Make Your Home Look Better On A Budget
By Jessica Snow
Almost three-quarters of American homeowners have at least one home improvement project on their annual to-do list, and they expect to spend an average of $4,000 on the task. However, it needn’t cost thousands to make your home look better if you follow these simple budget tips.
Have Fun with Paint
A fresh coat of paint is an affordable way to freshen up your home, whether you’re recoloring the walls, revamping tired furniture, or adding accents to your home.
Paint is always relatively cheap, but you can save even more by taking a gamble on mis-tint paint. Hardware stores sell paint mixed up by mistake for around $3 to $5 a gallon, a fraction of the price you’ll pay for colors you’ve picked from paint chips.
Sniff Out Bargains
Homewares stores regularly mark down old stock to make way for the latest models. Browsing what’s on sale is a great way to find affordable inspiration for your home. From major items like sinks and toilets to smaller pieces like faucets and handles, you’ll be amazed at the home improvements you’ll find for less.
Some of the best bargains aren’t officially marked down either. Make sure you inspect the items that catch your eye thoroughly. If you see flaws in any product, don’t be afraid to ask for a discount. Employees are almost always happy to slash the price of damaged stock.
Replace Curtains with Blinds
Traditional curtains make a home appear as if it’s stuck in the past. Blinds are a more modern option which provide greater privacy and a much sleeker look.
Wood blinds strike the right balance between style, durability, and price. They’re not as cheap as flimsy vinyl blinds, but they’re usually more affordable than Roman blinds. Wooden blinds create a chic, organic atmosphere in any room. They also block out sunlight and resist aging. If money’s tight consider opting for faux wood blinds. These imitate the real thing, although they’re typically heavier than real timber blinds.
Look to online retailers rather than brick and mortar home ware stores for the best deals on blinds.
Rearrange Your Furniture
Spiritual leader Hazbat Inayat Khan once said “Some people look for a beautiful place. Others make a place beautiful.” Perhaps he knew the rejuvenating powers of simply rearranging your existing furniture. This practice is a free way to give any room a lift.
Grab a piece of paper and sketch out a few layout possibilities before you start the heavy lifting. It’ll ensure you hit upon a design you’re happy with, without putting your back out. Your newly configured room should have plenty of space to move about and a clear focal point. This might be your sofa, a fireplace, or even the view outside. Arrange your furniture to draw the eye to this centerpiece.
Rearranging your furniture also makes you consider the pieces you have, what’s working for you, and what’s simply collecting dust. Don’t be afraid to pass unwanted furniture to goodwill to open up your space.
If you’re willing to do the work yourself and sniff out a bargain, your home could look like a million dollars for a whole lot less.
Author Bio:
Jessica Snow is a young writer from sunny Florida who enjoys learning and writing about a myriad of topics. When she’s not glued to her laptop you can find her running the trails with her Great Dane, Charlie.