There are a number of projects and inexpensive purchases we’ve made — some DIY, some hired — that stood out as especially worthwhile. Each cost around $100 or less (some much less, some a bit more) and delivered big improvements in both function and style. Here are the top ten updates that made the biggest difference around our home.
1. Widening the doorways between the living room, kitchen, and den. We paid a mason about $100 to help with the den wall because it’s load-bearing, and an electrician about $100 to move wires and widen the opening between the living room and kitchen. Going from two 33″ doorways to more than 5′ wide thresholds opened our entire floor plan and lets light flow through all three spaces. The change felt like a major renovation, and the cost was a steal for that impact.
2. Building a simple plywood countertop, adding blinds, and framing the laundry nook. For under $100 we made a clean plywood folding surface, added concealed storage using inexpensive blinds, and hid pipes and wires by leaning oversized frames with cheap wallpaper as art. The result is tidy and surprisingly polished without an expensive custom build.
3. Installing an outlet in the bathroom. Our bathroom originally had no outlet, so we used to dry hair in a cold sunroom. For $65 an electrician added a small, white bathroom outlet that dramatically improved usability. It’s a small expense with big everyday benefit — no more sending guests to another room.
4. Hanging curtains high and wide. After paint, hanging floor-length curtain panels closer to the ceiling is one of the fastest ways to add height and softness to a room. We paid about $45 for six extra-long Vivan panels from Ikea for the den and living room. The inexpensive upgrade makes rooms feel taller and more finished.
5. Adding a jute rug in the kitchen. Our white kitchen felt a bit cold after renovation. A clearance jute rug for around $34 added texture and warmth, tying the room together and making it feel lived-in and comfortable.
6. Installing a pendant light above the dining table. For roughly $100 we had an electrician drop a fixture box above the table we positioned in a corner off the kitchen. The pendant instantly defines the dining area, adds ambiance and light, and makes the space feel intentional and polished compared to a swagged plug-in fixture.
7. Using storage ottomans everywhere. We own several ottomans — leather cubes in the den, bench ottomans in the mudroom and dining area, and a jute ottoman in the bedroom. They hide files, bills, board games, supplies, and other clutter while doubling as extra seating. They’re a practical alternative to bulky cabinets and keep spaces neat and functional.
8. Scouring thrift stores for great finds. We saved hundreds by giving secondhand pieces new life: a $35 glass coffee table that resembles a $400 retailer version, a $20 Ikea armchair, and other bases and pieces we rebuilt ourselves. Thrift shopping can yield unique, budget-friendly furniture that looks custom with a little elbow grease.
9. Adding built-in-style shelving on a budget. Installing three long Ikea Lack shelves behind our dining table added instant architectural interest to an otherwise blank wall. At a fraction of the cost of custom shelving, these simple shelves give the room structure and provide an easy place to lean frames and display favorite objects without having to hang anything permanently.
10. Creating inexpensive DIY art. We framed several homemade pieces for under $5 each — shadow-boxed keys, a vintage map with pins, and black-and-white photos printed at a local store and arranged in a grid over the sofa. Custom, low-cost art personalizes a space and gives it character without breaking the bank. Monograms and magazine-cut projects are another easy way to add meaningful decor on the cheap.
Those are the ten changes that made the biggest difference in our house without large budgets. Small investments in the right places — thoughtful lighting, storage solutions, a few well-placed textiles, and clever DIYs — can transform how a home looks and functions. We hope these ideas spark some inspiration for your own space. What inexpensive projects or purchases have changed your home for the better?