22 budget-friendly style hacks to upgrade your home

Budget-friendly style hacks for the home

Want to give your home a style makeover, without draining your bank account? With a few clever updates, you can transform your space for under $100.

Whether you’re a DIY novice or an upcycling expert, these budget-friendly style hacks and quick décor ideas prove that you don’t always need a big wallet to make an impact. 

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Swap outdated hardware

Hardware is one of those often overlooked elements of a room that can make a big impact on its overall finish. Whether you replace your kitchen handles, update your door knobs, or add stylish backplates, this is a quick, easy, and affordable DIY task that can be completed in a weekend.

Simply measure the distance between screw holes and source replacement hardware to fit. If you find a style you like but it's not the right shade, spray-paint the handles or knobs in a different color. 

Featured hardware available from Plank Hardware.

Upgrade light switch plates and outlet covers

Basic white plastic light switch plates and outlet covers do the job, but they don't exactly scream stylish. They can even end up letting a chic room down by sticking out like a sore thumb.

From modern brass to gold and anthracite, there are endless style options. You can even purchase paintable plates that can be updated to match your walls. While there are plenty of tutorials online, we advise that you consult a professional when dealing with electrics.

Add a peel-and-stick backsplash

Is the backsplash in your kitchen looking a little sorry for itself? If so, it might be time for a makeover – but that doesn't have to mean thousands spent on a lengthy renovation. Peel-and-stick backsplashes are a fantastic, budget-friendly way to enhance your kitchen.

These self-adhesive wall coverings are usually made from vinyl and mimic the look of wood, tiles, or stone. You won’t need a professional, either. Just peel off the adhesive backing and stick it directly to the wall – even over tiles! Opt for a heat-safe option for near the stove.

Upgrade your kitchen counters with vinyl wrap

You can even transform your kitchen worktops with purpose-made stickers. Vinyl wraps come in all styles, allowing you to imitate materials like natural wood and marble.

Many wraps are heat-resistant, removable, and self-adhesive, so all you need to do is prepare your worktops and lay the vinyl. It can be fiddly, especially when working around a sink or corners, but online tutorials will help you get the job done right.

Change shades for an instant refresh

From lamps to ceiling lights, shades have a big impact on how a room looks and feels. It isn't just about aesthetics – shades can transform the way light is dispersed around a room, shaping the entire ambience of a space.

Outdated light shades can quickly be swapped for new, contemporary styles. Whether rattan or a funky pattern, there are endless options to pick from. You'll just need a step ladder and, if the new shade doesn't fit, a shade reducer ring.

Upgrade light bulbs

Did you know that light bulbs can play a big role in how a room looks and feels? That's because different bulbs give off different levels of brightness (lumens) and color temperature (Kelvin). 

So, your bulbs can help you create a cozy, tranquil atmosphere, or a work-ready setting that mimics the brightness of natural daylight. Do your research and get changing those bulbs!

Add under-cabinet lighting with LED strips

Lighting can often be expensive, especially if you need to call in an electrician. That’s why LED strip kits are so brilliant – they cost next to nothing, yet they deliver a dramatic improvement when it comes to illumination and ambience.

Most kits are peel-and-stick, powered by a plug or USB connection, and you can cut them to size. LEDs use up to 85% less electricity than halogens, too, so you’ll notice a small but real drop in your energy bills.

Create a DIY headboard

A headboard isn't just something that sits behind your bed, protecting the wall and providing support when sitting up in bed. A headboard can be a real focal feature, creating a sense of style and cohesion in the room.

Brand-new headboards aren't always cheap, and you might not be able to find one that suits the look you're trying to achieve. So, instead, make your own. All you'll need is some plywood, foam, fabric, and a glue gun. Get crafty and reap the rewards!

Apply wall decals or removable wallpaper

Removable murals and wall decals are a quick and easy way to add a focal feature to a room, without breaking the bank or ruining your walls. That's because these wall stickers can be peeled off whenever you fancy a change.

You could add a mural behind the bed to create a custom headboard, line the back of a shelving unit, or simply create a feature wall in a room that needs a style boost.

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Invest in printable art

It's no secret that wall art can be incredibly expensive. But did you know you can buy downloadable art that you can print yourself for a fraction of the price? That's because the seller doesn't have to do any of the hard work.

They simply send you the printable file via email, and you do the rest. You can print at home but for a better finish, opt for a professional printing service.

Create a gallery wall using thrifted frames

There's another side to wall art that's also pricey – photo frames! The bigger the frame, the more expensive it tends to be. So, instead of buying from a specialist framing store or purchasing from home websites, get thrifty!

You can scour sites like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Gumtree, or head to your local secondhand store to see what bargains you can find. A gallery wall of mismatched, quirky frames will make a real feature.

Update soft furnishings

You'll be amazed at what a difference a new towel set, bath mat or throw cushions can do to a space. Soft furnishings can be used to add color to minimalist rooms, tie together different themes, or add texture and tactility to a space.

Soft furnishings aren't always cheap, but if you do your research, you can find some bargains. IKEA, Etsy, and Amazon are good places to start. Look out for seasonal sales or promotions.

Refresh grout with grout pens

Over time, the grout between our tiles can become discolored, grimy, and generally unpleasant. Removing old grout and refilling your tiles is an option, but it isn't a quick or easy one. Instead, a grout pen will instantly boost the finish of your bathroom.

Essentially, it's a marker pen that covers up stains, mold, and discoloration, giving old tiled surfaces a clean, like-new look. Some also seal the grout, helping to prevent future staining.

Replace toilet seats for a quick refresh

It might sound odd, but your toilet seat might be bringing the look of your bathroom down. If it's shabby, wonky on its hinges, or just plain old, you could boost your bathroom's style with a quick DIY job.

Toilet seats come in all styles and shades, allowing you to inject some color or fun into your space. Just measure your current seat and buy a new one of the same size, with the same fitting nuts. It's a 10-minute job that almost anyone can do.

Install a new shower head

A new shower head could transform your bathing experience, with very little effort. Older models can lack water pressure and offer basic functionality, while contemporary shower heads are designed for wellness.

Whether you're looking to achieve a spa-like sanctuary or want to cut your water usage with an eco model, there are endless options. Depending on the type of shower you have (ceiling mounted, wall mounted, etc.), there's an online guide to help you get the job done.

Paint old furniture

Old furniture looking shabby? It could be time to grab your paintbrush! Upcycling your furnishings is a little time-consuming, but your efforts will be rewarded.

From wooden dressers to wardrobe doors or yard sets, you can get crafty with any type of furniture – just be sure to buy the correct paint for the job. Stencils or masking tape could allow you to add a funky pattern or decoration to your pieces, too, for a truly custom finish.

Install open shelving in awkward corners

If you've got an awkward corner taking up space without bringing anything to the table, then consider installing open shelving.

A great way to increase storage, while maximizing every inch of internal space, open shelves are also brilliant when it comes to creating a pretty display of decorative items, like vases, books, or ornaments. In the kitchen, they can help you stay organized and free up valuable countertop space.

Paint your front door

Your front door plays a huge role in your home's curb appeal and can make or break its exterior finish. New doors can cost thousands, so if you don't have the budget for a replacement, you can give your current door a refresh with a lick of paint.

These days, there are plenty of weatherproof exterior paints on the market that are perfect for wood and even uPVC plastic. Follow an expert guide online, and you could have a brand-new front door in a matter of days.

Update exterior lighting

Exterior lights don't just look good; they can provide extra security and illuminate your way from the road or driveway to your front door.

Your current lights can be switched out with new ones if you already have the electrical wiring in place. But, if not, you can buy solar lights that can be attached to walls or stuck into the ground. This is an easy and affordable way to light up your yard, without costly electrical works.

Upgrade your mailbox

If you're lucky enough to have a mailbox, then you could be sitting on a fun way to add some color and fun to your home's exterior. A colorful or contemporary mailbox will look far more enticing and attractive than an old or rusting one.

Installation should be as easy as attaching some screws to a wall or fence, and slotting the mailbox into place.

Paint your fence

Peeling paintwork, rust, or rot aren't a good look when it comes to your exterior fence. If you want to make a good first impression, then you'll want your fence to be spick and span. A coat of paint could be all that's standing between your fence looking fresh and well-worn.

These days, you can buy special outdoor paint for wood, metal, and composites. So, do your research to find the right product for the job and be sure to prep your fence before you start.

Install a window box or hanging planters

Boosting your home's curb appeal could be as simple as adding some color and texture. Window boxes or hanging planters are a fantastic way to elevate the front of your property, with minimal effort.

And you don't need to be green-fingered to keep your flowers or herbs alive, either. All they'll need is regular watering and a little pruning. You can buy ready-grown plants, too, so in a matter of days, you'll have a stunning floral display.

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