Do you spend your free time scrolling through homes on Zillow and dreaming of an upgrade? Is your streaming queue filled with home makeover shows? We get it. At one time or another, most of us have experienced house envy. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to make your space feel fresh and new without breaking the bank and we’ve got a few budget-friendly tips on how to do just that. And, if you need a little help turning your home into a haven, the Maps lending team is here to help you realize that dream.
If you’re ready to give your home a glow-up, here are some affordable ideas:
- Freshen Up the Paint. It’s amazing what a difference a little color can make. For a budget-friendly refresh, try painting the walls. Dark, moody colors (like charcoal, forest green, navy, and chocolate) are trending, but if that’s not your vibe, try a soothing blue or soft yellow. Get some peel-and-stick samples from your local hardware store and sit with them for a few days to see how they make you feel.
- Switch up your soft things. You can completely change the look of a room by swapping out the pillows, window treatments, or rugs. These elements are basically the makeup of the room, so changing them can bring a new mood to a space for as little as $100 (no hammers or paintbrushes required).
- Enhance Curb Appeal. You may not be able to judge a book by its cover, but with houses, it’s often a different story. Fortunately, there’s no need to go broke on landscaping or repaint your entire home to give the exterior a facelift. In fact, there are lots of things that you can do for $100 or less. Try painting your front door a bold color. Install window boxes, trim the hedges, update the light fixtures, or add modern-looking house numbers. Even small touches can have a dramatic effect.
- Update the kitchen. If you can’t afford to renovate your entire kitchen, try replacing the countertops or installing a new backsplash. If you are dreaming of a kitchen island, add a rolling butcher block or tall table to the center of the space. If you’re feeling ambitious, paint the cabinets, install new hardware, or remove the doors to create DIY open shelving.
- Upgrade your outdoor space. Warmer weather is on its way and now is a great time to consider how you want to utilize your outdoor space. Maybe it’s time to refresh the deck (or build one). Perhaps you want to create a place to gather around a fire pit. Create different zones (like a cooking space, a gathering space, and a quiet place) to maximize your yard’s potential.
- Increase Energy Efficiency. According to a Zillow analysis, sustainability is a top priority in the 2023 homebuying market—and for good reason. Not only does an energy-efficient home cost less to maintain, it’s also more comfortable. Do a DIY home energy audit and pinpoint the places where you can tighten up on energy consumption. Install energy-efficient lighting and upgrade or seal your doors and windows. Switch to a programmable thermostat and install Energy Star ceiling fans to help circulate heat and cool air. Outside your home, consider adding a compost bin and planting a vegetable or herb garden.
Home renovations don’t have to be expensive if you are willing to be creative and put in a little work. If you have been dreaming a redo, take a little time to reevaluate your space or maybe rearrange the furniture to see what a new arrangement inspires—and, of course, you can always use home makeover shows and Zillow as inspiration. If you decide on a project you would like to tackle, talk to one of the experts in our home equity department to learn about your financial options.