5 easy swaps to refresh your home without a renovation

Feeling bored with your same four walls? Spending weeks inside during the cold winter months may leave you dreaming of a total home makeover, or maybe even just a room or two. But for most of us, it’d take a contest win to afford a major renovation.

But that doesn’t mean your house needs to stay stuck in the past. By making a few affordable home upgrades with decor, you can make your home feel like a fresh, new space. 

Install modern light fixtures to give your home personality.

1. Revive your lighting

One of the first things your visitors notice is your home’s lighting. Both natural and artificial light set the mood, making your space feel energetic or cozy. Dim rooms, on the other hand, can make your house feel like a cave instead of a beautiful home.

Even with adequate lighting, older fixtures contribute to an outdated vibe. Brighten and update your space by swapping out the builder-grade ceiling light covers. Instead, try a unique shape, a complementary color or a textured shade For your entryway or staircase, add a chandelier or pendant light to give it the wow-factor.

Outside, a modern porch light can instantly update your home and make it feel more inviting too. If you don’t feel comfortable doing a bit of rewiring, you can find trusted professionals in the Services category on KSL Classifieds to help.

For a simpler project, add sconces in places you could use a little extra light or ambiance. Battery-powered fixtures can be placed anywhere, from a stairwell to a reading nook to a bedroom wall. 

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Perk up your entryway when you use a storage bench or table to corral the clutter.

2. Upgrade your entryway

The entryway to your home tends to be a drop-off zone: shoes, mail, backpacks, coats, etc. Too much clutter can feel chaotic, which is why you may feel you need a revamp. You don’t need a bigger space, you just need to organize. 

The key to keeping busy areas feeling clutter-free is to make a place for everything. If you’re up for a bit of carpentry, add some hooks for a minimalist coatrack. A storage bench can hold shoes, small sports equipment and backpacks.

On a console table, add storage baskets to hold gear. Place a dish or tray on top to hold keys and mail. On the wall above the table, hang a mirror — it’s good for last-minute checks of your hair/outfit/face, but it also helps the space appear bigger. Finally, a decorative washable rug feels welcoming while keeping dirt at the door.

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Freshen your wall with fine art or artistic features.

3. Add new art

Tired posters or mass-produced art have had their day — it’s time for an upgrade. Changing up your wall art will change the way you see the room. If you can find original art or photography that’s affordable, go for it! Fine art instantly elevates a space so you won’t feel bored with it anymore.

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You don’t have to rely on actual artwork to decorate your walls, though. Adding a mirror or shelving is another way to upgrade your home decor on a budget. If you’re more ambitious, consider applying wainscoting for an artsy dimension to your walls without the need for anything else.

Pretty pottery can make your houseplants pieces of art, as well. Use differing heights — tall, tabletop or hanging — to keep the eye moving and the space more visually appealing. Medium floor plants or large statement trees can work too.

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4. Decorate with rugs

Rugs are one of the simplest ways to give your home a refresh without a renovation. They can perk up any type of flooring, either hiding flaws or just adding more color and texture to an area. 

For a room that could use a warmer, cozier feel, look for a rug with a thick pile. In a busy room, you may want a shorter pile that can be easily cleaned. If your room feels bland, choose a rug in a bright color or with an interesting pattern.

A rug is also an excellent way to ground the rest of your furniture. It gives your room a focal point, helping you clearly define the space and making your home feel more organized. For maximum effect, interior designers suggest buying the largest rug you can afford.

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Use rugs to add a layer of color, cover bland flooring or define spaces.

5. Switch out small furnishings

While new couches for the living room would give your room a refresh, major furniture purchases are not usually budget friendly. But you can still breathe new life into your home by swapping out some minor pieces.

Update the vibe of your kitchen with some modern kitchen stools, for example. If your coffee table feels too big, too small or too boring, find a lighter piece or a different shape. Don’t be afraid to paint your furnishings to bring a pop of color to an otherwise neutral room.

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You don’t need to renovate, or even buy expensive furnishings, to make your home feel new again. Shop KSL Classifieds to refresh your house with affordable deals from local sellers.

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