15 Easy Ways To Update Your Home Without Completely Remodeling
Not everyone can afford the time and mess of a complete home remodel. There are several ways you can upgrade your home for a modern feel without completely tearing out what is already there.

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Budget Home Updates For 2024
Whether you are updating a 1950s home or a 1990s home with tons of honey oak, these DIY home improvement ideas are perfect for beginners. Sometimes you walk into a space and instantly feel at home due to these small updates.
#1 Paint
Some people might consider home painting projects a remodel, but we just consider them upgrades. From painting beat-up baseboards white to adding a completely new wall color, paint is a great way to transform your space.

Paint can even be used on unexpected surfaces such as counters or tiles. Just note that painting these surfaces can be a great temporary solution until you can completely update them.

#2 Change Lighting
You don’t have to change your light fixtures completely. You can also consider just changing your light bulbs. You won’t believe how updating your yellowish bulbs can brighten your space.

Seriously, Get Rid Of These Lights
However, if you are inclined to change a fixture consider getting rid of those ‘b**b’ lights first. Trust me, you will notice a huge difference.

#3 Take Risks With New Hardware
Modern hardware handles and knobs can elevate your cabinetry. There are many different hardware styles, from larger gold handles to matte black.
Mix and Match
We used to think that all hardware needs to match in all rooms, but now realize that each room can have its own aesthetic.

Don’t be scared to take risks with hardware, especially if you find pulls or knobs that work the drilled holes that are already there. You can even spray paint cabinet pulls and knobs like we did in our laundry room.

#4 Add Plants
Adding greenery to your indoor and outdoor spaces gives your space a fresh feel. We love these DIY flower pot ideas, which are a budget-friendly way to add to your home decor.

#5 Change Your Throw Pillows
If you are reading this, use this as a sign that you can buy those new and fluffier pillows you have had your eye on. Add a pop of color to your space with a fun pattern or texture.
#6 Get Rid Of Carpet Where It Doesn’t Belong
If your home is like ours, you may have carpet in the bathrooms. Yuck!
Luckily, since it is a small space, you should be able to easily remove the carpet. We have been super happy with the budget peel-and-stick flooring we added to our cheap basement bathroom remodel.

And if you can’t remove the carpet just yet, at least clean it well. You can use a carpet steamer yourself.
#7 Change Window Treatments
You can add new drapes and blinds or remove them completely. You could also change the height from which you hang your curtains. Consider adding hardware a lot higher than you are used to.

#8 Caulk Before Painting
If you are considering painting trim, woodwork, or walls, consider getting a seamless look by using paintable caulk before painting. This is such a small thing that makes a huge impact.

#9 Change Out Outlets and Switch Plates
If your house was built in the 80s and 90s, chances are that you have almond-colored outlet covers. Getting rid of the cream-colored switches and covers can make a difference in a room without costing too much.

#10 Add To Your Walls
By adding unique artwork or family photos, neutral-painted walls can still feel modern and fresh. You can even display your black-and-white photos in matching frames for a more polished look.
If family photos aren’t your thing, you can draw a wall design or add a colorful painting.

#11 Thrifty Furniture Makeovers
You can work with what you already have. Shop flea markets or pick up needed pieces on Facebook Marketplace for your furniture flips. Mixing old with new not only is good for the environment but also a great way to get unique home decor.

#12 Declutter
Create drop-off zones, clean out the junk drawer and slowly remove items in your home. Take time each month to go through your house and decide if you can part with something.

Do you need those papers from 2 months ago? If you have a family, consider creating DIY memory boxes to help have a place for all the paper clutter.
#13 Change Our Your Floor Vents
If you have wood floors and white vents, you may want to consider adding a vent that will match your flooring. There are a lot of different floor vent covers that aren’t just white.

#14 Stop Putting Off Small Repairs and Maintenance
Each of these jobs doesn’t have to take hours.
- Create a rotating schedule for deep cleaning and stick to it.
- Add new bathroom caulk where needed and vacuum out those vents.
- Even wiping down your walls can add a fresh feel to your bedroom or bathroom.
- Touch-up small paint jobs. We love using this easy paint touch-up pen.
#15 Hang Your Shower Curtain Higher
Yes, this bathroom makeover included some other projects, but you can see how hanging a pastel shower curtain and gold rod higher made a huge difference in this space.

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Don’t feel overwhelmed when looking to modernize your home. Take it slow and remember that small DIY projects will add up over time. Your home can reflect your style and personality little by little.