The change of seasons often brings on a flurry of cleaning and a home refresh. If you’re looking for some budget-friendly changes that will bring new life to your rooms, we have those for you.
Before you start, try to clear any clutter you may have. If you tend to hoard, begin your refresh by donating or throwing away items you no longer use. You may also want to review this list of home improvements that can increase the value of your home.
Living Room
Whether you’re entertaining guests or just hanging out, your living room should feel inviting and reflect your style, yet also be functional and versatile.
1. Paint
A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for any living space. Picking neutrals like white or beige ensures a clean and timeless look.
2. Statement furniture
If you don’t have the budget to buy all new furniture, you may want to consider picking one or two new pieces, such as an eye-catching chair or coffee table, that will update your space.
3. Area rug
A quality rug can anchor a room and add a subtle splash of color. It’s also a good idea to make sure it’s sturdy enough to handle high traffic. Adding a rug pad can be worth the additional cost because it feels luxe underfoot and prolongs the life of your rug.
4. Lighting
How you light a room can affect its overall feel. Installing dimmers can enable you to adjust the lighting depending on the mood you’re trying to set. A new floor or table lamps can also allow you to subtly adjust lighting.
5. Clutter containment
If you still have a lot of “stuff” after your initial purge, you may want to consider storing it in decorative receptacles such as woven baskets or a storage ottoman. This is especially useful for kids’ toys.
6. Framing
Buying nice frames to create a gallery on blank walls, or even just to display family photos on a side table, can really personalize your space. Consider a digital photo frame for convenient streaming.
7. Window treatments
Blinds or curtains can add depth to a room. The most affordable option is to buy premade curtains and rods from a home décor store and install them yourself. Measuring carefully is the key to success.
8. Sofa spruce-up
Purchasing a bold couch cover and swapping out your throw pillows can be a quick and inexpensive way to add color and patterns to your space. Toss a blanket over the arm of the sofa for both added texture and warmth.
9. Go green
Plants have always been a simple and effective way to bring life into a space. Good news if you don’t have a green thumb: You can now download an app (Planta is one example) that will help you remember to care for them properly.
10. Switch it up
Looking for a zero-cost home refresh option? You can try rearranging your furniture. Using apps like Modsy for floor plan ideas can help you find options that complement your lifestyle and make the most efficient use of your space.
💡 Quick Tip: Loans typically offer lower interest rates than credit cards. Consider a SoFi home improvement loan to fund your next renovation.
Kitchen
Dreaming about that perfect HGTV kitchen? You can use our calculator to estimate just how much a full remodel may cost you. (Hint: The average cost of a kitchen remodel taps in at more than $50,000.) Never fear: You can still refresh your kitchen with some of the following affordable upgrades — no permits or contractor required.
11. Cabinet facelift
If your cabinets are looking dated, you may want to try putting a fresh coat of paint on them. For an added touch, consider changing out the hardware and installing new handles and drawer pulls.
12. Seat swap
You may want to consider upgrading worn or outdated bar stools in exchange for something sleeker. If purchasing new stools isn’t in your budget, get out your staple gun and try changing the upholstery.
13. Appliance upgrade
If your appliances aren’t working as well as they used to, or they’re nearing the 10 year mark, it may be time to replace them. Although this can get expensive, you can find bargains on bundles, especially during holiday sales, and some outlet stores offer steep discounts on open box appliances.
14. Fill a wall
If you have unused wall space, you may want to consider installing floating shelves for smaller items such as cookbooks, plants, and other knick knacks. Not only will the extra shelving provide more storage in your kitchen, but it can also create an eye catching display.
15. Light it up
For a style update with a big impact, you can look into replacing old lighting fixtures with modern pendants. They come in such a wide variety of styles and price points that there’s something for just about anyone’s taste and budget.
16. Combine decor with utility
It’s easy to warm up a space with an attractive fruit bowl, colorful wall clock, or pretty serving tray. If you’re adding a TV to your kitchen, consider one that will display art or photos when you aren’t watching your favorite shows.
17. Streamline storage
Your storage areas can also be the focus of a spring upgrade. Toss expired foods from your pantry and do a deep clean of your fridge and freezer. If you want to really get organized, consider storing your dry goods and refrigerated items in clear canisters and bins for easy identification and access, and using drawer dividers to separate utensils.
Recommended: Interior Decoration Tips for Furnishing A New Home
Bathroom
In an ideal world, a bathroom remodel would include a new vanity, tile, and hardware. However, even if a demo is more idealistic than realistic, that doesn’t mean this space is out of bounds. Start small with a few less costly changes.
18. Hardware update
Replacing your outdated sink, bath and shower hardware can boost the appeal of just about any bathroom. By adding matching towel racks, door hooks, and vanity knobs and handles, you can achieve a cohesive upgrade that doesn’t break the bank.
19. Target: toilet
If your porcelain throne is starting to show wear and tear, it may be time to replace the lid and seat. You can go all in and buy a new toilet for just a couple hundred dollars, although you will likely need a plumber as well.
20. Mirror modern
If you have a long vanity with two sinks, you may want to consider installing two separate mirrors with bold frames. Mirrors with LED backlighting offer a more modern hotel-like look.
21. Shower showcase
The shower curtain is one of the first things people see when they walk into a bathroom. Introduce a new look by finding a curtain with a cool pattern and adding a new curtain rod and rings.
22. Spa retreat
A bamboo bath mat that’s easy to clean and water-resistant can elevate your space. So can candles or a diffuser. Add attractive shelving — or simply swap in plush new towels — and you’ll instantly create a serene scene that could compete with any day spa.
23. Accessorize
Placing your soap dispenser and toothbrush holder on a decorative tray easily gives your bath a tidy boost. Take a good look at all the personal care products that are visible in your space. Stow unattractive or less frequently used products in drawers and make sure what’s still visible is in attractive containers.
24. Grout out
No budget for new tiles? Put some elbow grease into cleaning the grout on your existing tile floor and walls, or regrout the entire space for a cleaner, brighter look.
💡 Quick Tip: You never know when you might need funds for an unexpected repair or other big bill. So apply for a HELOC (a home equity line of credit) brokered by SoFi today: You’ll help ensure the money will be there when you need it, and at lower interest rates than with most credit cards.
Bedroom
Your bedroom should be your haven after a long day of work, but you don’t need to do a complete bedroom remodel to reap more relaxation. Just make a few changes to create a more peaceful setting.
25. Headboard
For a few hundred dollars, you can find an upholstered headboard that’s both fashionable and easy to assemble. It can create a dramatic difference in your bedroom’s appearance.
26. Paint
It’s pretty easy to refresh your walls over a weekend. If you want to liven up your space with some color, stick with soft hues such as pale blue or gray. For the I-hired-a-decorator feel without the price tag, consider removable wallpaper.
27. New linens
To quickly liven up a boring bed, you can replace old sheets, blankets and pillows. Opt for soothing colors and muted patterns that will create a peaceful sleeping environment.
28. Floors
Whether you have wooden floors or carpet, layering an area rug can help to create a cozy environment. For a luxurious feel, try shag or sheepskin rugs.
29. Lighting
Designing a unique lighting setup doesn’t have to be hard or expensive. You may be able to freshen up your space by installing plug-in sconces (which require no rewiring) on each side of your bed. It can save table space and add decor to your wall.
30. Side tables
For a budget-friendly furniture refresh, just replace your bedside tables. Look for a pair with concealed storage to cut down on the cluttered look.
31. Closet clutter
Custom closets can get expensive very quickly. But you can get your closets under control by installing affordable hanging bars and shelves that not only look good, but help you organize your wardrobe.
32. Floor mirrors
A full-length floor mirror will reflect light and make your room feel bigger — not to mention that it comes in handy when you’re pulling together your daily outfit.
33. Art & photos
Many designers suggest thinking of your walls as a blank canvas to display your style and the people you love. You can achieve this by hanging your favorite photos or artwork in eye-catching frames.
What is Your Home Missing Quiz
The Takeaway
Even small changes can make your home feel new again. Figure out how much you want to spend on your home refresh before you start so you can prioritize which changes are most important to you. Staying within your budget by choosing upgrades that you can do yourself, shopping secondhand stores, and comparing prices carefully.
Inspired to tackle a larger home makeover project? A home improvement loan may be the way to go. SoFi’s no-fee home improvement loan could help you foot the bill of your kitchen reno or bathroom demo, with no collateral required. Plus, it’s possible to get your funds the same day* which can help fast track your remodel.
Learn more about how a home improvement loan can help with your remodel.
Photo credit: iStock/KatarzynaBialasiewicz
* Same-Day Personal Loan Funding: 82% of typical SoFi Personal Loan applications, excluding Direct Pay Personal Loans and Personal Loan refinance, from January 1, 2022 to January 1, 2023 that were signed before 7pm ET on a business day were funded the same day.
SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.
SoFi Mortgages
Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
²SoFi Bank, N.A. NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC), offers loans directly or we may assist you in obtaining a loan from SpringEQ, a state licensed lender, NMLS #1464945.
All loan terms, fees, and rates may vary based upon your individual financial and personal circumstances and state.You should consider and discuss with your loan officer whether a Cash Out Refinance, Home Equity Loan or a Home Equity Line of Credit is appropriate. Please note that the SoFi member discount does not apply to Home Equity Loans or Lines of Credit not originated by SoFi Bank. Terms and conditions will apply. Before you apply, please note that not all products are offered in all states, and all loans are subject to eligibility restrictions and limitations, including requirements related to loan applicant’s credit, income, property, and a minimum loan amount. Lowest rates are reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Products, rates, benefits, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice. Learn more at SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria. Information current as of 06/27/24.In the event SoFi serves as broker to Spring EQ for your loan, SoFi will be paid a fee.
(Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.
SOHL0224004