Home Upgrades That Cost Less Than $100

Paint Your Front Door

bright red front door paint color — Courtesy of Behr

If on your early evening walks you always admire the neighbor down the block who painted their front door a striking, bold red, why not follow their lead? Painting your front door a vibrant color is a cost-effective way to boost your home’s curb appeal instantly and requires just a small amount of time, says Danielle Elderkin, the co-founder of Reloved Cabins.

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Revamp Your Floors

Dining room/kitchen with whitewashed floors — Getty Images

If your floors are looking worse for wear, there are a few ways you can elevate them without breaking the bank. “Maybe your floors can’t be refinished again, and you want to change it up,” says Ami McKay, creator of PURE Design. “A charcoal gray and white checkerboard pattern is popular, or try a whitewash so you can still see the character of the wood underneath. Embrace the patina and character!”

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Install Lights in Closets

Lights installed in wardrobe — JazzIRT / GETTY IMAGES

Though you may not have the square footage for an oversized closet and dressing, installing lighting in a closet looks (and feels) high-end, says Jane Stoller, a productivity and organizing expert. “Many closet makers and designers also place lighting above the wardrobe that will activate once the door opens. It might seem pricey, but you can actually add motion-sensor strip lighting to your closet that is easy to install for under $100 and doesn’t require wiring,” she says.

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Go Thrifting

Thrifted objects on dresser — Sara Ligorria-Tramp; Design: Emily Henderson

Not only is thrifting a fun weekend activity, but it’s also a playful and creative way to upgrade your home for pennies. Enhancing your living space with new artwork is an effortless and economical way to refresh its ambiance. “Scour thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, or garage sales for budget-friendly vintage pieces,” says Elderkin.

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Upgrade Cabinet Hardware

Modern kitchen with gold hardware — athena-calderone-kitchen-0219

Completely renovating your kitchen is a multi-month project that costs thousands of dollars. However, replacing old, outdated knobs and pulls on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities can tremendously elevate the room’s overall aesthetics for far less. “You can choose modern or vintage styles based on your preferences and the existing decor,” says Philippa Radon, a paint design and color expert for C2 Paint. “This upgrade enhances the look and adds a personalized touch to your space.”

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Ground Your Space With a Rug

rustic calm toned bedroom set — Julie Soefer

A rug is one of the best ways to infuse a space with warmth, character, and style. “I’m especially partial to vintage-inspired rugs that feel like they weave in a sense of history, character, and warmth into a room,” says Heather Goerzen, the design director at Havenly. “They feel simultaneously elevated and effortlessly chic.” While rugs are usually investment pieces, many affordable (and chic) options exist. The trick is to follow sales, scour thrift stores, and check out Facebook Marketplace.

Home Upgrades That Cost Less Than $100

14 Easy—and Impactful—Best of all, you can do them all on your own.

Paint Your Front Door

Revamp Your Floors

Install Lights in Closets

Go Thrifting

Upgrade Cabinet Hardware

Ground Your Space With a Rug

Add Trim or Molding to Walls

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