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Want a luxury home without spending a lot of money? You can get a high-end look with some clever and easy DIY tricks. Here are some budget-friendly design ideas. Learn how to change your home from basic to beautiful without emptying your wallet.
Living Spaces
Coffee Table Upgrade
Big coffee tables can be very costly. A simple way to save is to buy a cheaper coffee table from a big box store. For example, you could get a basic table for around $200. Then, have a glass company cut a custom glass top for it. Adding a glass top makes the table look more expensive, like a $1,000 table, for a fraction of the price.
Pro Tip: Mix high-quality items with cheaper finds. No one will be able to tell which is which!
Mirror Tray Hack
Here’s another great idea for your coffee table. Use a mirror as a tray. Just lay a mirror on top of the table. It’s a simple and elegant way to add some style.
Window Fixes
Window treatments can change the way a room looks. Many roller shades have a big, dark header across the top that looks bad. You can paint the header the same color as the wall. This makes it disappear and look much better.
Area Rug Size
Many people use rugs that are too small for their rooms. A large area rug can make a big difference. A 16×20 rug can cost about $400.
Custom Rugs
Hand-knotted rugs are a good investment. But, they can be very expensive. If you need two rugs, buy one large rug and cut it in half. Use one piece in one room and the other in an entryway. Aja Rugs has hand-knotted rugs.
Live Edge Table
Live edge tables look great in a dining room. But, they can be costly. You can make your own by buying a wood slab. Sand, stain, and seal it. Then, buy legs online. This will save you money and give you a custom look.
Straight Candles
Keep taper candles straight with double-sided tape. Put a row of Gorilla tape around the bottom of each candle. This will help them stand up straight in the candlestick.
Kitchen Countertops
Change the look of your kitchen by updating the countertops. One idea is to get black galaxy granite countertops. You can also paint cabinets black and add new hardware. Black galaxy granite has gold and copper flecks in it.
Window Treatments
Table runners can be used as window treatments. They can make a window look taller. All you need is a board, a table runner, and some measuring skills.
Steps:
- Measure the window.
- Iron the table runner.
- Create pleats.
- Attach it to the board.
- Mount above the window.
You can find table runners at stores like Target and HomeGoods.
Kitchen Island Upgrade
Make your kitchen island bigger by adding a cabinet for support. Then, add a waterfall edge with a granite top.
Switch Plates
Paint switch plates to match the wall color. This makes them disappear. Take the plate off. Then, paint the switch and the plate separately. This keeps paint from getting into the cracks.
Clean Paint Lines
Get clean paint lines by using a simple trick. First, tape off the area. Then, paint over the tape with the existing wall color. Let it dry. Then, paint with the new color. When you pull off the tape, you will have a clean line.
Hide Cords
Hide cords by painting them the same color as the wall. This is a simple and free way to make them disappear.
Nightstands
If you can’t find a nightstand that is the right size, add a piece of granite to a smaller one. This makes it look more expensive.
Door Repurpose
If you have a door that doesn’t fit one space, use it in another. For example, a door that is too small for a master bedroom closet might work well in a guest room.
Small Bathroom
Make a small bathroom look bigger with these tricks:
- Floor-to-ceiling mirrors
- Paint the walls and ceiling the same color
- Mirrors from wall-to-wall
Laundry Room
Use butcher block from another area as a folding table in the laundry room. Also, reuse an old bar cabinet for towels.
Fabric
Buy extra fabric from the furniture store to make matching pillows or window treatments. This will save you time and make sure everything matches.
Lighting
Use the same color light bulbs in a room. This will keep the color tone consistent.
Bathroom Fixtures
Update your bathroom by changing the fixtures. Use different colored fixtures to bring in a new look. Add a wall-to-wall mirror. Cut holes in the mirror for the light fixtures.
Acrylic Shelves
Put up acrylic shelves to hold cologne or other items. The clear shelves will disappear and let you see the items better.
Closet Upgrade
Make the most of a small closet by adding a wardrobe system. Put in pullout drawers and a full-length mirror. Add rope lights around the stairway.
Fish Tank
Add a fish tank in dead space, like under a stairwell. Build a false wall to hide the door to the fish tank equipment.
Outdoor Bench
Make an outdoor bench from a piece of wood from an old door.
Deck
Warm up a cold deck with cheap lumber. Add lights underneath for a nice look.
Lattice
Make a lattice from cheap lumber. Space the boards out and add vines in front.
Wind Barrier
Build a wind barrier from cedar fence boards. Add moss art to it.
Sphere Fountain
Make a sphere fountain from concrete, drywall tape, and a yoga ball. Cover the ball with concrete mix. Let it dry. Then, deflate the ball and add a pump and water.
Final Thoughts
With a bit of creativity, you can have a luxury home without spending a fortune. These DIY hacks are easy and fun. They will help you stretch your budget and create a home you love. Now it’s your turn! Try some of these hacks. You might be surprised at what you can do.