5 Tips to Update Your Home's Look on a Budget
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Looking to give your cabin a fresh new feel? We've got five finance-friendly options to bring it up to date.
 Even something as simple as new hardware can liven up the look of your home. Credit: Cindy Thiede photo |
- If you want to update the one room that will make the biggest impact, it's got to be the kitchen. People spend most of their time in and around that space, so an outdated look can make you cringe (avocado and harvest-gold appliances, anyone?). Today's appliances, be they stainless steel, antique bronze or shiny enamel in shades of cobalt blue or russet red, are sleek and timeless. But even more than their color, consider their efficiency. Appliances like the Kenmore Elite dishwasher and refrigerator are designed to conserve energy while looking modern.
- If you're looking to drop a little less money on the kitchen, there are a few ways to make a big difference without having to write a big check. First, replace your cabinet hardware. Just changing the pulls and knobs can make your existing cabinets look brand new. To take it up a notch, consider re-facing the cabinets with a fresh coat of paint — an excellent money-saving idea to breathe new life into your culinary hub.
- There are many inexpensive brands of kitchen and bathroom faucets that can quickly improve the look in these spaces. Changing your faucet to a gooseneck, restaurant-style model, for example, will update your kitchen's style for less than $1,000. Other mood-enhancing faucets on the market run the gamut from vintage, oil-rubbed, teapot-style spigots to modern wall-mounted units in a two-toned combination of bright-and-shiny brass and chrome.
- Ditch those 1980s drapes — you know the ones. By simply replacing them with natural matchstick blinds, patterned Roman or honeycomb shades (which also add an extra dose of insulation) or wooden plantation-style shutters, you can give your room an entirely new feel. To add actual warmth to your home, replace those old, drafty windows with new low-E or argon-filled versions, and make sure your weather stripping is intact. Your monthly energy bill will thank you.
- We're told time and time again that first impressions are important. The same goes for your house, so don't neglect the exterior. Although landscaping with plants and hardscaping with decks and stone pathways are important, don't forget simple modifications like installing a new doorknob or adding decorative touches like a knocker or strap hinges for a rustic look. You'll be surprised at the drastic transformation that can take place by replacing your front door's hardware. And don't skimp here. Be it a knob or a thumb-latch, the hardware will need to withstand frequent use. Get the best model you can afford now to alleviate replacing a broken system in just a few years (or even months).
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By Sarah Casper on Oct 12, 2011
Great article. This is exactly what I have been thinking for my kitchen facelift.
By lol on Oct 26, 2011
yey
By Sharon on Nov 10, 2011
I certainly hope I could buy a new kitchen faucet for LESS than $1,000! Yikes! Let's get real!
By Gina on Dec 21, 2011
Hi, like your site. Question: what type of flooring do you recommend in the dining and living room if your walls and ceiling are wood - rooms are "L" shaped.
Thank you
By Danielle Taylor on Dec 22, 2011
Hi Gina,
You might try posting your inquiry on LogHomeU.com, where several thousand log-home enthusiasts gather to share stories and advice. Best of luck!