House renovation on a low Budget !

Vidya Bhushan
Mar 17
7 min read

Renovating your home can be an exciting, but it also comes with its challenges, especially when working with a tight budget. Many homeowners wonder how they can complete a project that enhances both the value and comfort of their living space without overspending. This guide will provide you with practical tips and valuable insights that will help you successfully navigate your home renovation journey, from selecting wall finishes to choosing affordable decor.

Cozy and stylish living room renovation achieved on a budget, featuring warm earthy tones, elegant decor, and ample natural light.

10 Essential aspects of budget-friendly house renovation

The primary concern in house renovation is your budget. Many homeowners hesitate to even consider it due to budget limitations. Let's explore what changes we can make to achieve a makeover on a limited budget.

Wall color
Furniture choices
Soft furnishings
Lighting
Affordable decor items
Affordable flooring solutions
Plants
Kitchen organizers
Wallpaper / Sticker
Declutter your open areas

01/10 Decoding 'Wall Color' for your space

Understand the vibe of the space. If you want a certain vibe then pick the color accordingly. Blue and its hue for calm and cool environment. Orange /yellow for energy and freshness and likewise. Try to understand color psychology so that you understanding "How to choose the right color for interior wall painting."

Also understand the ways of applying colors in interiors has huge impact on the appearance of the space.

Use single color if you want the space to look spacious and enlarged.

Minimalist room with gray walls and floor, featuring one window with pink tint on the right wall. The room is empty and calm. All wall color is white — Enlarged space

Use single color on all the walls and ceiling to make the space look compact.

Simple room with red walls, gray floor, and a single window on the right wall. Minimalist and empty space, creating a tranquil mood. — Compact space

Use dark color on ceiling and light color on all the walls to make the ceiling look low height.

Empty room with white walls, gray floor, and a red ceiling. A window on the right wall shows a light red view. Minimalist setting. — Lower the ceiling

If you want to make the space feel stretched use single dark color on all the walls except the ceiling.

Empty room with red walls, gray floor, and a window on the right wall. The room is minimalist with no furniture or decorations. — Stretch the space

Use dark color on accent wall and continue the color to the entire ceiling, rest of the walls should be of light color to make the space look wider.

Minimalist room with gray floor, white walls, and a red accent wall. A window on the right wall. Simple, empty, geometric space. — Make the space wider

If you want to make the space look narrow, use dark color on both of the side walls, rest of the walls and ceiling should be of light color.

Empty room with red walls, gray floor, and a blank window on the right wall. The space is simple and minimalistic, creating a calm mood. — Narrow the space

To highlight a wall, use one dark color on the three walls and the ceiling, the accent or the highlighted wall should be of light color.

Simple room with salmon walls, gray floor, and a window on the right wall. The white back wall adds a minimalist feel. No text visible. — Highlight a wall

To make the space look shortened paint entire room in light color except one accent wall which will be a dark color. This will make the space look shortened.

Simple room with gray walls, red accent wall at the far end, and a window on the right. Minimalist and empty, creating a calm mood. — Shorten the space

If you want to shorten the wall height, then paint 2/3rd of the wall in a dark color, this will shorten the wall height.

Empty room with gray floor, white walls, and pink lower wall panels. A window is on the right wall, creating a minimalist appearance. — Shorten the wall

02/10 Furniture Choices

If your budget is not allowing for furniture change then consider upgrading the soft furnishings. Look for

Furniture should blend practicality with style. Look for multi-functional items, like a storage ottoman that doubles as seating or a foldable table that can be easily stored away.

Ottoman Brown upholstered bench with tufted top and storage — Storage Ottoman

This approach not only saves space but also allows you to allocate your budget more effectively.

Consider exploring second-hand shops or online marketplaces. For instance, you might find a solid wooden table under your budget, and with a coat of paint, it can look brand new.

Prioritize investing in a few high-quality pieces over countless low-cost items, as durable furniture often saves you money in the long run.

Projects like re-upholstering an old chair or refinishing a vintage dresser can yield stunning results, adding your unique flair to your home.

03/10 Selecting the Right Soft furnishing

Curtains can significantly change the ambiance of a room. When choosing fabric, think about how it complements your wall colors and furniture style. Bright, light fabrics can create an airy atmosphere, making a small room feel larger.

Light color curtains complementing the room color — Bright light and airy curtains complementing the room color. *Image source: Better Homes & Gardens*

For more savings, consider layering sheer curtains with heavier drapes to provide both light control and privacy. These dual layers can enhance your room's aesthetics while offering flexibility based on the time of day.

Layered curtain with sheer and heavy drapes — Double layering: Sheer curtains with heavier drapes. Image source: Stitched

If you're feeling crafty, try making your own curtains. With simple online sewing tutorials, you can create personalized window treatments using budget-friendly fabric, giving your home a unique touch.

Choose light color sofa fabric with quirky cushion covers. Avoid using heavy texture and bold patterns as sofa cover, instead go with simple light colored pattern and accentuate it with cushion covers.

quirky cushion on a plain and simple sofa covering — Light color sofa fabric with quirky cushion covers | Image source: Cobaltliving

04/10 Perfecting the Lighting Throughout Your Home

Good lighting can transform any space. To maximize your budget, focus on central areas, such as the living room or dining area. Replacing dated fixtures can create a more inviting atmosphere. Avoid high-end chandeliers; instead, opt for stylish yet affordable lighting options.

Dimmers are another excellent investment. They can be found for as little as $15 and allow you to adjust the light intensity to set the desired mood. Additionally, think outside the box: decorative string lights or unique lamps can create a cozy vibe without high costs.

High angle view of elegant lighting in a cozy living room — Elegant lighting enhancing the coziness of a living room

05/10 Affordable Decor Items to Add Character

Decor can speak volumes about your style without requiring a hefty investment. Check local markets or thrift shops for unique finds like artwork, vases, or picture frames. You can create a gallery wall with an array of inexpensive frames and prints. A mix of family photos and artwork can provide a personal touch.

Sticking to a consistent color palette across decor items will further unify your space. Consider a theme—like coastal, rustic, or minimalist—to help your home feel cohesive and inviting.

06/10 Flooring Solutions That Are Easy to Install and Durable

When considering flooring, look into laminate or vinyl options, which can mimic high-end materials like hardwood or tile at a fraction of the cost. For instance, you might find laminate flooring for as little as $1.50 per square foot, putting a chic look within reach.

Wooden textured vinyl flooring — Laminate / Vinyl flooring, *Image source: Alpod*

Peel-and-stick tiles are another excellent choice, especially for kitchens and bathrooms. They come in a variety of designs, and many homeowners report easy installation that doesn't require professional help.

Vinyl sticker flooring wooden texture — Peel & stick laminate | *Image source: Walmart*

If carpet is more your style, consider purchasing remnant pieces that are sold at discounted prices. You can place them in selected areas to enhance comfort while keeping costs down.

Geometric patterned rug — Carpet to match the flooring and furniture | *Image source: Pinterest*

07/10 Enhancing interior space with indoor plants

Indoor plants can significantly enhance the aesthetic and atmosphere of interior spaces, bringing a touch of nature indoors. They not only improve air quality but also add color, texture, and life to any room. Here are some suggestions for where and what types of low-maintenance plants can be used effectively in your home:

Ideal Locations for Indoor Plants:

Living Room: Place larger plants like a Fiddle Leaf Fig or Rubber Plant in corners to create a focal point.
Rubber plant | Image source: Time Inc (UK) Ltd
Kitchen: Use smaller herbs such as Basil or Mint on windowsills for easy access and a fresh look.
Herbs and medicinal plant on kitchen window sill | Image source: Pinterest
Bathroom: Consider humidity-loving plants like Spider Plants or Pothos, which thrive in lower light conditions.
Spider plant in bathroom | Image source: Interior company by square yards
Bedroom: Incorporate peace lilies or snake plants to promote relaxation and improve air quality during sleep.
Snake plant & peace lilies in bedroom | Image source: Gardeningetc

Low-Maintenance Plant Options

Snake Plant: Tolerant of low light and infrequent watering, making it perfect for beginners.
Pothos: Grows well in various lighting conditions and only needs watering when the soil is dry.
ZZ Plant: Extremely hardy and drought-resistant, it thrives on neglect.
Spider Plant: Adaptable and easy to care for, it can flourish in indirect sunlight.

By strategically placing these plants in your home, you can create a more inviting and vibrant atmosphere with minimal upkeep. Embrace the beauty of indoor greenery to transform your interior spaces effortlessly.

08/10 Budget-Friendly Modular Kitchen Solutions / Organizers

As the heart of the home, the kitchen deserves special attention. However, its renovation does not require a complete overhaul. Modular kitchens offer flexible designs that fit your budget and style. You can use open shelving instead of upper cabinets to save money and create a more expansive feel in the kitchen.

Open shelves in kitchen | *Image source: Apartment therapy*

Consider refreshing your existing cabinets rather than replacing them. A coat of paint and new hardware can modernize your kitchen for minimal investment. Functional yet decorative knobs can bring personality to your space.

Use simple wooden organizers near kitchen platform or put it in the corner to store spices.

Kitchen wooden organizer — Wooden kitchen organizer | Image source: rasoishop.com

or you can also use adjustable organizers for the drawer.

Adjustable drawer organizer — Adjustable kitchen drawer organizer | *Image source: Pinterest*

Use steel finished light weighted organizers if you are looking for something under budget.

Steel organizer in kitchen — Steel organizer for kitchen | Image source: Pinterest

09/10 Wallpaper / Sticker

Revamping your home on a budget can be both exciting and rewarding. One of the most cost-effective ways to achieve a fresh look is by using wallpaper or wall stickers. These options not only add character but also allow for easy application and removal, making them perfect for DIY enthusiasts.

Wallpaper comes in a variety of patterns and textures, enabling you to create a focal point in any room. Whether you opt for a bold print or a subtle design, it can significantly enhance the overall aesthetic of your space. On the other hand, wall stickers offer versatility and can be used to add fun elements to your decor, from playful designs in a child's room to elegant motifs in a living area.

10/10 Declutter open area or common spaces

Decluttering open areas or common spaces is essential for enhancing the overall decor and functionality of your interior. Here are some effective ideas to achieve a clean and inviting atmosphere:

Assess and Prioritize: Start by evaluating the items in the space. Keep only what is necessary and meaningful.
Utilize Smart Storage: Incorporate stylish storage solutions like baskets, shelves, and cabinets to organize items without cluttering the visual appeal.
Create Defined Zones: Use rugs or furniture arrangements to delineate different areas, making the space feel more organized and purposeful.
Incorporate Multi-Functional Furniture: Choose pieces that serve multiple purposes, such as ottomans with storage or coffee tables that can double as workspaces.
Embrace Minimalism: Opt for a minimalist approach by selecting a few key decorative elements that resonate with your style, allowing them to stand out.

By implementing these strategies, you can transform your open area into a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing environment that enhances your decor.

Final Thoughts

Home renovation offers a unique chance to refresh your living space, and with a careful approach, you can achieve stunning results without draining your bank account. By concentrating on key areas and making smart, strategic choices, your renovation can transform your home into a warm and inviting sanctuary.

Through thoughtful consideration of all elements—from wall finishes to lighting and decor—you'll create a space that reflects your personality and retains its charm for years to come. Happy renovating!

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