Ernst & Haas Management Co Blog

[caption id="attachment_848" align="aligncenter" width="251" caption="Sometimes re-upholstering your favorite piece of furniture can make it the center of attention."][/caption] Much like our clothing, the music we listen to, or the food we eat, our homes can say a lot about ourselves. Sometimes, where we live and how we live can speak volumes about our personalities and give others a glimpse into our own minds. For example, a minimalist will most likely live minimally - white walls, simple decorations (if any), and hardly any clutter in sight. An artist, on the other hand, may dwell in a multi-colored home with every inch of wall and counter top space covered in something. But what happens when our living space becomes dull, boring, and outdated? How do you spruce up without spending your entire savings? Courtesy of www.savingadvice.com, here are 20 inexpensive ways you can change up your home without putting yourself in debt: 1. Lighting: Changing just a few key light fixtures in the rooms you use most often can give those rooms a lift. Whether you change a ceiling fixture, add a ceiling fan, or buy some table lamps, the fixtures and light they cast can change the atmosphere of a room. 2. Paint: Paint is just about the cheapest way to change a room. You can add stripes, textures or other patterns if you're wanting a bigger change. You can also paint cabinets or furniture to give those items a new look. And if you don't like it, it's relatively easy to change. Get some sample cards and idea books and experiment. 3. Area Rugs: If you hate your carpet or it's in need of replacement but you can't afford it, you can lay area rugs over the worst spots and hide the stains or damage. If you have light carpet and want a darker change, lay down some darker colors to take away the brightness. And vice versa if you want to create a lighter feeling. 4. Moulding or Trim: Moulding is inexpensive and easy to install. You can add chair rail, crown moulding, change your existing trim, or create patterns of your own design for very little money. 5. Upholstery/Slipcover: Maybe you can't get new furniture, but you can probably recover what you have, either by getting some slipcovers, doing it yourself with some fabric of your choosing, or by hiring an upholster. 6. Clean Up: Simply giving the house a good cleaning and de-cluttering can go a long way toward making it more attractive and livable. Get rid of the junk and discover how much room you have. Clean the grout in your tile and see how new the bathroom looks. Steam clean the carpets and maybe they're not so bad. 7. Rearrange the Furniture: Take time to rethink how the furniture is arranged - you may be surprised at how much more space can be created by properly arranging  the furniture. Don't ever assume that it will only fit one way - there are always other, better options. 8. Window Treatments: Blinds, valances, shades, and curtains are inexpensive ways to add color to a room or change the appearance of the windows. There are so many styles and shapes to choose from these days, you're no longer locked into the standard mini blind. 9. Convert a Room to a New Purpose: Rather than let a formal dining room go unused, for example, try converting it into a more useful space, such as an office. By changing the paint, adding a couple of electric outlets, and putting some french doors on the archway leading into the neighboring room, you can have your very own office space. That way, the space becomes better utilized and provides a "new" area in the home. If you have a room that's not being used to it's fullest potential, think about how you can re-purpose it. 10. Flooring: New flooring doesn't have to mean expensive, exotic hardwoods and natural stone tiles. There are many varieties of laminate and vinyl available today that can replicate the look of expensive products for a fraction of the cost. They're also pretty easy to install yourself. And there's no one saying that you have to redo all the floors at once. Pick your two most used or ugliest rooms and start there. 11. "New" Furniture: Maybe you want different furniture but can't afford to hit the name brand stores. Try looking at your local Goodwill, yard sales, or thrift stores. Often you can find pieces in excellent condition or pieces that just require a little TLC. It's not "new," but it's new to you and that can be enough to make you feel better. 12. New Shower Curtains and Bath Mats: Jazz up a bathroom with a new shower curtain or some new bath mats/area rugs. If your bathroom is boring white, give it a color lift. Similarly, if you have a pink, gold, or green bathroom from the 60's or 70's that you can't stand, choose some colors that complement the decor while also minimizing the parts you don't like. 13. Bed Linens: Pick out a new comforter and pillow shams to instantly jazz up the bedroom. Maybe you've had grandma's quilt on the bed long enough and now it's time to bring out the Caribbean feel you've always wanted. 14. Repair: Fix whatever is broken in the house. Replace burned out bulbs and add more light. Patch and paint any holes or cracks in the walls. Fix the broken end table you keep meaning to get to. Simply repairing all those things you've been meaning to can improve your home for little cost. 15. New Toilet Seats: Seriously, you'd be surprised at how much a new toilet seat can jazz up a tired bathroom. You don't have to stick with standard white. There are lots of colors, patterns, and textures available today that can complement your decor or become the focal point for the bathroom. 16. New Faucets: Updating your kitchen and bathroom fixtures can give those rooms a much needed update and most are easy to install yourself, no plumbing experience necessary. 17. New Knobs on Cabinets and Doors: They seem like small things, but the knobs on your cabinets and doors can change the feel of your home. Maybe you have brass and you want a brushed steel look. Or you've got those crystal knobs from the 50's and you want something newer. They don't cost a lot but the little change can spice up your house. 18. New Towel Rods: Try changing out the towel rods in your bathrooms and kitchen for a quick lift. 19. New Artwork: Maybe it's time for some new family photos on the walls, or to better arrange what you already have. Maybe it's time to look for some new paintings or posters or to re-frame something you have and love. You don't have to get the works of the old masters; something you like presented well can change a room. 20. Plants: A well-placed, large plant can hide an ugly fireplace or unused radiator. Smaller plants with bright blooms or leaves add color to a room. Plants can match the mood you're trying to create, as well. Tropical plants make a room seem more Caribbean, while evergreens make it seem woodsier. Plants also improve the air in your home. We hope you find these tips helpful (and affordable) and that your home can be as unique as you!