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Home renovations often require a big budget, months of planning, and a team of contractors to achieve the results you want. But thankfully, some home upgrades don’t require a significant investment of time or money. Often, it's those tiny yet meaningful design choices that breathe new life into a space, making it more functional, beautiful—or both. From elevating a piece of tired old furniture to adding color to a room, home design and renovation experts share the best home upgrades you can do for under $100.

01 of 14

Paint Your Front Door

Credit: Courtesy of Behr

If on your early evening walks you always admire the neighbor down the block who painted their front door a striking, bold red, why not follow their lead? Painting your front door a vibrant color is a cost-effective way to boost your home's curb appeal instantly and requires just a small amount of time, says Danielle Elderkin, the co-founder of Reloved Cabins. 

15 Paint Colors for Your Front Door That Make Your Home More Inviting

02 of 14

Revamp Your Floors

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Getty Images

If your floors are looking worse for wear, there are a few ways you can elevate them without breaking the bank. "Maybe your floors can’t be refinished again, and you want to change it up," says Ami McKay, creator of PURE Design. "A charcoal gray and white checkerboard pattern is popular, or try a whitewash so you can still see the character of the wood underneath. Embrace the patina and character!"

03 of 14

Install Lights in Closets

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JazzIRT / GETTY IMAGES

Though you may not have the square footage for an oversized closet and dressing, installing lighting in a closet looks (and feels) high-end, says Jane Stoller, a productivity and organizing expert. "Many closet makers and designers also place lighting above the wardrobe that will activate once the door opens. It might seem pricey, but you can actually add motion-sensor strip lighting to your closet that is easy to install for under $100 and doesn’t require wiring," she says.

6 Expert-Approved Tips for Organizing a Deep Closet

04 of 14

Go Thrifting

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Sara Ligorria-Tramp; Design: Emily Henderson

Not only is thrifting a fun weekend activity, but it’s also a playful and creative way to upgrade your home for pennies. Enhancing your living space with new artwork is an effortless and economical way to refresh its ambiance. "Scour thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, or garage sales for budget-friendly vintage pieces," says Elderkin.

15 Things You Should Always Buy at the Thrift Store, According to Design Insiders

05 of 14

Upgrade Cabinet Hardware

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athena-calderone-kitchen-0219

Completely renovating your kitchen is a multi-month project that costs thousands of dollars. However, replacing old, outdated knobs and pulls on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities can tremendously elevate the room's overall aesthetics for far less. “You can choose modern or vintage styles based on your preferences and the existing decor,” says Philippa Radon, a paint design and color expert for C2 Paint. “This upgrade enhances the look and adds a personalized touch to your space.”

10 Ways to Upgrade Your Kitchen Without Renovating It

06 of 14

Ground Your Space With a Rug

Credit: Julie Soefer

A rug is one of the best ways to infuse a space with warmth, character, and style. "I’m especially partial to vintage-inspired rugs that feel like they weave in a sense of history, character, and warmth into a room," says Heather Goerzen, the design director at Havenly. "They feel simultaneously elevated and effortlessly chic." While rugs are usually investment pieces, many affordable (and chic) options exist. The trick is to follow sales, scour thrift stores, and check out Facebook Marketplace.

07 of 14

Add Trim or Molding to Walls

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Sara Ligorria-Tramp; Design: Caitlin Higgins

If you have some DIY spirit and are handy with a saw, installing applied molding to your walls is an inexpensive way to add character and interest without much cost. "We love adding moldings in entries or primary bedrooms to frame out sconces, mirrors, artwork, or even headboards," says Ashley Macuga, a principal designer at The Collected Interiors.

Don't be afraid to experiment with your trim. "Most of the time, moldings are painted the same color as the wall, but I wouldn’t feel constrained by the norm," she says. "Use a shade or two darker or lighter to increase the molding's impact."

08 of 14

Replace Bathroom Accessories

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Lennart Weibull

Even if you're still waiting for the Victorian clawfoot tub of your dreams, there are plenty of ways to add a little personality and style to your bathroom. Try replacing the towel bar, toilet paper holder, and hand towel rings or hooks with more luxurious options. "Many secondary baths were built with brass plumbing and accessories; you can do a beautiful mixed metals look by replacing with black or go all in and do matte gold," says Lee Crowder, the national director of design and model experience for Taylor Morrison. "The options in bath accessories are modern, fit so many design aesthetics, and are also really functional."

09 of 14

Install a Programmable Thermostat

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Not all home upgrades are beautiful—some are designed to make life easier or help your home run more efficiently. "Programmable thermostats offer the flexibility to set different temperature schedules based on the occupants' daily routines," says Stoller. "This ensures that the home is only heated or cooled when necessary, reducing energy waste. By adjusting the temperature according to occupancy patterns, homeowners can save up to 10 percent on heating and cooling costs annually, making it a budget-friendly upgrade with long-term benefits."

The Best Thermostat Temperature for Your Home in Summer and Winter

10 of 14

Seal Your Deck

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Thomas Archive

Many homeowners forget the importance of caring for their deck, especially if it’s wood. “Decks take the brunt of mother nature,” says contractor Eric Marie. “Without being maintained regularly, the deck's life is shorter, costing you more money in the long run.” Sealing your deck is an inexpensive way to extend and preserve the life of your outdoor oasis without much elbow grease. "Not only will your deck look great, but it may last twice as long, saving tens of thousands of dollars," he says.

How to Paint a Wood Deck the Right Way

11 of 14

Install Dimmable Light Switches

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Getty Images

While bright, overhead lighting might be ideal for some of your space, softer lighting can make a big difference for more private or intimate areas. That’s why Hayley Kidd, a design expert from Freemodel, suggests upgrading standard light switches with dimmer switches to create ambiance.

"Dimmer switches allow you to control the brightness of your lights, and it will create the perfect atmosphere for different moods," she says. "For around $20 per switch, you can enjoy the adjustable lighting in bedrooms, living areas, bathrooms, and so on."

12 Living Room Lighting Ideas That Set the Perfect Ambience

12 of 14

Incorporate Greenery

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Sara Ligorria-Tramp

Adding plants brings the serenity of nature into your home. “Plants boost mood, reduce stress, filter air, and enhance your aesthetic,” says Kat Christie, a licensed carpenter, handywoman, and DIY expert.

You can create a living wall with shelving, opt for a large potted plant or tree that serves as an eye-catching statement, or just pick a few to scatter around the spaces you spend the most time in.

14 Easy Houseplants Anyone Can Grow

13 of 14

Create a Gallery Wall

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Stephen Johnson

Adding art to your walls can be transformative, and it doesn't have to be expensive, simply source frames from thrift stores, yard sales, or discount stores, says Radon. "Curate a selection of prints, photographs, or even fabric pieces that represent your style and arrange them on a large wall space," she says. "A gallery wall adds character to a room and becomes a focal point that sparks conversation."

32 Wall Décor Ideas Designers Swear by, From Hanging Plates to Oversized Artwork

14 of 14

Up-Cycle Old Furniture

Credit:

Courtesy of BEHR

Give old furniture a new lease on life through up-cycling. "Hunt for secondhand or thrift store finds, such as an outdated wooden dresser or a worn-out chair," says Kidd. "With a small budget, you can purchase sandpaper, paint, and new hardware to transform these pieces into personalized gems. Experiment with different paint colors, techniques, and finishes to achieve your desired look."