’t absolutely have to be there. Remove extraneous items — piles of books on nightstands, tired throw pillows — and you'll create a more peaceful, relaxing environment.
Shift the bed. The bed is the focal point of any bedroom, which is why moving it has such a dramatic impact. Once you choose the new location, arrange everything else accordingly.
Low-Cost Transformations
Add new reflections. If you’ve got a wall mirror, mount a small shelf beneath it and add some candles — the mirror will reflect the flickering candlelight and create a romantic effect.
Do a pillow makeover. Pick up a few slipcovers for your decorative throw pillows, or wrap them in pretty scarves — you’ll enjoy the look of brand-new pillows, without the cost.
Kitchen
No-Cost Transformations
Simplify. Go through cupboards, shelves and counters, and discard cookbooks, pans, small appliances and food containers you haven't used in years. Donate anything that’s still in working condition to charity.
Clear clutter from counters. Store the more infrequently used appliances out of sight. Keep as much food as possible in cupboards and the pantry.
Purge your pantry. Toss any food items that are past their expiration date or have less than one serving left.
Low-Cost Transformations
Add a splash of color. Have some old paint taking up space in the basement? Put it to good use. If not, drop by the store and pick up a gallon or two of returned paint, which is often sold at a big discount. Apply fresh coats of paint to kitchen cupboards, dining chairs or walls to infuse warmth and newness.
Add or change a valance or cafe curtains. This is a quick, economical way to instantly add warmth and interest to the kitchen.
Purchase a few low-cost, color-coordinated kitchen towels or pot holders.
Place a new house plant by the kitchen window. African violets add a nice touch of color.
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