Ballin’ on a Budget: 6 Ways to Upgrade Your Space This Summer

It’s no secret that times are tough right now and we’re all riding a wave of uncertainty. Everyone is tightening their purse strings and looking for ways to save. Despite inflation and this uncertainty, however, we know many are champing at the bit to make a change with their space or spaces. After chillin’ at home for a majority of the last couple years, a lot of us want to change up a room or two. We get it. 

Here are a few fun, low-cost ways to DIY and renovate or revamp a space in your house or property this summer:

1. Add color or a fresh coat of paint! Let’s start with the easiest way to refresh a space: painting! Selecting a new hue or shade for a room can liven up your space and give your room a different feel this summer. Maybe you’re feeling bright and airy, or maybe you want a dark, dramatic wall to make a room more romantic. Whatever the case, a bucket of paint and a few brushes can give your room an entirely new look, all for a relatively low cost. Plus, you’ll get a good arm work-out in as well!

   
   

2. Remodel your entry-way. This can be a total game-changer for those of us with large families or those of us who could just use some decluttering and organizational help. Design a “drop-zone” space in your front door or mudroom entrance. Adding cubbies, storage benches, bins, or simply a few hooks can cut-down on the clutter in your space and give you a place for everything; this will make it easier to quickly run out the door and ensure some things aren’t thrown about the rest of your house. Check out this blog from Better Homes & Gardens for more ideas. 

   
   

3. Add a new focal furniture piece. If you live near antique markets, go peruse! You can easily purchase an old trunk or dresser with tons of character and make it the focal piece of your room. Turn an old dresser into a table for your entry-way or behind your couch to hold photographs and memories. Perhaps you’ll find an old, distinguished mirror that adds a little more style to your room and opens up the space. This is a great way to get out and possibly explore a new part of town as well. You never know what treasures you may find! 

   
   

4. Rethink lighting. Adding some indoor shutters or a vintage light fixture can help keep your space cool or add a new feel to your room. Indoor shutters are relatively inexpensive and can help cut down on A/C costs in the summer, too, by adding that extra shade and privacy. A stylish new-to-you chandelier or sconce may add new light to an old space as well and give your room an entirely new vibe. A string of lights on your deck or outdoor space can make an area more usable as well and extend your time outdoors or keep the party going on those perfect summer nights!

   
   

5. Add a modular shelving unit. Do you have a blank wall in your living room or dining area? Adding a modular shelving unit can add storage and be visually appealing as well. Open shelving can house books, display pieces, baskets, boxes, and bins for keeping knick-knacks and games out of sight or storing memories and pictures. You can even add a few plants on some shelves to improve the air-quality in your space and add some green as well! The possibilities are endless with this one, and it may help save you tons of space and keep you better organized as well!

   
   

6. Refresh your flower beds. You can give the outside of your home a new look, too, or simply add some flowers to your landscaping. If you don’t have a big yard or room for a garden, you could add window boxes. You can make your own or find ones from any home improvement store that fit your style. Not only will this add some color to the exterior of your home, but you’ll help out the bee population as well and even attract some birds and butterflies, too. It’s a win-win! 

   
   

These are just a few ideas to add more character to your home or change things up a bit! Your home projects can be practical and purposeful or simply add a different vibe or more beauty to your abode. Some lend themselves well to date night ideas or you could get the kiddos involved as well and give them a project to keep busy this summer. The possibilities are endless, but hopefully this list helps spark some creativity and ideas for you and your home!