Looking for Elegance on a Budget? Try These 6 Home Updates

When you flip through magazines, turn on home improvement shows, or peruse your favorite home décor blogs, all the homes seem perfect. They have the latest trimmings, most modern fixtures, and are flawlessly coordinated to create a dream home.

If you’re like most people, it’s simply not feasible for you to change your window treatments, paint colors, flooring, and furniture every single year. You don’t have the funds. But if you’re on a budget, there are a few things you can do to make your home look and feel elegant.

1. Install a Fireplace

For functional and effortless beauty in any room, just install a fireplace. You don’t need a chimney and flue for a wood-burning fireplace when a gas insert will do. Gas fireplaces are more energy-efficient and functional anyway. An electric fireplace stand is also a great budget option.

If you already have a fireplace, dress it up a little with a simple mantle. It doesn’t need to be decadent or expensive—there are many types of fireplace mantels to choose from. To save money, you could use a mantel kit instead of a carpentry-constructed mantel to get a beautiful, classy look without breaking the bank.

2. Add Layers to Your Ceilings

Start by getting rid of the dated popcorn texture, and then use crown molding to make your ceilings three dimensional. This addition perfectly blends the walls and ceilings together, creating a more finished, elegant look.

Crown molding is relatively inexpensive if you buy and install it yourself. Consider the plastic versions that you can paint to save even more money. Choose moldings that match the trim throughout the rest of the room as well.

3. Buy a Paint Sprayer

Paint is the simplest way to give a room a fresh and modern update. You can transform an entire room for less than $50.

Painting is a hassle if you’re using brushes and rollers, but a paint sprayer makes the process so much simpler. Plus, the finish is much smoother with no brush marks are roller lines. For around $50, you can buy a paint sprayer with an air compressor built in so you can easily update any room whenever you feel like it. It’s an investment you’ll use over and over.

4. Switch Your Hardware

Drawer and cupboard handles, sink fixtures, lighting sconces, and other hardware can easily be unscrewed and replaced with something fresh and vibrant for very little. It’s truly amazing what this one change can do for an entire room.

Aim for something unique here. Colored knobs, hanging faux candlesticks, rose-gold sink fixtures, and other unique hardware add color and charm to an otherwise dull room. Because these are easy to switch out, you don’t have to worry about sticking with timeless pieces for the sake of property values or other nonsense. This means there’s plenty of room to get creative and let your personality show.

5. Buy a New Chair

Many homeowners buy a couch and loveseat set for their seating areas, which is a functional way to set up a living room. However, a lot can be said for switching out one of these larger pieces for a couple of accent chairs.

Chairs are timeless and elegant, particularly if you choose a simple armed, winged, or slipper chair. The best part? These additional pieces usually come in fun patterns and colors that can be used to accent your existing sofa. Use accent pillows to tie it all together, and you have a gorgeous seating ensemble.

6. Hang Large Wall Art

Lately, the typical modern home is not adorned with galleries of photos and miniature art pieces that were popular a few years ago. Instead, large walls are covered in huge art pieces that act as a focal point for the entire room.

There’s great freedom in choosing a massive wall hanging. You can go with abstract expressionism, floral patterns, photographed prints, or a beloved saying. Let your creativity show with your wall art as long as it meshes well with the rest of the room.

These six suggestions are simple, affordable, and functional, but they’ll make a huge difference in the overall appeal of your home. When you’re ready for an update, just select one of these items, customize, and apply!