Inspiring and Budget-Friendly Ideas for Making Your New House Feel like Home

Guest post by Natalie Jones of Homeownerbliss.info  | Image courtesy of Pixabay

Do you feel like a visitor in your new house? Purchasing a new place is an exciting turning point in life, but usually it takes some doing to make it feel like home. Two areas of importance are the rooms you use all the time: the kitchen and bathroom. You don’t need to spend a bundle on upgrades, though. Try these budget-friendly tips for quickly and happily settling into your abode.

Kitchen Upgrades

Infusing your personal flair into the kitchen is a quick way to make your house feel like home. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Install New Lighting

Brand new light fixtures can make your home feel fresh and cheerful, and you can find attractive options without a major investment. Replace small ceiling lights with brighter, energy efficient options. Consider adding task lighting under your cabinets as well since it will make food prep easier. IKEA offers fun, trendy lights at great prices, and oftentimes you can find online coupon codes or discounts to get an even better deal.

Paint Cabinetry

Are your kitchen cabinets dingy, outdated, dark, or just plain ugly? Try giving them a fresh coat of paint! It’s a somewhat labor-intensive project, but the payoff is tremendous and doesn’t require much skill or cost. If you aren’t sure what color to pick, HGTV notes bright white is a safe bet, creating a modern feel and clean atmosphere. Another idea is to paint one set of cabinets in coordinating colors. You can even give your kitchen a designer look by removing the doors from one section of cabinets and painting the interior, creating open shelving. Find paint and painting supplies at a home improvement store such as Lowe’s, 

Replace Appliances

Installing new appliances is a great way to give your kitchen a facelift, but if all new appliances aren’t in your budget, pick out either the most worn or most outdated and replace one. Country Living notes that with appliances these days, appearance is usually going to weigh more heavily than selecting high-end versions. Even some new small appliances can refresh the space, and you can find great deals from retailers like Overstock. 

Bathroom Upgrades

Bathrooms are another key to bringing comfort and personality to your home. Everyone uses them, and walking into a bathroom that is weary, out-of-date, or just plain ugly can be off-putting.  Consider these inexpensive-yet-inspirational upgrades.

Sneaky Spruce Up

Wainscoting brings texture and style to bathrooms, and here’s a little secret: you don’t need to be a carpenter to make the look yours. As Better Homes & Gardens suggests, there are wall coverings that look like wainscoting and go on easy. Bed, Bath, & Beyond offers a great selection of supplies, and you can use a Bed Bath & Beyond promo code for the best prices.

Install Tile

Grungy, outdated tile can cramp a homeowner’s style, but DIY can be tough. Unless you can afford to hire help one recommendation is to stick with a limited section of new tile. Choose a place that will not require a lot of cutting and make a big impact to get the most bang for your buck. For areas where you can’t replace tile, give the caulk and grout a refresher. Clean thoroughly as you work.

Shop Smart

When you’re making budget-conscious choices, prioritize your projects and make smart shopping decisions. Pick the areas you can either tackle quickly or will get the most pleasure from seeing finished, then think of ways to save money in addition to coupons. Focus on your kitchen and bath for maximum impact. By putting these inspiring ideas to work in your home, you’ll feel happier and more settled in no time!