3 Ways to Spiff Up Your Home Without a Designer Budget (2024)

Have you ever looked at a gorgeous chef’s kitchen or spa-like bathroom in a magazine or online and thought, How can I get my home to look more like that? Well, a nine-foot kitchen island or a giant soaker tub would take time and a tidy budget, but there are design changes that you can make now that won’t break the bank and will make a big impact. Most of these are DIY changes, so there’s no need to wait for a designer or contractor to get the ball rolling. And since you’re working with an empty nest—and not accommodating a mess of soccer cleats in the hallway—the changes can reflect your own tastes.

Let there be (better) light

Swapping out your lighting, whether it’s an overhead pendant or a table lamp, can make a huge difference in any room. Try to vary the size of the fixtures as well. A dining room does well with a statement chandelier. Putting beautiful antique sconces on either side of a piece of wall art in a living room or den makes a great focal point. Pay attention as well to the kind of bulbs you’re currently using; a soft white bulb and a dimmer can make a dramatic change in a room. And while you’re at it, upgrade those switch plates. Most are usually white or a pale neutral, but they offer a great opportunity to break out with some originality and color. Try a pattern or a shiny metal. You can even cover them in wallpaper to add some depth and interest to the area.

Try some window dressing

The look of a simple uncovered window is clean and crisp, but like your little black dress, sometimes a beautiful necklace can take it from nice to wow. Window treatments can do the same for a room. A flowing curtain panel in a lightweight fabric can add a bit of whimsy to an otherwise dark space. A dramatic Roman shade can upgrade a plain dining room by adding drama and warmth. Whatever you choose, don’t ignore the curtain rods. Craft stores carry rods of different diameters with beautiful finials. You can also paint a plain wooden rod to coordinate with a room’s colors rather than go with a metal rod. The same holds true for bathroom shower curtains; a bold stripe in a happy color like yellow or orange can do as much for your morning mood as that first cup of coffee.

ConnectingUs All

This Fearless HIV Survivor Proves Age is Just a Number

And he’s inspiring others to live their best lives, no matter what.

Ever Feel Like Your Dream Is Impossible? Think Again

This autoimmune warrior wants women everywhere to know: age, diagnosis, ability, or circ*mstance should never stop you from chasing your dreams.

For This Retired Dance Teacher, A Difficult Ending Created a New World of Possibility

When injury ended her dance career, this retired instructor found a new passion to chase.

This Retired NYC Teacher Says Life's Just Getting Started

“I love showing my kids I’ve still got it!”

Kids Are Grown? Time To Travel

Do you and your partner need to reconnect? Try an emptynestcation

Getting Out Again: 5 Pieces You’ll Be Sure to Want

It’s time to ditch the sweatpants. Here are the wardrobe pieces you’ll want now.

See Also

Easy Ways To Get Out Of Debt Fast

Here Are the Food Trends You’ll Be Happy to See in 2021

Don’t forget these great close-to-home 2021 food trends that are sure to delight.