Owning a home can come with some expensive challenges: a burst pipe, termite damage, roof leaks. However, when it comes to a home refresh, it doesn’t take a whole lot of money to make a big impact. Here are some easy ways to give your home a new look without breaking the bank.
STEP #1 - PAINT
This is probably the easiest way to make an impact. Paint can be used to make a bold statement or neutralize questionable ones. If you want to save even more money, you can do all of the labor. However, to get the best paint job, it might be better to leave it to the professionals. It will cost more to redo a painting project gone wrong than to pay a professional to do the job right the first time. Most large paint retailers, such as Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore, offer low-VOC options for a more sustainable option. VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are gases emitted into the air from certain products, including paint. Inhaling these toxins can causes various health effects, like headache, nausea, eye irritation, and damage to the kidneys, lungs, or nervous systems. Along with the well-known paint retailers, ECOS Paints is another VOC-free paint brand that may be a more affordable option.
STEP #2 - WALLPAPER
Before you scroll down, hear me out! Wallpaper has come a long way from the hyper-floral designs we all saw in every grandmother’s home growing up. As trends changed, wallpaper manufacturers began to expand their collection. You can find a wallpaper in just about any print from geometric designs to modern florals to wood-like-textures. Also, new technology allows homeowners to put up their own wallpaper with peel-and-stick versions. A great wallpaper resource is SpoonFlower, a company that creates one-of-a-kind designs on sustainably sourced or recycled paper.
STEP #3 - PEEL AND STICK TILES
Real tile can get really expensive. If you need to add a little bit of “oomph” to your kitchen, try peel and stick tiles. This simple update will add some interest to your kitchen with very little time, effort, and money. Lowes and Home Depot offer peel and stick tile options if you’re looking for something quickly. However, Wall Pops has a wide selection of peel and stick tiles that are very easy to install – all you need is a pair of scissors!
STEP #4 - AREA RUGS
Area rugs are not just for decoration. They help define a space, which can be incredibly important in today’s world of open concept design. They also help muffle sound and decrease the echo effect in a large space. A good quality area rug can cost quite a bit of money. However, try sourcing some secondhand rugs from consignments shops or Facebook Marketplace. Be careful when buying anything from social media, however. Always ask to see the rug in person and try not to pay anything until you’ve seen, and approved of, it.
TIP #5 - SECONDHAND FURNITURE
If you want that magazine look, you’ll probably have to shop at furniture “boutiques”. You know where I’m talking about. I’m talking about the store where a pillow costs $95. We don’t all have that kind of spending money. So, take a moment to browse some online secondhand furniture sites for the best deals. Don’t just look at what it looks like now, but what it could be. For example, you see a gorgeous coffee table online. It looks just like one you saw at Crate and Barrel. The only problem is that it’s fire engine red and you really wanted a black one. Easy fix –paint it (see tip number one)! Anything can be modified. And, it will probably still be cheaper than buying the mega-expensive version. Here are some good online secondhand retailers:
· Kaiyo
· Facebook Marketplace
· AptDeco
· Etsy
Charlotte offers many secondhand and antique furniture dealers if you’re wary about purchasing online. Try these retailers if you want to see the furniture in person:
· The Sleepy Poet
· South End Exchange
· TDF Furniture
· Sardis Marketplace
Giving your home a refresh can be simple without costing a lot. All it takes is a little digging to find high quality items at good deals. Don’t keep looking at the paint color you hate or the couch you slipcovered because the dog chewed it up. Start your journey now and get the home you’ve always wanted!