Home improvements on a budget

Lockdown has been tough! Being stuck at home, staring at the same four walls, the same paintings, the same rugs, the same everything is enough to drive anyone to distraction. But maybe there is something we can do to change that. Redecorating can be an expensive, time-consuming and an often-exhausting task, but at the same time, it can be really liberating and exciting. If you need a change of scenery but don’t have much spare cash, do not fear. There are plenty of ways to revamp your home for a fraction of the cost.

Get painting, and we don’t just mean the walls…

Is there anything better than a fresh lick of paint to rejuvenate a home? Definitely not, but paint can be used to transform more than just walls, it can revitalise all kinds of furniture and objects too. If you’re on a budget (who isn’t these days?) you don’t need to spend a fortune buying new drawers, wardrobes, kitchen cupboards or ornaments. Granted, it may get a little messy spray painting/ painting some of your belongings, but a different colour can bring a new lease of life to outdated or damaged objects. If you don’t believe me, check out some of these furniture makeovers…

https://www.pinterest.ca/sidenise/before-and-after-painted-furniture/

Repurpose old furniture

The easiest way to get rid of unwanted furniture is to just bin it, right? Wrong- don’t be so quick to throw away your belongings, especially when you can give them a new purpose. Take an old wardrobe for an example. Instead of binning it, why not replace the wooden doors with glass panels, paint it a different colour and turn it into a charming kitchen pantry?  It might time and effort, but it’ll save you a fortune. Plus, it sounds like a pretty fun project if you ask me…

Click here for some inspiration!

Recycle materials

You can do a lot with wood, whether it’s creating shelves, a birdhouse or even a table. If you consider yourself a bit of a ‘handyman’, why not try recycling some old furniture and creating something new and unique? It’s likely to save hundreds and could be a fun activity for you and the family to get involved in!

Hire a carpet cleaner

Carpets are the perfect addition to a cosy, comfortable home, but my goodness, they can get dirty! Over the years, your carpets are likely to have suffered spills, scuffs and stains which could make them appear worn and dirty. But before you start carpet shopping, consider hiring a carpet cleaner instead to lift all the grime. Trust me, your carpets will be as almost as good as new once you’re finished.

Dye your curtains

Curtains are often a statement feature and can make or break a room. But for that same reason, they can be really costly, especially if you’re looking for good quality. So, what can you do if you want to swap out the old for the new, on a budget? Simple – dye your curtains! Like clothes, most light fabrics can be dyed a darker colour using special brands of dye. If you’re looking to go lighter, you’ll have to search for an alternative option, but if like me you love anything dark, sophisticated and modern, here’s what you need to do: https://roomfortuesday.com/how-to-dye-fabric-the-dos-donts/ 

Swap your lampshades

So simple, so easy, so cost-effective. Who doesn’t love a statement lamp? Everyone does- but once again, they don’t come cheap. But we have a solution – simply swap the lampshade for something more desirable and hey presto, it’ll look as good as new.