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Rich Van Heertum, PhD

13 Cheap Upgrades You Can Do on Your Own


Martha Stewart recently suggested 13 DIY projects that you could do for under $100 that can markedly improve the aesthetics of your home. Here they are:


1. Paint your front door or the floor (this also pays off if you decide to sell in the future)

2. Install lights in the closet (it adds a touch of class, and makes it easier to find that perfect outfit)

3. Go thrifting or upcycling to accent your home with interesting artwork or upgrade your furniture.

4. Update the knobs and pulls on your kitchen cabinets. This simple project really improves the look and feel of a space you likely spend a fair amount of time in.

5. Ground your space with a rug. While rugs can run into the thousands, you can find better deals during sales, in thrift shops or at Facebook Marketplace

6. Add trim or molding to your walls. Generally, you would add these in the same color, but one expert suggested a darker or lighter shade can be a lovely accent to a room.

7. Replace bathroom accessories like the towel bar, toilet paper holder and hand towel rings/hooks. It is surprising how a nicer version of these simple fixtures can provide a real upgrade to the look of your water closet. Adding baskets or shelving can also be a great way to level a bathroom up without the expense and time associated with a refurbishing.

8. Install a programmable thermostat. I did this myself after we bought our place last year and it really is a worthwhile investment. The only real challenge is getting the tiny colored wires into the right slots, but it’s well worth the effort.

9. Seal your deck. This not only improves the look of a wood deck (if you have one), but can seriously extend its lifespan.

10. Upgrade your light switches with dimmers. Soft light is a great way to not only improve the look of your home, but for convenience and to save a few bucks on your energy bill. Enhancing with smart lightbulbs can go even further toward modernizing the feel of your home.

11. Incorporate greenery. Plants aren’t as popular as they used to be, but they truly are a great addition to most homes if chosen and situated effectively. And you can often find nice options at pharmacy or grocery store.

12. Add a gallery wall. Like many of these options, it depends on your aesthetic sensibilities, but a gallery wall can be a great way to personalize your home while creating a spark for conversation.

13. Upgrade your doorbell and mailbox. Curb appeal dramatically improves your chances of selling your home more quickly for a higher price, but it also makes it nicer to come home. A nice mailbox makes a great first impression and an upgraded doorbell does the same, while potentially offering more security and convenience when a package or visitor arrives.


Sometimes the little things make a big difference and any of the 13 suggestions above can go a long way in improving the comfort and appeal of your home while providing you with the satisfaction and pride of creatively doing the job yourself. On top of that, many will increase the value of your home if and when you do plan on selling in the future.

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