Posted on June 29, 2023

Who doesn't want to increase the value of their home without breaking the bank? Well, you're in luck because in this post, We've got some hot tips on how to up your home game without breaking the bank, 'cause let's face it, you already splurged on that dream house! From lighting upgrades to simple tile patterns, we've got you covered. So, grab a cup of coffee and let's get started!

1. Lighting Upgrades that Accent and Elevate Your Design - Chandeliers, Pendants and Wall Sconces are Your Design BFFs

Great lighting is essential to achieving a beautiful design, but the cost of hiring an electrician to install wiring can quickly add up. Save some money by making decisions early on regarding your lighting placement during the pre-wiring process with your electrical designer. Jazz up your space with pendant lighting in bathrooms, corner nooks, or over kitchen islands. Don't forget junctional box upgrades for your ceiling fans on hot days. Good lighting can turn a dark and dingy space into a warm and inviting one. Adequate lighting is essential for any room, and installing modern light fixtures is one of the easiest ways to give your space a fresh update. In addition to updating your fixtures, you can also add dimmer switches and LED bulbs to create a warm and cozy atmosphere. Walk through your home and pay attention to any areas that are poorly lit. Adding more lighting to these areas can instantly transform your space.

2. Play with Patterns - Herringbone, Chevron, Crosshatch Tile Patterns

Tired of boring white subway tiles? Add some personality to your space with patterns like herringbone or chevron. The best part? You're only paying for the installation labor, and most builders have a tile standard budget for homes, so your wallet won't take a hit. Take it a step further by changing the grout color to completely transform your space. With a plethora of color options available, your space can change dramatically.

3. Backsplash: To backsplash or not to backsplash (full height)? The eternal question!

Standard is for builders to provide a 4 or 6-inch backsplash behind any plumbing/sink surface in your kitchens, bathrooms, or laundry rooms. This doesn't always look the greatest design wise, and I must say that most times it's "fugly." So, what do you do? Options are to leave the "fugly" and rip out that small backsplash and tile or put a slab up the wall to whatever glorious height you like after you close on the home. Or if it's an area that is difficult (behind a hood, intricate plumbing), it may be cheaper to get it done at the time of building so you won't have to worry about it at all! Adding a backsplash that complements your countertop is an easy and cost-effective way to add value to your home.

4. Carpet: "How low does it go?"

 is the question when it comes to builder grade carpet. It's typically included in your new home price, cheap, and oftentimes will have to be replaced in a few years. Some folks opt to keep this, upgrade the pad for more softness, and just bear it as it will be ripped out in a few years, right? Hmmm, I have made this mistake two times already, wishing I would have just gone ahead and did some type of hard flooring - either tile or luxury vinyl products at the design center. I never want to deal with the headache of moving out of my designed house to replace floors. I think a compromise is to keep it in the bedrooms or upstairs if you don't have four-legged friends that will leave you poop presents :)

5. Paint: Paint it all, but don’t forget that 5th Wall!

What's the 5th wall, you ask? Drum roll please... the ceiling! It's like the Beyonce of your room, deserves as much attention as the other walls. Paint it all in one color for that luxe factor or add a flirty wallpaper accent to make it pop. Paint is the easiest and cheapest way to update your home's look and feel. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for any room in your house. It can give a space that has gone stale a new lease on life and make it look and feel brand new. Paint is also a relatively cheap way to invest in your home. With so many different colors and finishes available, the possibilities are endless. You can even try painting your doors and trim to give your home a cohesive and polished look.

Bonus Tip: Replace Your Hardware

Updating cabinet knobs, drawer pulls, or sink faucet handles can immediately transform a room. With endless options, from chic and modern to vintage and rustic, changing the hardware on a budget can be a quick and efficient way to upgrade the look of your space.

Bonus Bonus Tip: Feeling extra ambitious? Sprinkle some greenery on top or just add an entire nature preserve!

 Plants not only freshen up your space, but they also provide air purification benefits. From small succulents to tall fiddle leaf figs, incorporating living plants can add life and color to any room. Plants can be found at affordable prices and even DIY planters can be made with just a few materials.

Investing in your home is a wise decision, as it can increase its value and your overall enjoyment of the space. However, elevating your home design doesn't have to cost a fortune. By updating your carpets, adding a backsplash, freshening up paint, or blinging out your lighting, you can add value to your home without breaking the bank. These are just a few simple and cost-effective ways to invest in your home, and the possibilities are endless. Remember, your home is your sanctuary, and investing in it is an investment in yourself. We hope these top five easy ways to increase value will inspire you to take on a fun and budget-friendly home project.

Happy designing my friends!

Shayna Walker