6 Budget-Friendly Renovations with a Big Impact

At Artisan Renovation, professional large-scale renovations are our area of expertise. However, improving your home doesn’t have to be a large project. While you’re deciding where to invest your hard-earned money, you can still make lower-cost changes before you’re ready to renovate. 

There’s no need for a six-figure budget complete home makeover to breathe new life into your space. With smart choices (and a bit of creativity), small upgrades can have a big impact. Whether you simply want to freshen up your space or are looking to boost your home’s value, these six budget-friendly renovations deliver noticeable results without severely draining your wallet.

1. Upgrade Switch Plates and Outlet Covers

Quick, simple, and easy. Selecting light switch plates and outlet covers is a unique way to add purpose and personality to your home. It’s a small detail, easily overlooked, but choosing covers that align with your home’s style creates a clean and cohesive overall look. Our recommendations are brushed metal or matte black to replace those old and yellowing plastic covers.

Estimated Cost:

• $5–$20 per cover

2. Replace Window Treatments

Get rid of generic blinds, and dress your bare windows for privacy! Outdated window dressing quickly makes a room feel dated, bringing down the mood in your home. Here are some options for replacements. Be sure to measure your windows before ordering. Choose sleek roller shades for a clean look. If you want a bit more texture, explore layered roman blind options. For softness, light curtains give an option for privacy and sunlight at the same time. Pro tip: To create an extra sense of height and space, hang curtains higher than your window frame.

Estimated Cost:

• Roller blinds are the most budget-friendly option, with an average cost of $15-$20 for a standard roller blind.

• A step up to roman blinds will cost slightly more, but nothing to break the bank. You can find these blinds starting at $60 each.

• Curtain prices vary greatly, from as low as $15 to multiple hundreds. It all depends on the look and the fabric. Factor in a curtain rod and its installation as well. Curtain rods begin at $30.

3. Update Light Fixtures

Lighting can make or break a room’s ambiance. A well-lit room is peaceful and welcoming. Swapping out fixtures for modern or vintage-inspired alternatives instantly elevates the look of the room. Use lighting to add depth and to make sure each carefully selected aspect of your style is shown.

Estimated Cost:

• $30–$300 per fixture. Costs range based on intricacy and type; many budget-friendly options are available. 

4. Upgrade Bathroom Features

Another room, another lifted look. Changing small things in your bathroom shifts the feel of the space with little effort. Swap items out! Replace faucets, towel racks, showerheads, or even the bathroom mirror for a look more suited to your style. Even surface-level changes can make a difference! Matching bathmats, towels, and shower curtains work together and build a coordinated, stylish space.

Estimated Cost:

• $40 is the starting price for a faucet. Professional installation costs an average of $200. 

• Showerheads start at $50 with an installation cost of $150-$300.

• Bathroom mirror prices begin at $25, though most prices sit closer to $250.

• Towel racks start at $10. Bathmats, towels, and shower curtains start at $5. Quality follows cost, but a bit of time spent searching can create great results.

5. Revamp Kitchen Cabinetry

A full kitchen remodel is expensive. Good appliances cost you a pretty penny. If you’re looking to bring a new life into your kitchen, you still can! Changing the feel of your kitchen is as easy as giving your cabinets a facelift. You don’t even need to replace them! Try painting the doors a modern color (navy, sage, or off-white are on trend right now), switching out old hardware for sleek knobs and pulls, or even removing a few cabinet doors to create open shelving.

Estimated Cost:

• $100–$400 for paint and primer, plus $150 for painting supplies. (The cost of removing the doors is a screwdriver.)

• Knobs, pulls, and handles vary, but will run you $10-$20 each depending on the specifics. For your typical kitchen with 10 to 15 cabinets, you’ll get anywhere from $100 to $300 for cabinet hardware and any installation tools.

6. Refresh Walls with Paint

The most expensive on our list today, but one of the most impactful options by far. Nothing transforms a space faster than a fresh coat of paint. Neutral tones make a room feel larger and brighter, while adding a bold accent wall builds personality and depth. A coat of paint is a perfect way to revive a dull space.

Estimated Cost:

• Painting a room will cost $200-$600, depending on color, room size, and paint quality. Add $350 if you have to purchase all brand-new painting equipment. Professional painting will cost more, typically above $1000..

Save your investment money for a project you truly feel passionate about. These renovations prove that it doesn’t take big-budget spending to make your home feel new again. Find big returns for a small cost, one upgrade at a time.