Paint

While painting is time consuming and messy, it is one of the most dramatic home improvements you can make on a budget! Whether you were talked into buying a home with red and yellow walls by your visionistic spouse, or you’d like to add a splash of color to your recently renovated, all-white home purchase, painting is a great way to change the feel of a room. There are even apps that allow you to take a picture of a room and change the wall color on your cell phone, such as the Home Depot Project ColorTM app. If you prefer exploring the possibilities in person, go to your local paint store and buy samples to test out the paint on your wall first. Be sure to see how the color looks at different times during the day before deciding; that tan that looks perfect at twilight could blend in with the white trim at noon. Take your time and pick the right color for you.

Create an Entryway Space That You Love

One of the first things you see when you walk into someone’s home is the entryway. Creating a cozy, usable space is one of the easiest things you can do to instantly improve the appeal of your home to visitors (and to you!). This home improvement will not only help with appeal, but also functionality of space. It’s easy to overlook the usefulness of an entry space, but when you fill it with a bench, hooks and some shoe storage it becomes not only easy on the eyes but also functional. Check out the difference that just a little time decorating can do for your entryway.

Replace That Old Chandelier or Outdated Kitchen Light

It’s easy to overlook the lighting when you purchase a home. You’re focused on big-ticket items like carpet vs. hardwood, paint color, landscaping, and appliance quality. If you’ve settled in your new home and you’re feeling unsure about a room, consider updating the lighting. There are so many options for lights these days – from ceiling fans to chandeliers to track lighting.

Add Shelving or Hooks to an Unorganized Closet

This idea is one not many people think of – it is either completely overlooked or may seem like too much of a hassle – but there are plenty of DIY shelving options that are easy enough for almost anyone to try. No need to bring out the saw or cut the wood yourself – you can simply go to your local hardware store and ask them to cut the wood in the dimensions you need. Once you get home, sand, stain, and place shelves accordingly for an uber organized, clutter-free and clean look and feel closet.

Add Artwork, Mirrors, Framed Photos and Other Wall Décor to Your Home

There are thousands of DIY wall art projects floating around Pinterest alone, and even more when you bring Google into the mix. DIY Wall decor is a great way to dress up your room for less, and you’ll feel good about your own creations hanging on your walls. You can get super creative by purchasing a cheaper mirror and adding your own wood frame or creating your own laundry room decor. The possibilities are endless!

Plant Some Trees

It’s amazing how much value plants, trees, or bushes can add to the overall appeal of a home. Adding some tanbark and a birdbath can add to your home’s value, fiscally and visually. Consider taking advantage of that sale on ferns at your local gardening shop and take an afternoon to clean up that back corner of your yard. You’ll be glad you did! If you’re feeling adventurous, purchase some paving stones and make a backyard path or look into creating your own DIY fire pit

Light Up the Outdoors

Adding light to your backyard or patio is one of the cheapest but most beautiful home improvements you can do right now. Whether you choose to light up your patio with some simple solar lights, add tiki torches (check your local hardware store at the end of the summer when they typically go on sale), or invest in more permanent light fixtures, they are sure to give you instant gratification. You can even invest in some new patio furniture or an improved grill to complete the look and maximize the benefits.