"When I’m itching to give my home a fresh look, my mind immediately goes to big-ticket updates like buying new furniture or installing new light fixtures. I’ll dive headfirst into fantasizing about all the changes I want to make, but when I actually start shopping around for those things, the sticker shock shuts down that line of thinking real quick. The thing is, I don’t really need to spend hundreds of dollars revamping my whole home when a few simple upgrades would satisfy that itch for much less. Sometimes, it’s less about the big changes and more about the small touches that make your everyday life feel a little more luxurious and put together. Even if you don’t change anything else about it, these easy home upgrades will instantly elevate your space (for $20 or less).
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1. Update your throw pillow covers
Throw pillows can be a fun and affordable way to refresh a room, but if you like to switch things up often, storing the extras can be a huge pain. The next time you want to update your sofa or bed, keep the pillow inserts you’ve got and simply swap out the covers. You can find tons of affordable options from retailers like Amazon, and they’re so easy to swap out with the seasons or whenever you’re craving a fresh look.
2. Disguise tissue boxes with covers
Even if you buy the ones with pretty designs, tissue boxes are still just printed cardboard, which can be kind of an eyesore in an otherwise well-decorated space. For a more polished look, disguise those standard boxes with a chic cover. This helps the tissue box blend into your decor instead of sticking out and adds a little touch of luxury that elevates the design.
3. Hide cords with baskets
Nothing ruins a beautifully styled vignette like a jumble of cords jutting out from the wall. Cords from lamps and electronics can be such an eyesore, but they’re often easy to disguise with a little creativity. One of my favorite ways to hide cords in plain sight is with a basket. Choose one with an open weave or cut-out handles so you can poke the cord directly through the basket, hide the excess cord length inside, and run the plug end through the other side. This trick also works for concealing bulkier items like power strips or your Wi-Fi router.
4. Corral clutter with trays
Some clutter is unavoidable, but the key is to make those items appear purposeful. One of the easiest ways to do that? Corral them with a tray. This trick works especially well with things like remotes and coasters on the coffee table or keys and sunglasses by the door. Adding a tray gives those items a home and serves as a unifying element, transforming an assortment of random items into a pulled-together vignette.
5. Download printable art
Downloadable prints are one of the best hacks for affordable art. You can find tons of gorgeous options for just a few dollars apiece, then just print whatever size you need using a service like Mpix. It’s a super affordable way to fill up a gallery wall or update some existing frames with fresh art.
6. Replace cool lightbulbs with warm white
If you want your home to feel cozier and more inviting, swapping out your lightbulbs is one of the easiest home upgrades you can make. Bright white, cool-toned lights can feel way too harsh and sterile, so consider changing out those bulbs for more mellow, soft white lightbulbs. Pay attention to the Kelvin value on the packaging—this refers to the color temperature of the light, with higher numbers meaning cooler, more bluish-toned light. For a warm, cozy look, grab some 2,700K lightbulbs to swap in for your lamps and fixtures.
7. Display fresh flowers in a vase
There’s a reason why you almost always see fresh flowers in photos of professionally designed homes. It’s a simple trick that adds color and freshness to your home, and it doesn’t have to cost you more than a few dollars. Grab an inexpensive bunch of flowers on your next grocery run and plunk them in a vase to give your home an instant pick-me-up.
8. Replace old plastic switchplates
Most homes and apartments come equipped with those basic white plastic plates around the light switches and outlets, which, besides being pretty boring to look at, can get dirty and discolored over time. Luckily, swapping those out requires only a screwdriver and about 30 seconds of your time. Consider switching it up with wall plates in a fun shape, contrasting color, or vintage-inspired design. It’s a simple home upgrade that can bring you a little joy every time you flip the lights or plug something in.
9. Use refillable soap dispensers
It’s time to stop buying those single-use plastic hand soap dispensers. Your sink area will look so much classier with a glass or ceramic dispenser you can refill (plus, it’s better for the environment anyway). Choose one that matches the other finishes in your kitchen or bathroom to tie the room together and make washing your hands feel a little fancier.
10. Make your bed every day
I hate to break it to you, but making your bed every morning really is a valuable habit to get into. It takes less than a minute but makes a big difference in how your home looks and feels. By making your bed as a part of your morning routine, you’ll start the day feeling more put together with a space that looks immediately tidier (even if the rest of your room is a bit of a mess).
Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor
Jessica Friedhoff is the Senior Lifestyle Editor at The Everygirl, where she oversees the Home & Living category of the site. She writes and edits stories across a broad range of topics including decorating, food, entertaining, travel, and more. With a pulse on the latest trends, she uses her eye for detail and design to create timely, inspiring content for our readers.