Last Updated on January 21, 2025 by teamobn
Renovating your house doesn’t have to be extremely costly. You can completely revamp your living area without breaking the bank if you’re willing to get creative, use basic tools, and put in a little effort. In addition to being very affordable, do-it-yourself projects let you add a personal touch to your home. 
One of the many low-cost do-it-yourself restoration ideas we’ll cover below is how to paint engineered wood, which is a great way to give surfaces a new look without spending a fortune.
Contents
- 1 1. Freshen Up Your Walls with a Coat of Paint
- 2 2. Upgrade Your Flooring on a Budget
- 3 3. Transform Your Furniture with Paint
- 4 4. Revamp Surfaces by Painting Engineered Wood
- 5 How to Paint Engineered Wood
- 6 5. Add Character with DIY Backsplashes
- 7 6. Upgrade Lighting Fixtures
- 8 7. Create Custom Shelving and Storage Solutions
- 9 8. Update Your Kitchen Cabinets
- 10 9. Spruce Up Your Outdoor Spaces
- 11 10. Enhance Small Details for a Big Impact
- 12 Wrapping Up: DIY Renovations on a Budget
1. Freshen Up Your Walls with a Coat of Paint
One of the most affordable approaches for giving your house a make-over is painting the walls. Depending on your color choice, a fresh coat of paint can totally transform the mood of a room, making it appear brighter, larger, or cozier.
Tips for Budget-Friendly Wall Painting:
- Opt for neutral colors for a timeless appeal.
- Look for discounts or leftover paint at hardware stores.
- Invest in quality brushes and rollers for a smoother finish.
To avoid painting the entire room, try painting one accent wall a striking color or adding texture for a one-wall statement. Another option is wallpaper, but if you’re on a tight budget, consider purchasing peel-and-stick wallpaper.
2. Upgrade Your Flooring on a Budget
Changing up your floors doesn’t have to entail ripping up your old flooring and installing new ones. There are reasonably priced choices including:
- Vinyl Plank Flooring: Mimics the look of hardwood and is easy to install.
- Rug Overlays: Layer rugs to cover worn-out areas and add warmth to a room.
- Painted Concrete Floors: If you have concrete floors, painting them is a creative and inexpensive way to breathe new life into the space.
3. Transform Your Furniture with Paint
Paint your existing furniture to make it appear new instead of buying new ones. A fresh hue can make anything from a dining table to chairs to a dresser look stylish and modern.
For a matte finish, think about using chalk paint; for smaller pieces and complex motifs, use spray paint. Apply a protective coat to seal your painted furniture to enhance durability.
4. Revamp Surfaces by Painting Engineered Wood
To give your furniture, floors, or accent walls a new look without breaking the bank, try painting engineered wood. As a composite material, engineered wood can be hard to work with; however, with the right tools and skills, you can achieve incredible results.
Why Choose Painting Over Replacement?
Replacing engineered wood surfaces can take time and money. Painting them is a reasonably cheap substitute that lets you match their appearance to your own style. Furthermore, by repurposing previously used materials, it lessens the impact on the environment.
How to Paint Engineered Wood
Although learning how to paint engineered wood seems difficult, following these guidelines makes it a less complicated process:
- Prepare the Surface: Start by cleaning the surface thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, and grime. Sand lightly to create a smooth base for the paint to adhere to.
- Prime for Success: Apply a high-quality primer designed for engineered wood. This step is crucial for achieving a long-lasting finish.
- Choose the Right Paint: Use acrylic or latex paint for best results. Opt for colors that complement your home’s interior design.
- Seal the Surface: Once the paint has dried, apply a clear sealant to protect the surface from scratches and wear.
5. Add Character with DIY Backsplashes
A simple yet impactful do-it-yourself backsplash will help improve bathrooms and kitchens significantly. A low-cost alternative that looks much like real ceramic or glass tiles—peel-and-stick tiles—are a breeze to install.
If you’re feeling adventurous, think about designing a stencil pattern or painting an old backsplash to create something original. The general look of your space could be much improved by these small changes.
6. Upgrade Lighting Fixtures
The ambiance of a room is largely influenced by the lighting. Replace old light fixtures with reasonably priced substitutes include wall sconces, pendant lights, or hand-made lamp shades.
Pro Tip: To lower energy expenses and improve brightness, use LED lights. If you’re handy, repurpose old items like wire baskets or mason jars to create unique lighting structures.
7. Create Custom Shelving and Storage Solutions
Clearing and arranging your area will help it seem bigger and more inviting. Create your own shelves or storage spaces out of cheap plywood or recycled wood.
Apart from its practical use, floating shelves provide living rooms, kitchens, or bedrooms a modern touch. Stain or paint them to fit the look of your house.
8. Update Your Kitchen Cabinets
Although replacing kitchen cabinets might be costly, painting them will give your kitchen a modern, fresh look for just a fraction of the cost. To guarantee a good result, follow the same techniques advised for painting engineered wood.
To improve the appearance even further, you could change cabinet hardware including handles and knobs. Choose brushed nickel or matte black finishes to portray minimalism.
9. Spruce Up Your Outdoor Spaces
It is also important to take care of your outdoor spaces. Here are some affordable ideas to improve your outside areas:
- DIY Planters: Create planters using recycled materials like tin cans or wooden crates.
- Outdoor Seating: Build a bench or refurbish old patio furniture with weather-resistant paint.
- Lighting: String lights or solar-powered lanterns add a cozy ambiance to any outdoor space.
10. Enhance Small Details for a Big Impact
Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. Consider these quick fixes:
- Replace outdated doorknobs and switch plates.
- Add decorative trim or molding to windows, doors, or ceilings.
- Frame mirrors with painted wood for a custom look.
Wrapping Up: DIY Renovations on a Budget
Doing some house improvements doesn’t have to break the bank. These low-cost ideas will help you save money and reduce waste while transforming your home effectively and efficiently. Every renovation, from painting engineered wood to changing light fixtures, gives your house value and character. The opportunities are limitless whether you’re giving your walls a makeover or reviving an old piece of furniture. Apart from saving money, do-it-yourself projects let you design a place that captures what you like best.
