Top 5 Simple and Affordable Home Improvement Tricks!

in Renovation Guides 2 min read

Top 5 Simple and Affordable Home Improvement Tricks!

Budget-friendly home improvements have gotten complicated with all the Pinterest projects, influencer recommendations, and cost estimates flying around. As someone who has tested countless budget updates, I learned everything there is to know about what actually works without breaking the bank. Today, I will share it all with you.

Home construction

Improvements That Deliver Value

Probably should have led with this section, honestly—these five updates cost little but change how your home feels:

1. Strategic Paint Updates

That’s what makes paint endearing to us frugal renovators—maximum impact for minimal investment. Choose washable finishes for durability. An accent wall or full room refresh completely changes the atmosphere.

2. Hardware Swaps

New knobs and handles on cabinets and drawers provide a mini facelift for kitchens and bathrooms. Choose styles that match your home’s character—modern, classic, or eclectic. The cost is minimal, the visual impact significant.

3. Lighting Upgrades

Lighting sets the mood in every room. Add new lamps, swap dated fixtures for modern alternatives, or install under-cabinet lighting. LED options save energy while providing better illumination.

4. Indoor Plants

Plants add life, color, and even air-purifying benefits. Start with low-maintenance options like succulents or snake plants if you’re new to plant care. They soften spaces and add visual interest.

5. Window Treatment Updates

New curtains or blinds change a room’s entire character. Light, airy options brighten spaces. Blackout curtains improve sleep quality. The investment is modest for the transformation delivered.

Start Small, Build Momentum

A little change can make a big difference. These affordable updates let you improve your home progressively without major financial commitment.

John Oakley

John Oakley

Author & Expert

Sophia Sommelier (née Martinez) earned her Certified Sommelier credential from the Court of Master Sommeliers in 2013 and her WSET Level 3 certification in 2015. She spent seven years as assistant wine director at Canlis in Seattle (2013-2020), where she managed a 2,000-bottle cellar and conducted weekly wine education sessions for staff. Since 2020, she's worked as an independent wine consultant and educator, teaching pairing workshops and contributing to wine publications. Her approach to pairing emphasizes personal preference over rigid rules—she believes the 'right' pairing is the one you enjoy, not the one textbooks dictate. Sophia grew up in Sonoma County, surrounded by vineyards, and spent childhood summers watching her grandfather make wine in their garage. That hands-on experience shapes her practical approach to wine: it should enhance meals and bring people together, not intimidate them. She's tasted thousands of wines professionally (documenting each in detailed notes), but her personal favorites remain simple: an unoaked Chardonnay with fresh oysters, or a bold Malbec with her mother's carne asada. Her wine philosophy: 'Pair wine with food you actually want to eat, in settings where you're actually comfortable. The 5 bottle you enjoy beats the 50 bottle you're afraid to open.' Based in Portland, Oregon, she hosts monthly virtual wine tastings and maintains a personal database of over 3,000 pairing combinations tested over 12 years in the industry.

8 Articles
View All Posts

You Might Also Like