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People Who Flip Homes Swear By These Cheap Tricks To Make Any Room Look Good
The best secrets for a better-looking home.
Giving your home a little refresh doesn’t have to mean dropping thousands of dollars on new furniture and expensive updates. Focusing on the little details can make a huge difference, turning any room from blah to impressive in just minutes. To find out exactly how to make any space feel more stylish and new, I turned to the experts: people who flip homes for a living. They shared their tricks on how to make a room look good almost instantly, without spending too much in the process.
1Add Stylish Throw Pillows To Elevate Your Living Room
Danny Colacicco, founder and CEO of Panda Pro Home Buyers, says, “Modern home decor offers an effortless way to revamp the look and ambiance of your home” — and new throw pillows are one way he recommends refreshing your space. This round pleated cushion features a soft, velvet-like feel and interesting texture, instantly sprucing up an old couch. It’s available in various hues to add a pop of color to the space.
2Use An Accent Rug To Make The Space Feel Fresh
Don’t underestimate the power of a good accent rug — it can “bring a fresh and updated vibe to any room in your house,” Colacicco says. This vintage-inspired runner rug is a great choice. It’s available in a variety of shades and sizes, so you can pick what you want depending on where you’re going to put it down.
3Modernize The Room With A Budget-Friendly Photo Collage
Colacicco says wall art is another way to quickly refresh your home, and this set of collage picture frames is a budget-friendly option. Available in colors such as beige, black, and gold, the 12-piece set includes 4 by 6-inch frames for family photos or photography. It’s an easy way to make a room look better while adding a personalized touch.
4Use A Snuggly Throw Blanket To Make Your Living Room Cozier
“Enhance the comfort and warmth of your living space by adding soft throw blankets,” Colacicco says. This faux fur blanket is inexpensive and super soft and cozy, with a reversible design — one side is shaggy and fuzzy, while the other is smooth and silky. Toss it over your couch, a chair, or on your bed to make the room instantly feel more inviting.
5Create An Inviting Atmosphere With Scented Candles
Incorporating decorative scented candles can help create a space where people instantly feel relaxed. “These small touches can go a long way in making your house feel like a home,” Colacicco says. This candle comes in a modern ceramic container and features an earthy sandalwood scent. It’s small enough to be placed pretty much anywhere, adding coziness and color to otherwise boring spaces.
6Update Your Old Throw Pillows With New Covers
Colacicco recommends new throw pillows, and you can instantly update the ones you already own by replacing the pillow covers. This popular set has earned more than 5,000 five-star ratings on Amazon and features a textured design that adds interest to your space. Choose from multiple sizes and colors such as beige, mustard yellow, sage green, and more.
7Use A Plant Stand To Incorporate Vibrant Greenery
Colacicco recommends adding “a variety of plants such as succulents, herbs, or small potted trees to bring life and freshness to any room.” To house all of that vibrant greenery, opt for this tiered plant stand. It’s made from eucalyptus wood and neatly holds at least seven plants in the corner of any room. Easy to assemble, the shape can be adjusted to suit your needs.
8Take Advantage Of Self-Watering Pots To Make Plant Care Easy
Want to add plants to your home without all of the responsibility that comes with them? Try potting them in these self-watering planters. Once filled, these deliver a steady stream of water into the soil, keeping your plants hydrated for days at a time without over-watering. Available in several colors, these give you one less thing to worry about and look great.
9Create Ambiance With Dimmable Light Bulbs
Focus on lighting to make your home look more expensive without spending a lot. “Layer your lighting with lamps and dimmers to create a buzz that builds,” suggests Jordan Woolf, CEO of the real estate investment firm We Buy Houses In Bama. These dimmable LED bulbs are a great replacement for your old bulbs, with three adjustable brightness levels to give lots of light or something more soft and cozy.
10Install Under-Cabinet Lighting To Create A Soft Glow
Instead of relying on one overhead light, follow Woolf’s suggestion to layer lighting with these under-cabinet lights. The cordless design and stick-on adhesive backing make them super easy to install and they give off a warm white light that helps your space feel welcoming. They’re battery-powered and easy to control with a simple power button.
11Add An Accent Color To Your Doors
When it comes to painting your interiors, Woolf says, “Neutral tones with an accent on a door are usually more inviting.” This chalk-style paint comes in more than 50 colors so you can choose the perfect accent shade. It has a primer and top coat built in, speeding up the painting process, and it dries to a matte finish within 30 minutes.
12Clean Your Windows To Allow Natural Light Inside
Woolf advises against a dark, shadowy house, suggesting you take advantage of as much natural light as possible. In other words, he says, “The windows need to be washed.” This squeegee window cleaner tool makes that task easier, with a long extendable handle and four different cloths to gently clean any surface. The rotating head helps you get into every crevice.
13Hang Sheer Curtains To Let Light In While Maintaining Privacy
Aside from keeping your windows clean, you also want to make sure the curtains let light in. These sheer curtains get the job done and still offer a bit of privacy. Lightweight and gauzy, they have a breezy look and are easy to install. “The soft color brightens up our home and the sunlight just makes the curtains feel so welcoming,” one shopper raves.
14Avoid Clutter With Decorative Storage Pieces
No matter how beautiful your decorating is, it will be upstaged by too much clutter. “Put away anything you don’t need,” Woolf says. This woven basket comes in several sizes and is an easy way to add storage to a room without a lot of closets or shelving. It has a soft removable liner and a lid to keep contents contained, along with carry handles that make it very portable. Plus, it folds flat for convenient storage when not in use.
15Keep The Room Tidy With A Storage Ottoman
Functional decor, like this storage ottoman, is another great way to avoid a messy space. This stylish option is durable, offering a great spot to put your feet up in the living room. The top is also a lid that comes off, giving you hidden storage space for small pillows, blankets, toys, and more. When not in use, it can fold flat so it doesn’t take up unnecessary space.
16Keep Items Out Of Sight In Under-Bed Storage Bags
Make the most of your storage space with these under-bed bags that are slim enough to fit under most beds (or maybe even couches) and have a secure zipper to keep everything clean. The transparent top makes it easy to see what’s inside and the handles allow you to easily grab them when needed. This is a great way to stow extra clothes, shoes, blankets, and more, without adding to any clutter.
17Create A Focal Point With A Large Art Piece
A photo collage is a great way to show off multiple pictures, but if you want to create one focal point, Woolf recommends displaying just “a single spectacular print or artwork.” This highly rated customizable canvas print is an inexpensive way to turn your favorite photo into an impressive work of art and is available in several sizes.
18Save Money & Mimic A Renovation With Stick-On Tile
This vinyl peel-and-stick tile has the look of real subway tiles without the price tag and it’s so easy to apply. “Without requiring extensive remodeling work, these can give a kitchen or bathroom a quick makeover by adding a more contemporary aesthetic,” says Sebastian Jania, owner of Ontario Property Buyers. They’re lightweight and water-resistant, so they work well even in a bathroom, and they have a 3-D effect for a more realistic look.
19Switch Up Your Floors With A Simple & Budget-Friendly Trick
Peel and stick tile isn’t just for walls — this stick-on floor tile is another example of an inexpensive and easy way to get that just-renovated look. It has a marble checkerboard style for a classic yet modern look that will instantly change the vibe of any room. Water-resistant and easy to wipe clean, this durable faux tile is easy to apply thanks to the strong adhesive backing.
20Give Your Cabinets A Refresh By Swapping Out The Handles
If you’re bored with your cabinets but can’t spring for new ones, simply update the hardware instead. These stainless steel pulls come in a pack of 30 and are a budget-friendly, durable option that looks stylish. “Modern styles can be used to quickly update the appearance of obsolete kitchen or bathroom cabinet hardware without requiring a complete makeover,” Jania says. They’re available in several colors such as black, bronze, gray, and even pink.
21Replace Your Toilet Paper Holder With This Modern, Functional Option
Cabinet handles aren’t the only hardware you can replace, especially in the bathroom. This stainless steel toilet paper holder offers a fresh look that can even match new cabinet handles, with enough space for extra large rolls. And it can do more than just hold toilet paper — the top features a shelf with space for your phone or other small items. A powerful adhesive backing makes this simple to install as well.
22Upgrade Your Bathroom With A Rainfall Showerhead
Another way to update bathroom hardware? This rainfall showerhead, available in finishes like gold, chrome, matte black, and bronze. It features high-pressure water jets that get you clean and make your shower feel more spa-like. The anti-clogging nozzles are another plus for easy cleaning.
23Create Storage Space With Floating Shelves
"Adding floating shelves in bathrooms, kitchens, or living rooms gives homes more storage and display space,” says Matt Vukovich of Matt Buys Indiana Houses. “They’re affordable, easy to install, and give rooms a modern, airy look while increasing functionality.” This set of three is durable and can hold up to 33 pounds each, with a raised edge to prevent anything from falling. Choose from white, black, and rustic brown in three sizes.
24Use Cube Shelves For Versatile Storage
For another floating shelf option, consider these cube shelves. With two large cubbies, these are great for holding various items and can be used with fabric baskets to hide clutter. Available in various colors, you have the option to hang them on the wall or use them on the floor — they’re stackable to create the look of a bookshelf as well.
25Make The Entryway Welcoming With A Stylish Doormat
This doormat can be used inside or outside and is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. “A stylish and durable weatherproof doormat is a simple but effective way to make the entryway more welcoming,” says Vukovich. This one is waterproof, very absorbent, and helps capture dirt and dust from shoes. It’s easy to clean and has a nonslip backing so it won’t budge.
26Use An Organizer To Keep Your Entryway Tidy & Set The Tone
Vukovich says a welcoming entryway can “give the impression that the home is well cared for, and sets the tone for the cleanliness and upkeep of the interior.” One way to make a good first impression is to keep things tidy with this entryway organizer. It has a modern design, with space for mail, sunglasses, and more, as well as five hooks for keeping keys, hats, and other small items within grabbing distance as you walk in or out the door.
27Create An Accent Wall With Inexpensive & Easy-To-Apply Wallpaper
“A bold, patterned peel-and-stick wallpaper can transform a room,” Vukovich says. “It’s perfect for those looking to add texture or color without committing to paint or wallpaper glue.” This low-maintenance peel-and-stick wallpaper is inexpensive and comes in a pretty floral-inspired design with vintage vibes. It’s moisture-resistant, so it can easily be used in a bathroom or kitchen.
28Spruce Up Your Cabinets By Adding A Fun Patterned Liner
Vukovich also recommends freshening up closets and pantries with an accent such as this floral cabinet liner. It features a pretty daisy and leaf pattern, can easily be cut to size, and is wipeable for easy cleaning. Its nonslip surface helps keep objects in place and it comes with double-sided tape for a secure and simple installation.
29Make Your Home Feel More Modern With USB-Friendly Outlets
"Swapping out basic electrical outlets with USB-equipped ones makes a home feel more modern and tech-friendly,” Vukovich says. Not only is it impressive to guests, but it’s also convenient for you. This USB wall outlet is easy to install and offers one USB-C and two USB-A ports (along with two regular wall sockets) for charging multiple devices at once.
30Add Remote Control Wall Sconces For A High-Tech Touch
Another way to make your home feel high-tech is to add these wall sconces. They’re rechargeable, dimmable, and offer three color temperatures. They also have 360-degree rotation so you can get a stream of light wherever you need it, and the light itself can be removed from the wall mount and used as a flashlight. And even more convenient? They work with a remote control that allows you to adjust the settings even when sitting down.
31Use Stackable Shelves To Organize Cabinets & Countertops
“Declutter countertops, shelves, and closets to create a sense of spaciousness,” recommends Dr. Kenneth Sesley, founder of Top Ranked Home Buyers. One way to do that is with clever organizers, like these space-saving shelves. They add height to any cabinet shelf or countertop and are stackable for neat storage space. The wood and metal design is aesthetically pleasing and durable — a win-win.
32Declutter Any Closet Or Room With Convenient Storage Bins
These transparent plastic storage bins offer another easy way to declutter because they’re so versatile. They’re deep enough to hold everything from clothing and shoes to snacks and canned goods, so they’ll work in basically any closet or pantry. Side handles make them easy to move around and they’re stackable if needed.
33Make Closet Shelves Look Better With This Stackable Organizer
Open shelving in closets can lead to messy piles of clothing, towels, and more. This folding organizer is an easy way to make the space feel put together because it gives everything a contained home. It’s stackable and offers plenty of space for clothing, small accessories, and more, with an open design that makes it easy to see what you’re searching for. They can also slide out halfway so you can grab what you need without making a mess.
34Use A Sliding Bin To Create More Drawer Storage
Again, giving everything a designated home is an essential part of making your home look better. This sliding bin is meant to be placed at the top of a deep drawer, offering room underneath and keeping things more organized. It’s expandable to fit drawers between 15 and 24 inches and can be moved to grab whatever is underneath it.
35Keep Your Home Smelling Fresh With A Sleek Air Purifier
Unpleasant odors can have a major effect on a room's overall appeal. "Deep clean carpets, upholstery, and drapes, and use air fresheners or natural odor eliminators to create a welcoming atmosphere," says Sesley. To help remove odors and allergens, consider this sleek air purifier. It boasts three-stage filtration to remove impurities and runs quietly so it won’t disturb you. Plus, if you want to make the room smell even better, you can add a few drops of essential oil inside.
36Spray Pet Stains With An Odor Eliminator
Making your home smell great is a little more challenging if you have pets. This odor eliminator kit is a great way to get rid of old pet stains that might be stinking up your home. It comes with a citrus deodorizer spray that can be used on carpets, furniture, and more, as well as a UV flashlight that lets you spot every stain, even ones that are invisible to the naked eye.
37Use Adhesive Hooks To Hang Things Without Damaging Walls
“Command hooks are a game-changer when it comes to organizing and decorating your home,” says Keith Sant, founder and CEO of Kind House Buyers. “These adhesive hooks can hold up to several pounds and come off cleanly without damaging walls or leaving sticky residue. Use them for hanging pictures, keys, hats, and more.” This variety pack comes with picture-hanging strips, wire hooks, and wall hooks to cover all the bases.
38Add Rope Baskets To A Room For Easy & Attractive Storage
When it comes to improving the look of your space without spending a lot, Alex Locklear, a realtor and the founder of NC Cash Homebuyers, is a big fan of incorporating basic feng shui principles to “impact the energy and overall feel of a home.” Locklear says cluttered spaces can “create negative energy and make a home look less inviting.” To help minimize clutter, this rope storage basket is the perfect spot for stowing small items, throw pillows, and blankets to keep the rest of the room looking more put together.
39Reduce Cord Clutter With A Cable Management Box
According to Locklear, visible electrical cords can also diminish aesthetic appeal. This cable management box hides the clutter, with enough room for a power strip and multiple cables. The lid keeps everything contained and offers a convenient spot for charging devices, while notches on the sides allow cords to come out when in use.
40Hide Unsightly Outlets Without Eliminating Them Completely
Another way to hide cords and cables and improve the feng shui of your home is to use this outlet concealer. Ultra thin and sleek, it not only minimizes cord clutter but also makes it easier to push furniture against the wall. Once installed, it’s attached to a power strip that gives you three power outlets instead of just two. It also comes with a kit to keep the cord flush against the wall.