While TV shows such as Fixer Upper and This Old House might make you think you need to add a swimming pool or convert your basement to a living space, the truth is you can greatly improve your home by making small changes. Try these affordable and easy home improvement ideas.
Kitchen
Home improvement projects that update the kitchen can boost functionality, efficiency, and style. From smart ovens that preheat at your preferred time to refrigerators that track your grocery list, tech-driven kitchen upgrades streamline daily tasks and make a big impact on your lifestyle.
Add visual interest to the room by integrating different materials into the kitchen design. Wood cabinets, stone countertops, and metal fixtures create a layered aesthetic that adds depth to the room. You can also use a backsplash or floor to tie multiple elements together.
Adding a secondary sink can provide a convenient spot to rinse vegetables, ice water or wash dishes. If you can’t afford to add an additional sink to the kitchen, try a space-saving bar sink instead.
Open shelving is another kitchen home improvement idea that’s easy to install and can be customized to suit your style. You can choose wall-mounted wooden shelves for a cottagecore look or floating metal shelves for a modern industrial feel.
Incorporate personalized touches into the kitchen design to ensure it feels like a true extension of your home. Custom features, like a built-in coffee station or extra storage, are a great way to infuse personality into the design and improve functionality. You can also incorporate green kitchen remodeling ideas to reduce your energy costs and environmental footprint.
Bathroom
Whether you want to update a guest bath or breathe new life into your primary en suite, there are many bathroom remodeling ideas to choose from. Aside from the usual paint and flooring updates, a few clever DIY tricks can help you add more personality to your bathroom with minimal cost and effort.
Consider a custom-made curtain for your tub or shower to add a pop of color or pattern to an otherwise neutral room. This is a simple project that can be done in an afternoon or less and makes a big impact.
Installing a backsplash over your sink is another easy way to create a focal point and add visual interest to your bathroom. You can go as intricate or simple as you like with your tile choice, from a herringbone pattern to a traditional subway style.
Swap out your old vanity lights for a more modern, energy-efficient fixture, or even install a small TV to entertain while you wash up. Adding a dimmer switch to your lighting is a great way to alter the mood of your space.
An arched accent, such as a mirror or an arch above the vanity, can soften the lines of vanities and countertops. You can also add an architectural flair to a standard doorway by reshaping it into an arch, or highlight your walk-in shower with an arched opening.
Living Room
When it comes to home improvement ideas, the living room is a common area where homeowners are looking for big changes. While it’s tempting to dream up grand and marvelous designs, it is always a good idea to run any ideas by a professional. This way, you’ll be able to make sure the design is both doable and within your budget.
For example, if you’re looking to add color to your living room, consider painting the ceiling a bold hue to open up a small space. This technique, used in this cozy media room by Old Soul Design Studio, makes the room feel larger and more expansive.
Similarly, hanging art on the ceiling draws the eye upward to a higher plane. This works especially well in rooms with vaulted ceilings, like this living room by HGTV Star Breegan Jane. She balances out the height with a woven area rug and perky pillows, adding texture and visual interest to the space.
Another smart move is to install shelving near the ceiling, which frees up floor space for furniture and can open up a room. This is a great place to store books, vases, and other decorative items, as well as toys, board games, and other everyday living necessities. The shelves can also help keep clutter off of the main seating areas, which keeps the look clean and inviting for guests.
Bedroom
Bedrooms are personal spaces, and even if they’re shared with a spouse or child, you want them to feel like your own sanctuary. A few home improvement ideas can turn your room into a relaxing place to wake up and go to sleep.
Carpet and flooring make a big difference to the way your room feels. Consider adding wall-to-wall rugs or a wooden floor to add warmth and texture. A new headboard is another way to update the look of your bedroom. A simple wood headboard can be transformed with a wash of paint or a fabric covering to match your space.
Good lighting is essential in the bedroom. Replace a can light with a pendant light, add dimming sconces above the bed, or install recessed lighting over nightstands. A lighted vanity is also helpful for getting ready in the morning.
A bump-out can be a smart home addition idea for a bedroom, particularly if you need extra storage space for clothes or shoes. An addition can also be an ideal spot for a desk or seating area where you can work, study, or read.
Make an empty-feeling bedroom feel welcoming for guests with simple changes like a DIY accent wall, a bench at the foot of the bed, and coordinating bedding in a soothing color or pattern. Add a mirror for a more streamlined look, and bring in a few pieces of wall decor to personalize the space.