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These Cheap, Easy Upgrades Make Generic Homes Look Way More Chic & Modern
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You’ve seen the home renovation projects on television: They can last weeks and cost thousands of dollars. So unless you’re willing to spend a lot of money (or invite a couple of super-tall twins and a television crew into your home), let me recommend a few inexpensive home upgrades that’ll make any generic-looking space more chic and modern.
Oftentimes, it’s the little things that really streamline an interior, like this ultra-thin socket cover that eliminates the messy look of cords protruding from the wall. But if it’s a bigger, more dramatic change you had in mind, how about these peel-and-stick floor tiles? The black-and-white color scheme is classic and elegant, and the adhesive backing makes the tiles easy to install yourself. Washable and water-resistant, they’re ideal for use in the bathroom or kitchen.
From the smallest changes to the biggest, all of these home decor hacks will level up your interior without breaking the bank (and without the need to invite in those pesky camera crews).
1These Sleek Shelves For Your Shower Or Sink Area
Add some organization to your bathroom in a stylish, modern fashion with these shower and bathroom shelves that are crafted from stainless steel. Suitable for use inside the shower or out, they install quickly and easily with the provided ultra-strong adhesive on any flat surface. These extra-deep shelves are equipped to hold the largest bottles and can handle up to 15 pounds each.
- Available finishes: 2
2A 10-Piece Cooking Utensil Set That Comes With Its Own Canister
Crafted from premium nonstick stainless steel, this kitchen utensil set has all you need to turn out everything from weekday meals to holiday feasts —and in fine style, too. The 10-piece set includes a whisk, pasta server, potato masher, ladle, and more, and comes with its own matching stainless steel canister for attractive and easy storage right next to your stove.
3This Natural Coir Doormat In Cute Design Options
Having visitors over is always a delight, but when friends and family troop through your house and leave behind muddy or dirty footprints, it’s a drag. But forget about a basic ho-hum welcome mat — this doormat comes in more than a dozen designs that’ll upgrade your front step. It’s made from natural coconut coir that traps dust and debris, with a heavy-duty rubber base that prevents it from slipping.
- Available sizes: 2
- Available styles: 7
4The Pillows That Feel Like Sleeping On Clouds
We talk about sleep all the time, stew about how important it is, and fret about whether or not we’re getting enough, and yet one of the easiest things to neglect in your whole house is your bed pillows — so pick up these down alternative pillows with thousands of perfect five-star ratings on Amazon. Fluffy and supportive, they’re filled with microfiber and cooling gel to keep you comfy (and rested) all night long. Most reassuringly? Multiple reviewers have called them the “best pillows ever.”
5These Flameless Candles That Look Just Like The Real Thing
In sleek glass jars, these flameless candles add a sophisticated touch to any setting and look just like the real thing. They’re made from real wax and feature a realistic flickering effect with warm white flames that can be controlled via a remote. You can even set timers and control the candles’ brightness for ultimate customization.
- Available colors: 5
6A Modern Coat Rack For Your Front Entryway
Provide a place for guests to hang their bags and jackets — and where you can hang yours, too — with this coat rack made from real wood. Simple and modern, it has six arms that will hold even the heaviest coats and purses. It’s available in several different finishes, including cherry, black, and white, and assembles easily without tools.
- Available colors: 5
7A Rainfall Showerhead In 7 Unique Finishes
Turn your bathroom into a spa with this rainfall showerhead that comes in chic finishes like matte black, polished brass, and oil-rubbed bronze. The built-in filter removes minerals like calcium and other hard water deposits, and the high-pressure stream provides a relaxing and enjoyable bathing experience. It installs in just minutes without the need for tools.
- Available finishes: 7
8This Under-Cabinet Lighting That’s Inexpensive & Easy To Install
Accent lighting can really add a custom touch to any interior, but it can be expensive, what with all the wiring, hiring an electrician, and everything else. This under-cabinet light strip makes it both inexpensive and easy to have that luxe look. The 3-foot strip provides evenly spaced, warm white LED lights that are battery-powered, so you can skip the wiring. It has an easy-to-find power button and the adhesive backing lets you stick it to any wood, metal, or plastic surface.
9The Down Alternative Comforter With A Fan Following
A fluffy comforter is the perfect bed topper — it’s like sleeping under a cloud — but it can be so costly. Boasting more than 75,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, this down alternative microfiber comforter provides fluffy comfort, and won’t break the bank. Hypoallergenic, it features box-stitch construction to keep the fill in place, plus corner and side loops for securing a duvet cover. It’s available in solid white or a selection of reversible colors.
- Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, Oversize Queen, King, California King, Oversize King
- Available colors: 6
10These Vanity Lights That Make Your Bathroom More Glam
If you want to plus up the look of your bathroom, these LED vanity mirror lights offer a high-end look while adding considerable illumination that makes it easier to apply makeup. Powered by any standard outlet, these brightness-adjustable lights adhere to your mirror and can be trimmed to size for an exact fit.
11An Acacia Bath Mat That Adds A Spa Feel To Your Bathroom
Crafted from real acacia wood that’s naturally resistant to mold and mildew, this wooden bath mat looks like it came straight out of a spa or meditation garden. While the wood is quite handsome and adds some unique texture to your bathroom, it’s also incredibly functional — the slats are spaced just right to allow for proper drainage, and the surface is smooth while still providing enough friction to prevent slipping.
12This Faucet Filter That Lets You Ditch The Bulky Pitcher
Forget the bulky pitcher — this water filtration system from Brita installs directly onto your faucet for a more streamlined look in your kitchen. It filters up to 100 gallons, improving taste by removing chlorine, as well as lead, particulates, and asbestos. No tools are required for installation, and you’ll be replacing the equivalent of up to 1,800 water bottles per year by drinking crisp water directly from your tap.
13The USB Charging Station That Organizes Your Devices While They Power Up
Your phone is plugged in in the kitchen. Your tablet is in the bedroom. Your partner’s phone is on the nightstand... basically, your electronics are scattered all over the house. Unite them with this USB charging station that gets your electronic devices organized while they’re powering up. With room for six devices, it’s compatible with both Android and Apple electronics, and comes with short cords to make it easy to plug them into the charging station.
14These Silky Soft Sheets That’ll Make You Feel Like You’re At A Hotel
Ahhhh, slipping into a cool, soft hotel bed... it’s just the best feeling, am I right? Get the hotel bed experience at home with this microfiber bed sheet set that’s silky soft. The set includes a flat sheet, fitted sheet with extra-deep 16-inch pockets, plus four pillowcases (because don’t we all have extra pillows on our beds these days?). Choose from muted shades like cream, light gray, and ice blue.
- Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Available colors: 7
15A Socket Cover & Power Strip For A Cleaner-Looking Wall
The look of power cords jutting out of an outlet and stringing all over the place can be very disrupting to a calm wall-scape. This ultra-thin outlet cover easily corrects that, and has a three-socket power strip, so you even get more plug-in space. You simply plug in the outlet cover, which seals off your outlet and gives your wall a seamless, tailored look. This genius solution is a little thing that can make all the difference in your decor.
16The Oil & Vinegar Dispensers That Look Great Going From Countertop To Tabletop
Whether you’re a frequent cook or just enjoy dressing salads with this simple combination, these oil and vinegar dispensers make a lovely addition to the kitchen, whether you keep them on the counter or table. These glass dispensers feature measurement markings down the sides, as well as stainless steel spouts that flip open for pouring. The wide mouths on the tops make refilling a breeze.
17These Airtight Food Storage Containers That Level Up Your Pantry
I have so little storage space in my kitchen that I just drool the minute I see the words “organized pantry,” but anyone can organize their kitchen with these airtight food storage containers — even if you just keep them on your countertop. Use them for dry goods, baking ingredients, pantry staples, snacks, or whatever you choose. They even come with labels and a marker for your convenience.
18These Sheer Linen Curtains That Let Tons Of Light In
Naked windows are no bueno, and even if you have blinds up, sometimes that doesn’t look quite finished either. Choose these linen sheer curtains to add an airy touch that still lets light in — without breaking the bank. Made from flax linen with silver grommets for hanging, they’re available in dozens of colors and are washable for easy care.
- Available sizes: 13
- Available colors: 27
19The Glass Mixing Bowl Set That Comes With Lids
Mix up your favorite baked goods, whip up custard for some morning French toast, or microwave your veggies in these glass mixing bowls — then put on the lids and store the leftovers in the fridge. These bowls can do so many jobs in the kitchen, you’ll wonder how you lived without them until now. The four bowls are each equipped with an airtight, BPA-free topper to ensure that what’s inside stays fresh.
- Available colors: 5
20This Cat Cave Made From 100% Natural Wool
Cats are so funny — they can be super personable one minute and the next minute they’re off to hide, tired of everyone, including you. Gift your kitty with a posh retreat when they need some down time in the form of this cat cave that’s crafted from 100% natural wool. The perfect place for napping, the cat cave’s minimalist design won’t distract from your decor.
- Available colors: 10
21A Paper Towel Holder That Looks So Sleek
Made from durable metal with a stylish chrome finish, this paper towel holder is the perfect sleek accent on the countertop, and will complement stainless steel appliances. Designed to accommodate all sizes of paper towel rolls, it’s constructed with elevated feet to keep the towels dry in case of any countertop spills.
22This Ring Toss Game That Adds Beachy Fun To Your Patio
With a bamboo backboard that’s shaped like a surfboard, this ring toss game is the perfect element for adding a beachy vibe to your patio. It’s easy to mount, and the telescoping pole has the ring and string already attached. The game can be played alone or with as many players as there are people hanging around.
23These Salt & Pepper Shakers With Adjustable Flow Settings
Set the output rate of your salt and pepper — or seal off the flow completely between uses — with these adjustable salt and pepper shakers. The four settings let you choose exactly how you like to season your food, and sealing the shakers completely means you can take them on picnics without worrying about spillage. The sleek, stainless steel and glass design is both durable and attractive.
24The Amber Soap Dispensers That Look So Much Better Than Plastic
Transferring your soap into elevated containers is a quick and easy way to give your kitchen or bathroom a luxe feel, and these glass soap dispensers have an antique apothecary look that’s totally classic. The amber glass is paired with an oil-rubbed black metal pump that won’t rust, but you can also opt for a clear glass version. Use them for hand soap, lotion, dishwashing liquid, and much more.
- Available colors: 5
25A Toilet Plunger With A Stylish-Looking Holder
Crafted from durable metal, this toilet plunger set features an attractive burnished finish and punch pattern that gives this most basic of bathroom tools an upgraded aesthetic — only the handle sticking out of the top would tip you off that it’s a toilet plunger. The plunger itself features a specially designed, super efficient head and a longer handle for added leverage.
- Available colors: 4
26This Vibrantly Colored Woven Blanket That’s So Versatile
This colorful woven blanket is hand-loomed by artisans in Tlaxcala, Mexico in the traditional style — use it as a tablecloth, a picnic blanket, or for snuggling up on the couch. The twin size blanket is soft, durable, and made from 100% recycled materials. An easy way to add a pop of color, it’s designed to be washable for easy care.
- Available colors: 3
27The Backlights That Turn Your TV Into A Home Theater
Apply these LED strip lights to the back of your television or your computer monitor to create a real home theater experience or pro gaming rig. They’re both powerful and versatile, offering 15 colors, 10 brightness levels, and three fade modes that are all controllable via the included remote. Setup is super easy, too: They adhere to any flat surface with the included 3M adhesive.
- Available sizes: 10
28This Wall Mirror That Adds Light To Any Room
With its streamlined hexagonal shape, gold-tone finish, and hanging chain, this wall mirror is an attractive accent that would look at home in any space. Mirrors are also an easy way to add airy light to a room, and if you hang this one in your front hall, you can also use this as an impromptu vanity to get a quick peek at yourself on the way out the door.
- Available sizes: 2
29These Peel & Stick Floor Tiles That Add Drama On The Cheap
Sick and tired of your bathroom, kitchen, or front entryway, but don’t want to spend big money redoing it? Try these peel-and-stick floor tiles that will give you a dramatic transformation for less. Available in a bold black and white as well as a softer blue colorway, these tiles are easy to install with their adhesive backing, and the vinyl material is water-resistant and washable.
- Available colors: 2
30A Bed Skirt With A Tailored Look
Made with box pleats for a tailored, elegant look, this bed skirt adds that extra touch of polish to your bed. And it won’t just pull your room together, it’ll also conceal any boxes you might be storing under the bed. It’s made from 100% microfiber, which is machine-washable, and the 14-inch drop covers most box springs.
- Available sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Available colors: 2
31This Dried Pampas Grass Bouquet That Requires Zero Upkeep
Neutral-hued dried arrangements are low-key, go with anything, and require zero upkeep. This natural dried pampas grass bouquet is right on trend and is the perfect accent for any room. The generously sized bouquet is made up of six types of natural materials and is easy to arrange in the container of your choice.
32A Group Of Modern Ceramic Vases In Understated Colors
Featuring clean, modern lines and muted shades, this ceramic vase set adds a dynamic yet understated accent to any room. The vases are crafted from durable ceramic and expertly finished with a glowing matte glaze. Group them together or use them separately — either way, they’ll add a sculptural accent anywhere you place them.
33This Scented Candle That Sets A Luxe Mood
There’s nothing like a few drifting scent notes to upgrade the atmosphere and make a space feel luxe. Made from all-natural soy wax, this scented candle comes in a variety of delicious scents, like pine wood, bergamot and jasmine, and rose and sandalwood. It’s available in two sizes and set in a matte black jar.
- Available sizes: 2
- Available scents: 7
34These Floating Shelves For Displaying Favorite Mementos
These S-shaped floating shelves are the modern, funky solution you’ve been looking for, whether you’re wanting to display some favorite pictures, travel mementos, or succulents. Available in five finishes, they’re easy to mount with the included hardware and look great paired together, but are completely suitable for use on their own.
- Available colors: 5
35This Waffle-Weave Shower Curtain That Adds Hotel Vibes To Your Bathroom
A clean, crisp shower curtain makes your whole bathroom look fresh and new, and this waffle-weave shower curtain has real hotel vibes, to boot. Crafted from wrinkle-resistant polyester, it’s durable and stands up to everyday use, plus it launders easily in your washer and dryer.
- Available sizes: 5
- Available colors: 10
36A Minimalist Plant Stand That’s Size-Adjustable
There’s just something about plants that liven up an environment — not to mention the fact that they improve the quality of your indoor air. Made from bamboo, this minimalist plant stand is perfect for any plant, and blends in with any decor. The best part? It adjusts sideways to accommodate planters from 8 to 12 inches wide.
- Available finishes: 4
37This Cheese Board Made From Natural Acacia
Crafted from lovely acacia wood, this cheese board can be used as a cutting board on a daily basis, or as a serving board for cheese and charcuterie when company comes over. The striations in the wood make this board a natural beauty, and the rustic construction gives it a timeless aesthetic.
38This Glossy Marble Paper That Can Give You A Whole New Countertop
The perfect fix for dull countertops or any other surface in your home that needs a refresh, this self-adhesive glossy marble paper applies easily to any smooth surface. The marble pattern offers an authentic look that dresses up so many things — it can even be used on walls. A variety of widths ensures that you can find the perfect match for your project.
- Available sizes: 5
39An Ice Bucket For The Grown-Up Bar You’ve Always Wanted
Stop going back and forth to the freezer when you have people over and you’re making cocktails — get this ice bucket that’s crafted from stainless steel with an attractive wooden lid, giving you the grown-up bar of your dreams. It features double-walled insulation to keep your ice cold and a carrying handle that makes it easy to take from the freezer to the table. Plus, you’ll get a pair of tongs (so you don’t have to use your hands.)
40These Chalkboard Labels For Your Garden, Pantry & More
With this 96-pack of chalkboard labels, you can identify your food canisters, toy bins, seasonal decorations, all the stuff in the garage, and the seeds that are just waiting to sprout in the garden. The labels come with a variety of shapes, and are accompanied by two chalkboard markers.
41A Vegan Leather Pouf Cover That Adds Extra Seating To Any Room
For a quick and easy way to add interest, texture, and extra seating to any room, pick up this unstuffed pouf cover that’s made from vegan leather. You can easily stuff it with whatever you have on hand, whether that’s unused throw pillows, old towels, T-shirts — whatever you have that’s soft and not in use. It has a sturdy zipper to hold the contents, and can serve as party seating or as a casual footrest.
- Available colors: 8
42These Cable Management Boxes That Hide Your Cords
When your workspace or entertainment center has cords snaking all over, it can be visually disruptive and disorganized-looking. These cable management boxes solve that problem by grouping cords together and concealing them inside. The boxes also come with with cable clips, a cable sleeve, and color-coded zip ties, so you can tell which cord is which.
- Available colors: 4
43These Apothecary Jars For A More Coordinated Bathroom
Ideal for storing small toiletries like cotton swabs, bath salts, and makeup sponges, these apothecary jars are an easy way to add a uniform look to your bathroom counter. Made from food-grade, BPA-free plastic, the shatter-resistant jars are topped with wooden lids. You can also use them to organize office supplies, or for pretzels, peanuts, and other quick snacks in the kitchen.
44The Wall-Mounted Holder For Mail & Keys
Install this wall-mounted mail holder in the entryway, and you’ll always have a dedicated space for empty change, keys, and — of course — mail. (There’s even a small shelf for flowers or a picture frame.) Available in black, brown, and white finishes, it’s an easy way to ensure your stuff isn’t scattered all over the house.
- Available colors: 3
45This Accordion-Style Rack That Organizes Your Wine
With space for up to 10 bottles, this wine rack can be placed on your sideboard or kitchen counter. Made from solid wood, it stores bottles sideways, which helps keep the corks from drying it. The accordion-style holder comes preassembled and folds right up if you need to clear your counter for food prep.
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