Guest post by Lauren White
Family is coming into town and you’re thinking, what have I done with this place? Will they notice that you’ve changed the furniture layout in the living room? Or that you updated to LED light bulbs? What can you afford that will make a big impression? There are plenty of ways to upgrade your home design with a small budget. For less than $300, you can have a plank wall, a brick fire pit and more.
Barn Doors
This door style is a classic trend and looks much more expensive than it usually is. Your guests will notice this practical upgrade, and it will improve the style and design of any space. Replace a bedroom or bathroom door with a barn door of any style for less than $300. If you have more room in your budget, you can replace bifold closet doors with bypass barn doors.
Plank Wall
A plank wall can instantly create a designer look in your home. It is a much-desired trend with two important barriers: real wood is heavy and expensive. Innovation in wood materials has changed the game, however. Laminate wood planks and shiplap can keep your cost between $200 and $300. You have as many options as with real wood, from color to grain, and the materials are easier to install.
Crown Molding
This seemingly minor detail can make a room feel more complete and polished. It breaks the “standard” appearance of walls and ceilings. You can have crown molding in every room of your house for less than $300 if you put the work in yourself. Intimidated by the idea of getting all those edges, right? Materials like polystyrene and polyurethane are easier to work with than solid wood and cost as little as $1/sq. ft.
Water Filter
Guests won’t notice this detail at first, but they are certain to be impressed when you offer them a glass of water from your filtered tap. Clean tap water is harder to come by with every year. This investment goes beyond improving appearances and will benefit you every day. The best under-sink models range in cost from $75-$450.
Fire Pit Area
You can keep your costs extremely low with this feature by purchasing a pre-fab fire pit for $30-$100. However, for around $150-$300, you can build a gorgeous brick fire pit. Keep in mind that any old brick won’t do for the interior portion of your pit. Fire bricks should be used on the inside, as they are designed to withstand heat.
New Paint
Fresh paint is a classic way to switch up or improve your design. You have the option of creating new accent walls, brightening or darkening a space and harmonizing color schemes with your furniture and decor. With time, patience and trusty painter’s tape, you can paint the interior of your home for $200-$300.
It’s surprising how much you can accomplish with such a small budget. Rather than buy a new couch table or plate set, consider these noticeable home improvements. They’ll take less time and money and will have your guests thinking you’ve been hard at work.
Learn more about the costs provided above at HomeAdvisor’s True Cost Guide.
Lauren White is a freelance writer who enjoys reading, hiking and traveling. She can usually be found on an outdoor adventure with her boyfriend and little sister on the weekends.
References
https://www.homestratosphere.com/smart-home-remodeling-ideas-on-a-budget/
https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/21-quick-and-easy-budget-upgrades
https://www.quickstepstyle.com/diy-home-projects/diy-accent-walls/
https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/walls-and-ceilings/crown-molding-installation/#material
https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/water-filters/buying-guide
https://www.fixr.com/costs/fire-pit
https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/painting/paint-a-home-interior/#DIY
