Keeping up a NYC apartment can be an expensive endeavor. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to refresh your home without spending a lot of money!

Update your place with our three DIY home improvement ideas, each of which costs less than $250!

1. Pick New Accessories

An easy and affordable way to update any room is by selecting new accessories. Bathrooms are often overlooked, but it’s so easy to refresh these small spaces. Pick out crisp white towels, a new shower curtain, and a graphic rug for a whole new look.

Update your living room with new pillows and cozy throws. Add a basket to collect the kid’s toys. Are your windows bare? Cover them with inexpensive and attractive bamboo shades.

Add ambiance to your bedroom with pretty pillow covers, patterned sheets, or a new duvet cover. An affordable rug will keep your toes warm on cold winter mornings, too.

If you’re crafty, it’s easy to make some of these accessories yourself. Check out this simple pillow cover tutorial to get started.

Image Source: Flickr/Wicker Paradise

2. Paint Anything and Everything

Looking for a way to makeover everything from walls to furniture? Paint is an affordable DIY home improvement option.

Start with your walls. Refresh them with a coat of crisp white paint or add drama with a darker color. You can even use paint and stencils to create bold patterns reminiscent of expensive wallpaper.

Of course, paint can be used on much more than your walls! Is your furniture a mish mash of styles and colors? Unite everything with a coat of paint. You can also use paint to create an accent piece, such as a bold red buffet or vibrant blue dining chairs.

Paint can be used to refresh other materials, too. Paint over an old art canvas and create your own DIY abstract art. Try adding stripes to your curtains or create confetti dot drapes for a kids room. You can even paint pillow covers.

Image Source: Flickr/brett jordan

3. Update Your Lighting

Outdated lights can drag a room down. Thankfully, lighting is easy and affordable to update! Is the pendant over your kitchen island or dining table underwhelming? Replace it with an oversize lantern or globe light.

Need more lighting around your couch or bed? Install affordable and attractive sconces.

Are your lamps outdated? They’re inexpensive to replace. Visit Target in Harlem or HomeGoods on the Upper West Side for tons of affordable and stylish options.

If your budget is really tight, head to your local thrift store. You’ll find unique lamps, as well as charming overhead fixtures. Bring one home and rewire it.

Image Source: Flickr/Heather Katsoulis

Main Image Source: Flickr/Jodimichelle

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