Design Pros Swear By These Cheap Things That Make Homes Nicer & Save You Money

“My top three low-lift changes are: a fresh coat of paint, updating the light fixtures and hardware, and swapping out those tired throw pillows and rugs,” says Anna Tatsioni, lead interior designer and architect at Decorilla Online Interior Design. “With any of these changes, you will see how the whole space changes.”

You can make huge changes by painting even small pieces of furniture. Use this matte finish furniture paint that comes with all the tools. It adheres easily to wood, requires no primer, and transforms dated pieces with a punch of modern color.

The next step in Tatsioni’s plan is to update the fixtures. This modern ceiling light fixture — called Sputnik — is the perfect replacement for an ugly, old dining room chandelier, bedroom light, or even a dated kitchen fixture. The low-profile design fits anywhere and the geometric shape brings a modern, minimalist vibe to the room. It comes in three finishes.

It’s astonishing how much change you can create in a space simply by replacing the fixtures you touch when you open the cabinets. This works on dressers, bathroom vanities, and kitchen cabinets. Choose a modern shape like this flat, round set of 10 kitchen cabinet knobs that come in eight finishes.

If you are following Tatsioni’s revamp recipe, turn next to the living room, where a strategically placed throw pillow can transform that space and add the personalization you can’t get from rugs and furniture. Even better? This throw pillow cover transforms the pillows you have (or an inexpensive insert) with a retro mid-century modern pattern. Choose from 12 abstract patterns and six sizes.

Next replace tired, dated, or no-fun rugs — or cover those cold, bare floors — to warm up your space visually and physically. This neutral, Moroccan area rug is the perfect choice. It brings pattern, texture, warmth, and modern styling to the room without clashing with any of your other color choices. It comes in five sizes.

"When I’m about to start a new project, I always ask my clients to declutter,” says Tatsioni. “I also love to include in my projects smart storage solutions and multi-functional furniture to help them keep the spaces tidy.” One favorite is this set of two under-sink organizers with drawers that slide out so you can find items you need. There are hooks for dishwashing gloves, cleaning cloths, and more. It comes in white or black.

This under bed storage with wheels is another terrific option for increasing the storage space in bedrooms. Instead of letting that vast area under the bed languish, turn it into an easy-to-access storage space. The clear tops, big handles, and wheels make it easy to pull these out and see what’s in them. This makes them the perfect place for shoes, linens, and your off-season wardrobe.

Creating a space near your entryway to drop shoes and bags is a great way to declutter. Set this bamboo entry bench there to give people a visual hint that this is where they can set their gear. This will keep that clutter out of your kitchen and living space. It’s a great place to store shoes you wear often, too, so that your living space is more convenient and less cluttered. The upholstered seat offers a comfy place to don footwear.

Furniture that offers storage is a genius way to keep clutter to a minimum without sacrificing convenience. This lift-top coffee table lets you stash chargers, headphones, gaming accessories, and more under the lid and close them away quickly and easily when you are done working or playing. There are shelves, too, for remote controls and other necessities. It comes in four colors.

"I also love to mix textures,” says Tatsioni. “This immediately adds depth and interest to any room.” This can be as easy as draping this waffle-weave blanket over a chair or the couch. A delicious array of color options lets you play with both color and texture. And the soft cotton is the perfect layer of warmth to pull over you when watching a movie.

Creating visual texture is another tool for punching up your space. Cover a dull or tired-looking floor with these floor tiles that are easy to peel and stick right over the surface that’s there now. You don’t need grout or challenging tools and they create a surface that’s visually stunning, water-resistant, and washable.

You can also use a visually interesting wallpaper to build texture into your space, according to Tatsioni. The subtle, Japanese leaf pattern with metallic elements in this peel-and-stick wallpaper is the perfect backdrop in a kitchen, behind your entry bench, or as an accent wall in a bathroom or bedroom. It’s easy to remove, too, making it a great option for renters.

“Adding vibrant color accents to a space through accessories like colorful cushions and pillows, outdoor furniture, and umbrellas with fun design elements is a fantastic way to brighten and revive a space," suggests Valerie Stafford, partner and lead designer for Rumor Designs. This chalk-style paint is an easy way to play with this idea. The built-in primer and top coat make it easy to apply color without excessive prep or cleanup. It comes in 5 colors.

"I love seeing a decorative chair, sculpture, or accent table to make a space unique,” says Stafford. This metal side table brings a pop of color and elegant lines into the room while providing a place to set a drink, book, or a bit of decor. It comes in 15 vibrant, metallic, or neutral colors.

"Incorporating natural elements like plants, natural light, and organic materials into interiors promotes well-being and a connection to nature,” says Courtney Cole, an interior designer at Australian tap ware manufacturer, Yabby. This is so easy to do with a few cuttings from your favorite plant or a few borrowed from your friend with the green thumb, and this set of three desktop plant terrarium vases.

“A great combination of lighting is, for example, combining a floor lamp, a table lamp, and natural candlelight,” says Cole. “With these three elements, you achieve layered lighting that covers all the key areas.” This ceramic scented candle is a stylish option for the natural candlelight layer. The light green ceramic is a decorative element on its own. When you light it, it offers both warm light and a calming sandalwood scent.

“Updating tap ware is a fantastic way to refresh a kitchen or bathroom,” says Cole. “Modern, stylish taps can transform the look of your space without any other changes.” They don’t have to be expensive, either. This kitchen faucet is elegant, loaded with useful features — a push-button spray and pull-away head that reaches every part of the sink, for instance — and is super affordable. It comes in five models, each available in eight finishes.

Don’t stop with the faucet, though. “Even better if you swap out old cabinet handles and add a fresh coat of paint,” says Cole. This arch cabinet pull adds an element of elegance to your kitchen and will transform the look and feel of the room. The 10-pack is easy to install and comes in antique brass, matte black, or satin nickel.

“You can't tackle the whole house at once and keep it affordable,” says Cole. “So start with the kitchen and bathroom. These two rooms are so impactful on the overall feel and value of your home.” Start with decluttering: Instead of letting extra toilet paper rolls clutter up the small space in the bathroom, stash them in this slim, fabric-and-bamboo toilet paper basket so they are easy to access but out of sight. It comes in five colors and holds 12 rolls.

Lighting is often a problem in kitchens, where one overhead light is inadequate, creating shadows and dark workspaces. Cole’s suggestion to focus on your kitchen is easily achieved with an LED under cabinet light like this one. It is easy to install. Just peel and stick it under the cabinet. Use the remote to turn the light on and off and set the brightness. Then tap the lens when you need some lighting. You can set them to turn off automatically after an interval you choose to conserve battery life, too.

“Simple upgrades like new hardware, light fixtures, and fresh paint can make a big difference,” says Cole. These acrylic drawer pulls take this concept to the next level with a modern take on glamour. With configurations that work with most cabinets and a price that’s hard to beat, you can give your kitchen a style fix in a few minutes. The metal accent is available in three colors.

As you focus in on updating your kitchen per Cole’s advice, keep it simple with fixtures. Replace outdated lighting fixtures with this pendant light. It will bring modern style and excellent lighting to a dining room, kitchen island, or living room. You can choose from two pendant styles and adjust the height of each to suit your space.

“To make a house look more expensive,” suggests Pete Trentacoste, head of interior design at Gosummer.com, “focus on creating a cohesive and luxurious feel. Use high-quality textiles like silk or velvet for throw pillows and drapes." This doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. These velvet curtains, for example, feel luxurious and come in a wide range of lush colors but are quite affordable. Choose a rich color. Make sure you have enough length to create a feeling of abundance. And enjoy your new palace.

These faux leather throw pillow covers are another clever way to apply Trentacoste’s advice. The quality cotton with a touch of leather brings a sophisticated elegance to your couch. Zip them over existing pillows for a quick change or pair them with a new pillow insert to create a luxury hunt-room vibe in the living room.

Another way to make your space look heavily funded? “Incorporate metallic accents through hardware, light fixtures, or decorative objects,” says Trentacoste. Choose a retro silver patina, antique copper, brushed brass, or any of the seven metal options, and replace outdated or builder-grade handles with this elegant cabinet handle. Instant upgrade! The wide range of sizes lets you apply this trick all over the house.

That old, tired-looking lighting fixture is dragging the look of your home into the past. But it is the perfect opportunity to apply some of Trentacoste’s advice. This industrial semi-flush ceiling light will work anywhere from the kitchen to the hallway to the porch and brings a modern, high-cost look without costing much in the way of cash. There are six finishes to choose from.

This metal wall art is a clever way of incorporating Trentacoste’s suggestion to add metals to your decor. The four double-sided pieces create a mountain range when hung together, but can also be used as individual pieces or in smaller groupings. They are reversible. One side is bright and colorful. The other is black. You can use whichever look suits your space.

“As for low-cost solutions, paint is my go-to,” says Trentacoste. “A fresh coat of paint can revive a space and is easy to do yourself.” This paint roller and brush kit will make it even easier. The handle extends from 4 feet to 8 feet so you don’t have to maneuver a ladder around and the plush synthetic rollers hold lots of paint so the work goes quickly.

Baskets are a great way to keep rooms clutter-free. Toss toys, pillows, and clothing into them and the room looks tidy while all your gear is easy to access. “For under $35, natural fiber baskets are versatile and affordable,” says Trentacoste. This large rope storage basket, for example, will hold loads of stuff and comes in six colors and three sizes so you can use them all over the house.

Hang this small storage basket from a hook in the entry, closet, or bathroom to catch small items like sunglasses, accessories, and personal care items. The leather handle is decorative and functional and this is a set of two so you can create a system with them. They come in three colors.

“For renters, removable wallpaper is a great option,” according to Trentacoste. “It provides the look of wallpaper without the commitment.” This wallpaper installation kit makes it easy to put up and take down. A pencil-style knife makes cutting precise edges easy. A felt squeegee helps flatten the paper when installing it. And a big, flat scraper helps flatten or remove the paper.

“Add furniture with built-in storage and wall racks to keep things tidy,” recommends Trentacoste. This coat rack is perfect in an entryway, even a narrow one. The hooks retract when not in use and it is the perfect size for stashing a jacket, bag, hat, and keys. It would also be handy in a bathroom or closet.

“The entryway is hugely important,” says Rachel Stringer, a real estate agent at Raleigh Realty. “It creates that crucial first impression. Something as simple as a new doormat, a statement mirror or artwork, and ensuring proper lighting can go a long way in setting the right tone.” This pair of doormats is the place to start: The texture grabs dirt off shoes. The rubber backing prevents water from damaging floors. And they are the perfect size.

This farmhouse mirror is the perfect “statement mirror” to use in your entry. It’s unique and pretty but has a casual charm that will dress up your entryway and make it a place where you can check your hair, adjust a hat, or apply lipstick on your way out the door. It comes in seven sizes and six styles.

Add some art to that entry and you are good to go. This wall decor creates a moment of vintage beauty and pulls nature inside to help you make the transition from indoors to outside. There are 13 framed pieces to choose from, each representing an image from nature.

If your entryway lighting is inadequate, that’s easy to fix with this night-light. Plug it into any outlet to add sconces or uplighting so that you can see in that space. This is a pack of two and you can choose from soft white light, daylight, or any of six colors. They are easily dimmable so you can create exactly the lighting effect you are looking for.

“In the living room, rearranging the furniture to create a cozy conversation area and adding pops of color through an inexpensive area rug or throw pillows allows you to breathe new life into the space,” says Stringer. Put some of these furniture sliders under your chairs and tables so you can play with the layout without breaking your back. They work on carpet or hardwood floors, making it easy to move even heavy furniture.

This pretty but affordable distressed carpet lets you create distinct areas in your living space while adding a bit of color and a pattern to make the space cozy. With every imaginable size to choose from and 14 weathered, vintage patterns, you can create exactly the look you want.

This pair of throw pillow covers is an easy and affordable way to implement Stringer’s suggestions. The soft, textured fabric lets you play with textures while bringing a pop of color into your living space. You can zip them over the pillows you have or pick up a comfy insert to match the size you want. There are 11 colors and four sizes to choose from.

“For kitchens, I'm a big fan of cabinet refreshes through new hardware,” says Stringer. These modern square knobs are the perfect update. The modern look creates an on-trend kitchen look for very little money and effort. This is a pack of 10 and they come in three colors.

Stringer suggests that “even just some fresh paint in an on-trend color,” can make for a fast and affordable refresh. This cabinet paint is a great way to transform a kitchen or bath. It’s designed to spread effortlessly over cabinets, delivering the smooth coverage and color consistency you need for this application. Choose from 11 colors.

“A peel-and-stick backsplash is another cost-effective way to elevate and modernize the space,” says Stringer. It is easy and fast to do with these vinyl, textured subway tiles that turn a stained or difficult-to-clean kitchen wall into a wipable, colorful design element. White subway tiles are on-trend but these also come in two other colors.

“When it comes to low-lift changes that pack a punch,” says Stringer, “decluttering and depersonalizing are huge.” Pack away your sweater collection for summer or clear the closets of extra linens by putting them into this pair of under-bed storage containers. “You'd be amazed at the difference streamlining and reducing visual noise can make. [It makes] a space feel larger and more cohesive."

“A set of plush velvet throw pillows can add tons of luxe for around $15,” says Stringer. And this hack is so easy to execute! Toss this round throw pillow onto the couch or an armchair. Instant glam! There are 13 colors in rich gem colors, luxurious darks, and glitzy pales and neutrals.

“Woven storage baskets serve the dual purpose of adding textural interest while concealing clutter for under $25,” says Stringer. This set of rope baskets will organize an entire toy collection or give your towels and washcloths an organized and decorative place to live and the neutral colors work with any color scheme.

“You can instantly infuse personality through modern wall art downloads that can be printed and framed very inexpensively,” says Stringer. Use this set of nine picture frames to create a grouping over the couch, bed, or in an entry. There are several sizes and 19 colors, making it easy to get creative.

Add this set of outdoor string lights to your patio or yard to create a comfortable, inviting outdoor room for gatherings. They are dimmable, come in lots of colors and lengths, and you can connect strings of them to blanket your outdoor space with lighting. “Warm ambient lighting through string lights or fairy lights for under $20 goes a long way,” says Stringer.

“For renters looking to make their space feel personalized yet temporary, removable wallpaper can completely transform a room while protecting your security deposit,” advises Stringer. You can create some unique looks with it, too. This vinyl, washed faux brick wallpaper creates the illusion of an exposed brick interior. It’s peel-and-stick easy to apply and easy to remove.

“Installing inexpensive shelving or hanging macrame wall hangings also allows you to showcase your style without leaving holes in the wall,” says Stringer. These floating shelves are especially elegant in a bathroom, over a fireplace, or on a kitchen wall, turning ordinary items into room-appropriate displays. They come in lots of sizes and colors.

This macrame wall hanging is even easier to install than shelves — just hang it from a hook. But it is quite capable of holding a few books, a plant, or some decorative items, Arrange them to create a visually pleasing retro bohemian storage display in any room.