6 Home Projects That Cost Less Than a TV

Giving your home a little extra “umph” doesn’t have to cost thousands of dollars. In fact, you can dramatically improve the looks of your home for less than the cost of a new TV. Ready to find out how? Keep reading to discover the six projects that are sure to make your home pop — without busting your budget.

1. Revamp your entryway.

A stylish entrance is an important part of any home’s decor. Begin your upgrade with a new welcome mat and house numbers. These simple upgrades are cost-friendly and have an immediate impact on your home’s entrance. You can also arrange potted plants — like easy-to-maintain succulents — around your entrance for an eye-popping aesthetic. Flowering plants, while slightly more difficult to maintain, can complement the color scheme of your entrance or act as a standalone focal point. You can also spruce up your home’s entrance with a quick color update to your front door. A new shade will complement your entryway décor and spruce up the overall look of your home’s exterior. Chic doorknockers, updated doorknobs and alluring porch lighting are the perfect finishing touches for your home’s entrance.

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2. Modernize your bathroom.

Major remodels aren’t the only way to revive your tired bathroom. Start by updating your paint. A new color will open up small spaces, rejuvenate your aesthetics and inspire chic décor. Next, upgrade your linens. New towels, shower mats and shower curtains can hide dated features and improve the overall panache of your bathroom. As a finishing touch, add candle sconces and alluring storage solutions like towel-hanging ladders and toiletry-stowing reclaimed crates.

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3. Repaint your interior walls.

Repainting an entire room or just sprucing up a dated space with an accent wall will boost your home’s appeal. Lighter colors are perfect for opening up small areas and enhancing your home’s serenity. You can also paint your walls and trim — or other architectural features like mantles and built-in bookcases — subtly contrasting colors to give your room a dynamic pop. Accent walls are perfect for reviving dull spaces without the cost and work of a large painting job. Darker shades are perfect for studies, home offices and other areas of contemplation.

Expected costs:
Interior paint: $200-$300

4. Update your cabinet hardware.

Installing stylish cabinet hardware is a quick and cost-friendly way to jumpstart your kitchen. Before you begin your update, it’s important to pinpoint your kitchen’s style — you don’t want to mismatch modern pulls and knobs with traditional cabinets. If your kitchen has a contemporary design, go with sleek, understated hardware. Ornate, classically inspired aesthetics work best for traditional cabinets.

Expected costs:
Cabinet pulls: $3-$15 per pull
Cabinet knobs: $3-$15 per knob

5. Rejuvenate your light fixtures.

Dated light fixtures not only look bad, but they can also make day-to-day activities difficult — ultra-low lighting is great for a romantic night in, but not so much for chopping vegetables. Before you install new fixtures, it’s important to consider your décor. If you have a flair for the modern, go for the subtle-but-stunning aesthetics of pendant lighting. If your home has more of a traditional design, consider the lavish ornamentation of baroque-inspired chandeliers or candle wall sconces. Do-it-yourself electrical jobs can be dangerous. Hire a pro if you’re unsure about tackling this project yourself.

Expected costs:
Light fixture: $88-$230

6. Clean your carpets.

Unblemished carpets make a huge difference in the appearance of your home — especially if you experience a lot of foot traffic. Spot cleaning small stains is a simple do-it-yourself job, but it’s best to leave larger jobs to the pros.

Expected costs:
Professional clean: $174