Hey there, home improvement enthusiasts! Are you feeling armed and ready to jazz up your space but worried about the greenbacks? I’ve got you covered! It is all about creating a magazine-like look for your home without costing an arm and leg.
Therefore, if you want a contemporary home renovation that won’t demolish your wallets, congratulations! You are already one of us. We will dish some low-cost tips for transforming your home into a contemporary masterpiece. So here comes the makeover roller coaster; buckle up!
Revive Outdoor Furniture
Let’s talk about something usually ignored in the whirlwind of contemporary home renovation these days – your outdoor furniture. Yeah, you heard right! Those patio chairs and tables weathered can indeed become new again. And no, you don’t have to be Bob the Builder or hire an expensive patio contractor for this.
Start by sanding the wood if it looks weathered or has an old finish. Use 150-220 grit sandpaper and wipe off any particles. For refinishing, opt for spar urethane to preserve and protect the wood. Simple cleaning, painting, and new cushions can work wonders for non-wood furniture. As a last resort, a mixture of bleach and water can revive old decor.
Buy Used Art
Okay, now let us discuss something that can bring a wow effect to your contemporary home renovation — purchasing used art. Yep, you heard it right. This does not mean, however, that art for sale entails spending huge sums of money on a brand-new piece.
Interested in used art? Absolutely! Art carries a story, and a piece’s history can uniquely flavor your space. Online markets like Etsy and Chairish offer a variety of artful decor and photography. Local talents on websites like A2AC Online Shop provide regional artists’ works, supporting the local art community. If you’re on a budget, eBay and Facebook Marketplace are great for affordable art, and you can negotiate prices. Consider pre-owned pieces for a valuable art investment, certified by a professional appraiser.
Reuse Old Cabinets
Let’s switch topics and discuss a great hack for contemporary home renovation: reusing old cabinets. The discarded pieces can add character to your new space. For example, your outdated kitchen cabinet can become an elegant coffee station with just a bit of paint and a few hooks. Not into coffee? No problem. You can turn those cabinets into an elegant sideboard for displaying favorite items or extra storage.
And with a fresh coat of paint, it will fit into your contemporary home theme. Even old cabinets from the garage can be repurposed for new homes, providing extra storage. Want to get creative? Transform that old cabinet into a dartboard for a unique, fun touch!
Okay, let’s make a brief side trip. Have you heard of dental cabinet sales before? They are antique furniture, usually full of drawers- suitable for keeping assorted knickknacks. And guess what? Repurposing your old kitchen cabinets could replicate these unique and delightful pieces. You only need to put a few more shelves or compartments into your personal storage system.
Install a Backsplash
Now, let’s talk about a backsplash that can work wonders from the point of view of adding so much excitement to your contemporary home renovation. Yep, you heard it right. What tiles have you been looking at in the local tile store? They may be the ideal final touch to your kitchen or bathroom.
First, you need to prepare your layout. For instance, the way you tile your backsplash can determine its aesthetics. Regardless if you choose a timeless subway pattern or herringbone design, it is important to ensure the tiles are not out of sync with the rest of your room.
And to the details: applying glue. This may appear intimidating, but it is actually very simple. Just remember, less is more. You don’t want unappetizing beads of glue oozing between your tiles.
After your glue is established, it’s time to start doing business. It is time to start gluing those tiles, each pressed directly into the adhesive. And remember to allow room for the grout.
Now, this next bit is essential — cutting your tiles. You may have to do this to fit around outlets or if you want the borders of your backsplash fleshed out. Just go easy, and you will be okay.
Last but not least, the last touch — grout. This fills in the crevices between your tiles and secures everything so nothing is lost. Just be sure to remove the extra before it dries.
Get New Shutters
Here’s a game-changer regarding your contemporary home renovation project – new shutters. Yeah, you heard it right. Those aged and worn-out shutters could benefit from a sign replacement, and I know where to find them. In fact, you need to know that shutters aren’t merely functional; they make a statement on your home.
For instance, consider The Home Depot. This dwelling is a treasure in the form of outer shutters. From classic to contemporary designs, they’ve got something to suit every style. It is like a sweet shop for the do-it-yourself home improvement lovers.
However, if you are after something more personalized, try Decorative Shutters. They provide various custom interior shutters to make your home stand out. And also Window World. These people provided styles from colonial to craftsman styles. Moreover, they offer arch top and transom local custom shutter variants that fit your home’s style.
Feeling adventurous? Why not try ShutterContractor.com. They have looked up and down to locate affordable yet quality exterior shutters. It is almost like having a personal shopper.
However, what if you’re a vinyl fan? No worries, mate. For vinyl window shutters, Larson Shutter has you in mind. Pure minimalism and maximum charisma – what’s not to like? Last but not least, Dogberry produces X Shutters of all possible window sizes to get a rural touch. They will even provide you with installation guides and all necessary hardware when ordering.
Find Vintage Decor
Okay, let’s talk about an issue that may bring a certain old-times charm to your modern house renovation – collecting vintage decor. Yep, you heard it right. The dusty old bits hidden away in antique shops? They can be the ideal finale for your house.
First of all, let’s talk about Chairish. This online warehouse has antiques, art, and high-end home decor with vintage appeal. It is like browsing in a virtual flea market.
However, what if you’re looking for something distinctive instead? Be sure to visit Centered, Inc., which has a carefully curated selection of vintage pots with wood t sub-stools and clay vessels from artisans around the globe.
And as for Etsy. Their vintage category includes wall art, table linens, and vases. And the best part? Each item is over 20 years old to preserve the antique essence in your house.
Urban Americana also becomes a source of vintage decor. The mid-century modern decor and furniture in their warehouse in Southern California can completely transform your house into a stylish living space.
Another site on a budget is Viyet. They provide used designer furniture and decor at a fraction of the retail price. Finally, let’s cover those vintage signage. These old relics can provide a vintage look to your new contemporary home renovation project. Whether it’s an old gas station sign or a retro advertisement, these items can be quite striking.
One of the sources for these treasures is Antique Farmhouse. They offer a variety of vintage decor, such as wall art and rugs. Amazon is also home to various vintage decor, including an antique sign. Whether it is French country decor or a farmhouse gallery, Amazon has got you covered.
Install Interesting New Lighting
Let’s switch it up and discuss innovative lighting replacement as an innovating factor of your contemporary home renovation. I promise you that swapping the old-style fixtures for something fancier will completely change your space.
To start with, I would like to discuss recessed lighting. These infants inhabit your room with a dramatic feel because they light from above the place. It’s like having the spotlight on your house.
So, if you are not into the “secret light” side of things, how about LED strip lights? They are versatile, energy-saving, and super cool. In addition, some of the best options on the market are from companies such as Govee, Phillips Hue, and Nanoleaf.
But I do not want to talk about low-profile LED lamps. These are a real game changer, especially in the kitchen. They serve like miniature agents of light, lurking away under your cabinets.
Suppose you’re a renter or don’t want to go through the hassle of an extensive installation process. In that case, there are good approaches that do not require outlets, plugs, or hard wiring. YouTube channels such as Julie Khuu give a plethora of renter-friendly lighting solutions.
On to the nitty-gritty – installation. This is where the electrician enters the picture. While some lighting changes can be DIY’d, bringing in a pro for anything major is always best. Talking about the pros, do not forget to evaluate your lighting effects on video quality. This lighting setup is essential if you’re a vlogger or video conference from your home often.
Add Floating Shelves
Let’s make a few changes to the game and discuss an interesting improvement for your contemporary home renovation project: the addition of floating shelves. Yeah, that’s right. These gorgeous and sophisticated wall-mounted varieties can take your home design quite a notch up.
The first shout-out goes to Home Depot. This location is a treasure trove for DIY lovers, and their post on setting up floating shelves is handy. It is like having a handyman at your beck and call.
However, should you want something more unusual, why don’t you try the Washington Post guide? They unmask the mystery of magical floating shelves through rods, which get slotted into holes drilled on their back edges. It is like magic on your walls.
And do not forget about Sawmill Creek’s post. They recommend making a hole in the drywall and installing a support. From my point of view, that is really good advice.
Quora is another great resource. Their user community provides tips on attaching floating shelves to concrete walls. It is akin to having an entire team of professionals at your disposal.
Apartment Therapy’s review of the High & Mighty Modern Floating Shelf is also worth considering. They divide the installation procedure into three simple steps. It’s as simple as pie. Last is the site called Bigger Than the Three of Us. They suggest using a stud finder to mark where the shelves should be set. It is like the ability to see through your walls via X-ray.
Refinish Your Hardwood Flooring
Let’s revolutionize your contemporary home renovation by sanding the hardwood floor. Start with a thorough cleaning, then use a drum or belt sander, followed by an edge sander for tight spaces. Polish to level off scratches and finish with a coat of polyurethane for a brand-new look. However, if you are not a part of the DIY movement, there’s always hired help. On average, they will bill between $3 and 4 per square foot for hardwood floor refinishing.
Add a New Coat of Paint
Here’s a crowd-favorite for your contemporary home renovation — painting! First, let’s discuss color selection. We’re talking about shades that will make your walls lively. Soothing yet stimulating tones, including earthy colors and pastels, will be the trend in 2024.
However, if you feel daring, why not go for something bolder? Go for deep blues or vibrant yellows on a single wall to wow your guests. Moving on to the practical side – preparing your walls. This step is about creating a nice canvas for your work of art. A little sanding, a bit of cleaning, and voila! You’re good to go.
Next, primer. A quality primer will ensure that your paint looks better and lasts longer. So don’t skip this step. Finally, apply the paint. Each method has advantages and disadvantages, but the goal is equal distribution. Of course, you should also consider hiring painting contractors. If DIY is not your cup of tea, these pros will do the job quickly. Simply review their reviews and request a few quotes before deciding.
And that’s it! I’ve guided you through some of the best yet affordable ways to spice up your home. These modern home upgrade suggestions aim to make enormous changes without breaking the bank, ranging from repainting for a fresh coat to re-staining those hardwood floors. Remember, whether you do it yourself or hire professionals, the most important thing is to enjoy your party, whatever nature chooses on the day.
