8 Home Remodeling Upgrades for Families on a Budget
Whether you’re thinking about a full-scale remodel or just looking to give your home a facelift, even small changes can make a huge difference — not to mention the money you save for the bigger-ticket items, such as professionally designed landscaping.
1. First impressions — A new front door can dramatically improve the look of your home exterior and enhance curb appeal. It is, after all, the first thing your guests see while they are waiting for you to answer the door. Add finishing touches by repainting exterior trim, fixing cracks in the front walk and replacing your house numbers. Find a beautiful pot at a garage sale or flea market and plant beautiful yellow and purple pansies for a cheery welcome by your new front door.
2. Cabinet makeover — If your cabinets aren’t too old and you don’t plan on changing the layout of your kitchen anytime soon, you may not need to replace them. Adding decorative trim, such as picture-frame molding, crown moldings, feet or corbels is a snazzy way to change the look and feel of your kitchen. Many companies will remove and replace doors and drawers or refinish them for much less than the cost of a new installation.
3. Don’t be afraid of color — A bright tile backsplash can really spruce up a dull or boring kitchen. Try creating a border of plain tile in a punchy color instead of using costly shaped listellos.
4. Add depth and drama with paint — If you don’t want shake things up with a whole new color, consider a new angle on the shade you already have. Be adventurous and try your hand at a faux finish such as sponging or ragging. Use painters’ tape to configure stripes, or use a bright color on one wall to add depth and drama to a room. Don’t forget the ceiling: A fresh coat of paint on the ceiling can really brighten things up.
5. Go metallic — Gold, pewter or bronze paint can make a daring statement in living rooms, dining rooms, bed rooms and even powder rooms. Cover entire walls or just paint trim and moldings.
6. Lighting — Layer your light sources for both atmosphere and comfort. Under-cabinet lights remove shadows from your work spaces, while overhead features can set a stylistic tone: Hang a standard chandelier or opt for a glossy pendant with a fabric drum shade. If you have a ceiling fan, look for replacement fan blades to bring up-to-date the fixture’s look. Installing dimmers are a thrifty way to upgrade lighting all over the house.
7. Accessorize — For under a hundred dollars, you can give the kitchen a new feel by exchanging the cabinet hardware. Add identical towel bars and robe hooks to that list and you can do the same in the bathroom.
8. Don’t ignore the floor — It doesn’t get much attention, but scuffed, worn flooring makes a space feel tired and worn out. Refinishing wood floors and replacing old, matted carpet can revive and freshen up a room without changing anything else.
If new carpet is on your horizon, please check out our awesome selection. We look forward to having you in our showroom and helping you select new carpet that is perfect for you and your beautiful home!