Looking to refresh your home without the hassle and mess of a full renovation? Believe it or not, no-demo projects can make a big impact (and serious ROI) in a short period of time without drowning upfront expenses. From new hardware to clever paint tricks, these updates prove that sometimes, the simplest changes can make the biggest difference.
1. Update Cabinet Hardware
Honestly, always our #1 when moving into a new apartment or house. Small details like new knobs and pulls can create a surprising difference in a kitchen, bathroom, or home office, especially when choosing modern or vintage-inspired styles that complement the rest of your home decor.
- Cost: $50–$200 depending on style and material
- Tools and Materials You'll Need: Screwdriver, measuring tape, and replacement hardware; a drill might be necessary if you need to make new holes, but we try to avoid it.
- Timeframe: 1–2 hours
2. Add Peel-and-Stick Wall Tiles
If your kitchen or bathroom is looking tired, peel-and-stick backsplash tiles can add texture and color in just a few hours. These tiles are easy to install, come in a wide range of styles, and (mostly!) can be removed without damage if you know what you're doing. From subway tile patterns to bold geometric designs that mimic the look of ceramic tiles, the quality of these products has come a long way in the last decade. They’re perfect for renters or anyone craving a quick transformation. While praised for being "temporary," they'll last for years in your space.
- Cost: $2-10 per square foot depending on tile choice
- Tools and Materials You'll Need: Utility knife, ruler, and peel-and-stick tile, denatured alcohol and paper towels (for cleaning the surface for best application)
- Timeframe: 2–8 hours
3. Refresh the Walls with a New Coat of Paint
A new color can add whatever you need in your space. Warmth, a bold accent, a neutral backdrop, if you want it, you can get it (and paint is relatively inexpensive). You can focus on walls, trim, or even cabinetry to get a new look that reflects your style. Paint is one of the most affordable and impactful ways to refresh a space without extensive prep work.
- Cost: $30–$100 per gallon of paint (we like a latex satin paint for walls, but use alkyd enamel if you're targeting cabinetry)
- Tools and Materials You'll Need: Paint, brushes or rollers, painter’s tape, drop cloth
- Timeframe: 4–8 hours depending on room size and amount of detail
4. Swap Out Light Fixtures
Replacing old light fixtures is an easy way to modernize your space. Consider fixtures that align with the style of your home, from sleek industrial designs to vintage-inspired chandeliers. (Bye, boob lights.) Not only can a new fixture add visual appeal, but the lighting style can also impact the mood and functionality of the room, especially in kitchens where you might need better task lighting, or in your main living areas.
- Cost: $50–$500 depending on fixture style
- Tools and Materials You'll Need: Screwdriver, wire connectors, electrical wire tester, new light fixture (plus, know how to turn off the circuit for the room in your home)
- Timeframe: 1–2 hours
5. Install New Window Treatments
Curtains, blinds, or shades can refresh a room’s style, add privacy, and even help control light and temperature. We especially love a smart shade that integrates with our other smart home tech to improve energy efficiency and security. From floor-to-ceiling drapes to bamboo shades, there are countless options to complement any decor style.
- Cost: $40–$400 depending on material, style, and tech integrations
- Tools and Materials You'll Need: Measuring tape, drill, and hardware
- Timeframe: 1–3 hours
6. Refinish Your Front Door
New paint or stain is another quick upgrade we like for the entryway. Make a statement or lean into a timeless look that aligns with your home's design. If nothing else, it'll make you happy every time you come home.
- Cost: $20–$100 for paint or stain
- Tools and Materials You'll Need: Paintbrush or roller, sander, primer, and paint or stain
- Timeframe: 4–5 hours
7. Upgrade Faucets and Shower Heads
These fixture upgrades make a big difference, especially if the old faucet and shower heads are damaged or stained by hard water. A new faucet can transform a dated sink, and modern shower heads also offer better water flow.
- Cost: $30–$200 depending on model and brand
- Tools and Materials You'll Need: Wrench, plumber’s tape, and replacement fixtures
- Timeframe: 1–2 hours
8. Install Floating Shelves
Floating shelves are a popular option for storage anywhere in the home. They add visual interest to walls, and offer practical storage potential. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's directions, because the last thing you want is a saggy or uneven shelf. Use brackets if you doubt the quality of your floating shelf product; unfortunately, there are some doozies out there that are only good for storing small tchotchkes.
- Cost: $20–$150 per shelf
- Tools and Materials You'll Need: Level, drill, screws, and shelf brackets if needed
- Timeframe: 1–2 hours
9. Apply Wallpaper or Wall Decals
Add personality to any room by using peel-and-stick wallpaper or removable decals. We've used peel-and-stick wallpaper throughout small rooms in our home with ease — specifically, for an accent wall in the bathroom, and to cover the back of our front door. Decals are great for some spaces (we use them for kid's bedrooms and playrooms). These days, there's a huge variety of colors and styles available for sale, so it's easy to find something you'll like.
- Cost: $30–$100 per roll of wallpaper or set of decals
- Tools and Materials You'll Need: Utility knife, ruler, and wallpaper adhesive (if needed)
- Timeframe: 2–4 hours
10. Paint Your Cabinets
Transform your kitchen or bathroom cabinets with a fresh coat of paint or gel stain as an alternative to replacing them or renovating your floor plan. I won't pretend that this is an "easy" project by any means — it definitely requires a lot of prep work — but as far as painting projects go, you'll be happy you did it.
- Cost: $100–300 for paint and supplies
- Tools and Materials You'll Need: Sandpaper, tacky cloths, alkyd enamel paint, high-adhesion primer, polyurethane, paintbrushes, and roller
- Timeframe: 3-5 days, due to prep, time for primer to dry, and time for paint to dry.
11. Deep Clean the Grout Between Tiles
Over time, grout can start to look dingy. When was the last time you really tackled it with deep cleaners to lift stains? It can make a big difference in kitchens, bathrooms, and anywhere light grout was used throughout your home. (Try not to be horrified when you see how bad it was.)
- Cost: $20
- Tools and Materials You'll Need: Cleaning agents, steamer, sponge, bucket, toothbrush, rags
- Timeframe: 2–3 hours
12. Add Crown Molding
Installing crown molding is a fantastic way to give rooms a finished, polished look. Whether you prefer a classic, ornate style or a sleek, modern design, crown molding adds architectural interest in an incredible way.
- Cost: $50–$300 depending on material and room size (we recommend getting more 20% more material than you think you'll need)
- Tools and Materials You'll Need: Miter saw, level, nails and a pneumatic nail gun, and molding
- Timeframe: 4–12 hours, depending on the complexity of the room
13. Upgrade Outlets and Switch Plates
Simple but effective! Updating outlets and switch plates can bring a room into the present, especially if they’re mismatched or outdated, dirty, or painted over haphazardly. Three words: Big. Aesthetic. Payoffs.
- Cost: $2–$15 per plate or outlet
- Tools and Materials You'll Need: Screwdriver, new switch plates and outlet covers
- Timeframe: 30 minutes–1 hour
14. Enhance Flooring with Area Rugs
An area rug is arguably the best way to add warmth, color, and texture to any room. They're great layered over hard floors or existing carpeting, and with a variety of styles available at a full range of price points, it's not hard to find one that fits your budget.
- Cost: $50–$750 depending on rug size and quality
- Tools and Materials You'll Need: Area rug and rug pad (we recommend it for hardwood floors)
- Timeframe: 15–30 minutes
15. Replace Shower Curtains and Bath Mats
Sometimes, a fresh shower curtain and bath mat are all it takes to give your bathroom a new look. Going crazy? Get new towels for the towel bar, too. Whether you choose darker colors or a luxe neutral color, new textiles can make your bathroom feel updated in minutes. Expecting guests? This is one of the best ways to help your space feel maintained and clean.
- Cost: $20–$100 depending on style and quality
- Tools and Materials You'll Need: Shower curtain, curtain rings, and bath mat
- Timeframe: 15–30 minutes
