Does your house look tired and dated when pitched against those in your neighbourhood? Is the envy eating you from inside because you know your finances won’t cooperate for the home makeover you desperately want? It’s time you stop drooling over those picture-perfect Instagram homes and build yourself one instead! Roll up your sleeves for some groundwork. Here are some thrifty ways to update your interior space: 

Get that purple door- paint your door with a fresh colour

If your entrance door shows signs of ageing, it might be time to repaint it. It is best to take up this task in sunny to moderate weather – it helps the paint dry faster. You could choose a fresh pop colour that stands in contrast to the surroundings. Start by applying the primer and cover the door thoroughly with it. When the primer dries, use a paintbrush for any trim work or detailing that needs to be done. It’s time now to dip the roller in the colour of your choice. Allow it to dry.

Add potted plants to corners of the house

Greens liven up your living space instantly. Also, fresh air free of pollutants never hurt anyone. Proven to be mood enhancers and creativity boosters, indoor plants are never heavy on the pocket. Book yourself a weekend nursery visit and pick succulents like the snake plant, money plants of varying sizes, a pothos for its beautiful trailing vines and palms to spruce the porch or patio. Wall-mounted plants are great for apartment dwellers or those who are limited to small spaces. Don’t forget to add a splash of green to your bathroom with a jade succulent. 

Replace/Repaint the doorknobs

You will have to loosen up your purse strings a lot to get all doors changed. We suggest choosing the more accessible and cheaper way – refashion the doorknobs instead. The drill is to clean the knobs (or handles), sand them, prime them and paint them. Black knobs have become trendsetters. They look classy and survive daily assaults of water and sun well.

 Add edgy mirrors to your living space

Want to double your space without a hefty home loan? Just buy yourself mirrors with edgy frames and place them on the largest wall of the room, and you are good to go. When kept opposite or next to a window, Mirrors increase the amount of natural light cast into the room. Don’t hold yourself from experimenting with the frame’s shape and style. An unusually shaped mirror adds the x-factor to your otherwise average interior. An ornately carved frame doubles up as a decorative piece for your home and could become the focal point of attention too.

DIY moulding for the vast, custom look

Crown moulding is an easy DIY way to give your home the facelift it needs. It doesn’t cost a fortune and is a massive upgrade from your existing space. To add a dramatic effect to your room, use a wide trim to transition between your wall and ceiling. If you want to keep it minimalist and modern, keep the trim narrow. All homes have baseboard trims too. They accentuate the living space and can be experimented with as well. To draw attention to it, choose a colour in stark contrast to the wall; deflect it keep it subdued.