18 Home Upgrades That Could Make A Big Impression For Less

Looking to refresh your home without spending a fortune? Small, thoughtful changes can make a big impact on your living space.

With a bit of creativity and smart shopping, you can give your home a stylish, updated look without breaking the bank. Keep in mind that results may vary depending on your space, budget, and personal taste.

Here are 18 affordable upgrades that can make your home feel fresh and inviting.

1. Fresh Paint: Instantly updates any room

Nothing transforms a space faster than a new coat of paint. I’ve seen drab, outdated rooms become magazine-worthy with just this simple change. For under $30 per gallon, you can completely reinvent any room in your house.

The trick is choosing the right shade. Neutral colors like soft grays and warm beiges work almost everywhere, while bold accent walls can add personality to boring spaces. Don’t forget the ceiling painting it a lighter shade than your walls can make the room feel taller.

If painting an entire room feels overwhelming, try focusing on just one wall or refreshing trim work instead. Even painting old furniture can breathe new life into a tired space.

2. New Doorknobs: Small detail, big impact

Have you ever noticed how dated brass doorknobs can make an entire house feel stuck in the past? Swapping them out is surprisingly simple and incredibly effective. Modern matte black, brushed nickel, or even crystal doorknobs can instantly elevate your home’s style.

This weekend project requires just a screwdriver and about $20-30 per doorknob. The transformation happens immediately suddenly doors look intentional rather than forgotten. For even more impact, match your new doorknobs to your cabinet hardware throughout the house.

Don’t stop at interior doors! Your front door hardware makes a crucial first impression, so consider upgrading your entry set with a stylish lever handle or smart lock system.

3. Updated Lighting: Modern fixtures brighten spaces

Those builder-grade flush-mount ceiling lights aren’t doing your home any favors. Switching to stylish pendant lights, a modern chandelier, or even recessed lighting can dramatically change how a room feels. Lighting is literally the difference between a dreary space and a welcoming one.

If you’re hesitant about electrical work, start with plug-in options like table lamps or floor lamps with unique designs. Even changing outdated lampshades can refresh a room instantly. Consider adding dimmer switches to create flexible lighting for different moods and activities.

LED bulbs in warmer color temperatures (2700-3000K) create a cozy atmosphere while saving energy. The right lighting fixture becomes both functional and a statement piece that elevates your entire design.

4. Cabinet Hardware Swap: Affordable kitchen facelift

When I replaced my basic cabinet pulls with sleek matte black handles, friends thought I’d installed brand new cabinets! This $2-$8 per piece upgrade delivers incredible bang for your buck, especially in kitchens and bathrooms where cabinetry dominates the space.

The hardware market offers endless options from minimalist bar pulls to vintage glass knobs. Before shopping, count exactly how many pieces you need and measure the distance between screw holes on existing hardware. If you’re changing from knobs to pulls, you’ll need to drill new holes.

While you’re at it, consider cabinet door hinges too. Switching to hidden soft-close hinges eliminates that visible metal on the cabinet face for a cleaner look. This small change can make even older cabinets look custom.

5. Accent Wall: Adds personality without full renovation

Why paint or wallpaper an entire room when one strategic wall can create the same wow factor? An accent wall lets you experiment with bold colors, patterns, or textures that might overwhelm a whole space. I created mine using peel-and-stick wallpaper that cost just $40.

The best walls for accent treatment are natural focal points behind the bed, surrounding a fireplace, or at the end of a hallway. Beyond paint and wallpaper, consider shiplap, reclaimed wood, or even a gallery wall of framed art. The contrast draws the eye and adds instant character.

If you’re renting, temporary wallpaper or large fabric panels can create the same effect without damaging walls. This single-wall approach means less materials, less work, and dramatically less cost than renovating the entire room.

6. New Faucets: Upgrade bathroom or kitchen style

The faucet is the jewelry of your kitchen or bathroom – it’s both functional and decorative. Swapping out a basic chrome model for something with personality can transform the entire space. Modern matte black, champagne bronze, or touchless models instantly signal an intentionally designed home.

This project typically costs $75-200 per faucet and requires basic tools. If you’re not comfortable with plumbing, many hardware stores offer installation services. The dramatic before-and-after effect makes this upgrade especially satisfying.

When shopping, look for faucets with ceramic disc valves for durability and smooth operation. If your sink has multiple holes but you want a single-handle faucet, deck plates can cover unused openings. This relatively small investment yields one of the highest visual impacts in home improvement.

7. Open Shelving: Stylish storage solution

Removing upper cabinet doors or replacing cabinets entirely with floating shelves creates an airy, modern look for surprisingly little money. Open shelving can make small kitchens feel larger while showcasing your favorite dishes or decorative items. I installed mine for under $100 using brackets and wood from the hardware store.

The key to successful open shelving is curating what’s displayed. Group similar items by color or function, and leave some breathing room rather than cramming shelves full. White dishes against a colored wall creates a particularly striking display.

If removing cabinets feels too permanent, try taking just a few doors off existing cabinets first. Paint the interior a contrasting color for added impact. This approach works beautifully in bathrooms too, where open shelving can display rolled towels and pretty containers.

8. Mirror Upgrade: Makes rooms feel bigger

That plain rectangular mirror in your bathroom is a missed opportunity. Replacing it with a framed or uniquely shaped mirror creates an instant focal point while bouncing light around the room. Mirrors are magical – they double visual space and brightness without any structural changes.

Large floor mirrors leaned against walls add dramatic flair to bedrooms or living areas for $100-300. In tight spaces like hallways, a collection of smaller mirrors arranged gallery-style creates interest and functionality. Antique stores and thrift shops often have unique mirrors at bargain prices that just need a fresh coat of paint.

Strategic placement matters too. Position mirrors to reflect windows or light sources for maximum brightness. A mirror across from an interesting architectural feature effectively doubles that feature’s impact in your space.

9. Entryway Refresh: New welcome mat or lighting

First impressions happen at your front door, where small changes make oversized impact. A stylish new doormat ($20-50), updated house numbers in modern fonts ($5-15 each), and a potted plant create a welcoming vignette that sets the tone for your entire home.

If your entryway feels dark or uninviting, lighting makes all the difference. Replace dated fixtures with something that reflects your home’s character modern and sleek or traditional lantern styles. Solar-powered path lights leading to your door add both safety and style after dark.

Inside the entry, a small bench or table creates a functional landing spot for keys and mail. Even if your entry is tiny, a mirror and wall hook system can create an intentional space that welcomes both you and your guests home each day.

10. Outdoor Lighting: Boosts curb appeal

Your home’s nighttime appearance matters just as much as its daytime look. Strategic outdoor lighting highlights architectural features, improves safety, and creates evening ambiance. Solar-powered options eliminate wiring concerns, making this a truly DIY-friendly upgrade.

Path lights guide visitors safely to your door while creating a welcoming glow. Uplights positioned at the base of trees or interesting architectural elements create dramatic shadows and depth. String lights across a patio or deck instantly create a magical outdoor room for entertaining.

Most solar landscape lights cost $5-20 each, while hardwired fixtures run $50-150. For maximum impact with minimal investment, focus first on your front entry and main walkways. This simple change transforms how you (and others) experience your home after dark.

11. Closet Organizers: Neat and functional

The standard single rod and shelf in most closets wastes about 70% of available space. Installing a basic closet organization system costs $100-300 but doubles your storage capacity while looking infinitely more polished. Even simple additions like shoe racks and extra shelving make mornings less chaotic.

If custom systems exceed your budget, modular cube organizers or freestanding garment racks offer flexible solutions without permanent installation. Clear storage bins with labels create visual calm and make finding seasonal items effortless. The secret to a boutique-worthy closet is using vertical space effectively.

Don’t forget the details matching velvet hangers ($20-30 for 50) instantly create a cohesive, upscale look while preventing clothes from sliding off. This practical upgrade improves daily life while impressing anyone who glimpses inside your newly organized space.

12. Simple Landscaping: Plants, mulch, and edging

Your yard creates the frame for your home, and basic landscaping improvements yield dramatic returns. Fresh mulch ($3-5 per bag) instantly defines beds and makes existing plants pop. Adding curved edging around trees or garden beds creates definition that elevates your entire yard’s appearance.

When selecting plants, focus on a few statement pieces rather than many small ones. A single ornamental tree or large flowering shrub creates more impact than dozens of tiny plants. For instant gratification, invest in a few larger specimens rather than waiting years for small ones to mature.

If maintenance is a concern, consider native plants adapted to your region’s rainfall. They typically require less water and care while supporting local wildlife. Even adding just 3-5 new plants strategically placed near your entrance transforms your home’s curb appeal dramatically.

13. Rug Replacement: Adds warmth and color

A well-chosen area rug anchors furniture groupings and instantly updates any room’s look. Think of rugs as artwork for your floor they introduce color, pattern, and texture while defining spaces in open floor plans. Even basic rooms come alive with this single addition.

Size matters tremendously most people choose rugs that are too small. In living rooms, all furniture should either sit completely on the rug or have front legs on it. Bedroom rugs should extend beyond the sides of the bed to give your feet a soft landing spot in the morning.

Budget-friendly options abound between $100-300 for 5×8′ sizes. Look for indoor/outdoor varieties in high-traffic areas for durability and easy cleaning. For maximum impact, choose a rug with colors that pull from your existing décor, creating a cohesive and intentional design.

14. Wall Art: Affordable and personalizes space

Bare walls scream “temporary space” while thoughtfully chosen art creates a finished, personal home. The good news? Impactful wall décor doesn’t require gallery prices. Oversized engineer prints of favorite photos can be printed for under $25 and look stunning in simple frames.

For maximum impact, go big – one large piece creates more visual punch than several small ones. Gallery walls remain popular, but try grouping pieces with a common theme or color palette for cohesion. Vintage posters, botanical prints, and abstract paintings all offer affordable options that reflect your personality.

If you’re artistic, create your own masterpieces with canvas and paint from craft stores. Even simple color blocks or geometric patterns can look sophisticated when properly displayed. The key is choosing pieces that genuinely speak to you rather than generic store art.

15. Small Furniture Swap: Chairs, side tables, or ottomans

You don’t need to replace entire furniture sets to refresh your space. Strategically swapping smaller pieces creates big impact for modest investment. A new accent chair ($150-300) in a bold fabric instantly energizes a neutral living room, while matching side tables create intentional symmetry.

Ottomans serve triple duty as footrests, extra seating, and coffee tables when topped with trays. Their upholstered surfaces add softness and color to rooms dominated by wood and metal. For dining areas, consider replacing just the head chairs with a contrasting style for a custom, collected look.

When choosing new pieces, look for items that add a missing element curves in a room full of straight lines, or texture in a space that feels flat. These smaller furniture items let you experiment with trends without committing to major purchases.

16. Decorative Pillows: Instantly refreshes living areas

Throw pillows are the chameleons of home décor they can completely change a room’s personality for under $100. I’ve transformed my neutral sofa from season to season just by swapping pillow covers. This affordable trick works in bedrooms too, where new shams refresh the entire space.

The secret is mixing patterns and textures while maintaining a cohesive color story. Try combining solids, geometrics, and organic patterns in varying sizes. Include at least one textural element like velvet, faux fur, or chunky knit for dimension.

Instead of buying new pillows each time, invest in quality inserts and purchase just the covers for seasonal changes. This approach saves both money and storage space. For maximum impact, choose colors that contrast with your furniture while complementing your overall palette.

17. Backsplash Update: Easy kitchen upgrade

Kitchen backsplashes occupy prime visual real estate, making them perfect candidates for high-impact upgrades. Peel-and-stick tiles have revolutionized this project they require no special tools, create minimal mess, and cost $30-100 for the average kitchen. The transformation happens in hours rather than days.

Modern options include convincing faux subway tile, marble-look patterns, and even metallic finishes. If you’re feeling more ambitious, traditional tiling has become more DIY-friendly with pre-mixed adhesives and simple-to-use spacers. A crisp white subway tile with contrasting grout remains timeless and universally appealing.

For maximum impact with minimal effort, focus on the area directly behind your sink or stove. These focal points deliver dramatic before-and-after results without requiring you to tile the entire kitchen.

18. DIY Accent Pieces: Creative décor that costs little

Handmade touches add soul to homes while showcasing your creativity. Painted terracotta pots with simple houseplants create living sculptures for under $20 each. Thrift store finds transformed with spray paint become custom décor that looks anything but budget.

Frame interesting fabric scraps or wallpaper samples for instant art. Wine bottles wrapped with twine or painted in chalk paint make striking vases. Even branches from your yard can become stunning arrangements when placed in tall vessels.

The beauty of DIY accents is their uniqueness they create conversation pieces that reflect your personality. Group similar items together for collection impact, like vintage bottles in graduated colors along a windowsill. These personal touches are what make a house feel genuinely yours while impressing guests with your creativity rather than your spending.