Upgrading your space to be brighter, tidier, and cozier doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive — take it from the experts. When they hear “home upgrades,” most people see dollar signs, but upgrading your space so it’s brighter, tidier, and cozier doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive — take it from the experts. To find the best-looking, smartest home upgrades you can make, Mic.
com got in touch with interior designers, home stagers, and licensed realtors. And the best part? These home improvement professionals shared their tips and tricks under $35. 01 A storage bench for your entryway “Transitional spaces, like entryways and hallways, often get the short shrift when it comes to both design visual design elements and functional ones,” says Kathy Kuo, founder & CEO of .
“Take a look around and see whether you could add a hutch or a .” This one is made from bamboo with two shelves and a bench top. Despite its compact size and affordable price, it can support up to 300 pounds.
02 A set of furniture sliders so you can rearrange your space with ease “When maximizing design efforts, focus on high-traffic areas like the living room and kitchen. These spaces set the tone for the entire home and are often where people spend the most time,” says Elissa Hall, founder and lead designer at . “Upgrading lighting fixtures, adding a fresh coat of paint, or even rearranging furniture can make a significant impact without breaking the bank.
” This set of includes discs for both hard surfaces and carpet — and they come in so many shapes and sizes, whether you need to move a loveseat or a kitchen table. For hard surfaces, like wood floors, use the felt sliders to avoid any scuffs or scratches. For moving furniture on carpet or a rug, use the smooth plastic discs to minimize resistance.
03 These cable management boxes that minimize visual clutter “I am a massive fan of cable management boxes,” says Bree Steele, interior designer and trade accounts manager at . Steele recommends these specifically because they’re inexpensive and “neatly contain wires, helping make a space look [cleaner], but also [taking] away the eyesore of different colored cables in a living area.” 04 This modern switch plate with an LED night-light “Swapping out old hardware on cabinets and drawers, updating light switch plates, and adding new throw pillows or rugs can refresh a space with minimal effort,” Hall notes.
With this , you can add a more streamlined look to your space, plus the convenience of a built-in night-light. The easy-to-install switch plate is available in three neutral colors, as well as in rocker and toggle styles. 05 This bed caddy that keeps your essentials within reach “For a bedroom, a bed caddy will help organize your smaller items and keep them in arm’s reach,” says Steele, and this has a flap that slips underneath a mattress or couch cushion.
Its various pockets accommodate all of your essentials, including phones, tablets, remote controls, books, and glasses — and it has an opening for charging cables. 06 This sleek over-the-door organizer for kitchens & pantries Steele also recommends this for kitchens and pantries because it “increases your storage space and helps you declutter.” It’s also a lot more aesthetically pleasing than your average rack.
Each tier has a mesh window and built-in support to accommodate more weight than competing designs, while the elastic side pockets work well for bottles and bags. 07 Some rattan trays that add warmth & organization to your space “Natural material accents are becoming more popular,” says Steele, and these “are great for adding warmth and organization to living spaces.” They come in a set of three, and their shallow-basket design works well for everything from vanity-top toiletries to tablescape utensils and decor.
08 This macrame table runner that looks more expensive than it is According to Steele, “Macrame decor is also getting more popular, with hanging macrame art and table runs making a home feel more welcoming.” This comes in ample colors and sizes, but the delicate cotton-blend weave makes it look significantly more expensive than it is. 09 A colorful doormat that sets the stage for a welcoming home “The mat by the front door sets the mood when you arrive home,” says Joy Aumann, licensed realtor, interior designer, and co-founder of the at Compass.
“Consider a colorful or for an inexpensive welcoming touch.” Made from low-pile coco coir fiber, this recommended option adds a burst of uplifting color while still getting your shoes clean. 10 These sheer curtains that soften the space without darkening it “ bring softness and filter light nicely where bare windows stand out,” says Aumann.
This set is made from especially thin polyester, which warms up your windows and sliding doors without darkening the space. They also fit most curtain rods and come in various colors and sizes. 11 This mini ceiling fan for an affordable, easy-to-install upgrade According to Aumann, old ceiling fans are one of the fastest ways to date a room, but “upgrading to contemporary styles matching your tastes won't require much and improves airflow.
” This has a built-in light and installs without hassle by connecting the power cord and screwing it into a base outlet. It even comes with a remote control. 12 These inexpensive organizers to corral all of your cords “Visible cords around the house can distract from your decor,” says Aumann, who recommends these to “discreetly route them out of the way.
” The 192-piece set comes with all types of cord management tools, including cable sleeves, adhesive clips, tie rolls, and zip ties — all for less than $20. 13 These glass vases that look great with or without flowers “Flower vases don't always need flowers — unique sculptural styles elevate any space right away,” says Aumann. These recommended come in assorted designs and are made from thick glass with textured detailing.
You can also get them in tinted shades to add a hint of color to your tables and shelves. 14 Some versatile woven baskets that hide clutter better than see-through ones “Keeping clutter in check makes for an organized home,” Aumann says, and these “are versatile for corralling items” while also complementing most decor styles. They’re made from natural water hyacinth, come in several shapes and sizes, and have built-in handles so they’re easy to grab off the shelf.
15 Or these stackable seagrass baskets with lids Interior designer also loves baskets because they “do such a good job hiding your storage items.” Handwoven from seagrass, these are especially effective at camouflaging clutter due to their attached lids, which secure shut with a toggle tie. The set of three is also stackable to save space on shelves.
16 These fabric storage bins that keep things neat & tidy Baskets are “great for organizing” and setting up systems to keep things “neat and tidy,” according to West. Take these , for example; their lids hide clutter, their cotton rope handles make them portable and accessible, and their structured rectangular design helps you store everything from clothes and towels to toys and books. They even come with detachable labels so you can tell at a glance what’s inside.
17 This portable LED lamp that’s great for vestibules West adds that “a small nook or hallway that adjoins two larger spaces” are “often overlooked, but when you add a small drop spot and accent lighting, they make such a big difference in the coziness and completion of your home.” This is a great option for any vestibule, with or without outlets. It’s rechargeable, turns on with a tap, and comes in seven sleek finishes that complement the modern silhouette.
18 These chic throw pillow covers that give your couch or bed an instant makeover If you have some throw pillows that could use an update, are a good bet. They’re made of super soft rayon material that’s derived from bamboo, and they come in dozens of colors. And they’ve won over more than 25,000 shoppers on Amazon.
19 These magnetic shelves that create storage on your fridge “For tidiness, I often work on maximizing the vertical space for storage,” says Floss Kelly, interior designer and co-founder of . “It helps keep countertops and floors clear and gives any room a tidier appearance.” These make use of an unexpected spot: the side of your refrigerator.
They’re a great size for spices and condiments, and each one supports up to 8 pounds with its damage-free magnet. 20 Add modern hardware to your cabinets “In a recent project, we replaced outdated brass knobs with sleek matte black ones and saw an immediate improvement in the overall aesthetic,” Hall explains. “These small changes can modernize a space without requiring extensive renovations.
” These come in three finishes, including the modern matte black option featured here. Available as a set of 10, each piece includes the needed hardware plus an optional backplate, so you can customize the look to your preferences. 21 These acrylic shelves with a clean, minimalist style “Adopting a minimalist approach to decor can help maintain a cleaner look and feel,” Kelly says.
And it doesn’t get much more minimalist than these . Their transparent design goes with any color scheme or decor style, and they’re great for toiletries in the bathroom, spices in the kitchen, decor in the hallway, and more. 22 These gold-brushed switch plates that make an impactful statement “Light switch plates are always overlooked but can add a subtle but impactful design element,” says Kelly, who recommends upgrading to something that better suits your taste.
These come in a huge selection of cut-outs and sizes to fit all kinds of outlets and switches. Even though they’re relatively affordable, their brushed-gold finish instantly elevates a space. 23 A glazed ceramic bowl for artisan style without the price tag “Handmade vases or decorative bowls add an element of uniqueness and craftsmanship to your space,” says Kelly.
“They can serve as a focal point on dining tables or shelving units, bringing in texture and subtle color variations." This has a free-form edge that creates an artisan-style vibe without the price tag — and the brand makes vases and plates, too. 24 A floor basket to stash toys, books & throw blankets “I am a big proponent of floor baskets for stashing items like kids' toys and books, extra throw blankets, and more,” says Kuo.
This is made from a cotton-polyester blend with handles for portability. You can get it in four sizes and seven color options. 25 Or this large under-$30 basket that further hides your clutter with a lid “Floor baskets tend to be reasonably priced and can function as a standalone decor piece on their own,” Kuo adds.
Take this , for example. Its two-tone design doubles as an accent piece, while its included lid keeps all of your clutter fully hidden. When not in use, it folds flat for easier storage.
26 Some stylish nesting coffee tables to boost surface space Nikki Lo, designer and founder of , loves nesting coffee tables because they maximize surface space in a stylish way. “I have a set in my own home and I love that you have plenty of options as to how you configure them, including placing them apart from one another if you need tables close by in more than one part of your living room,” Lo says. These have a clean, mid-century-modern design with bamboo legs that lend some warmth.
27 This fabric bins that take advantage of under-the-bed storage "I always recommend investing in smart storage solutions,” Hall says, and these are the perfect way to maximize existing space so you can reign in unwanted clutter. Available as a set of two, the fabric bins have a structured design, with reinforced handles and clear, zip-around tops so it’s easy to pull them out and see what’s inside. 28 This versatile shelf set for more cupboard storage Another smart storage solution: these , which come as a set of two with slightly varied sizes.
Available in two width options, each piece can be used on its own, stacked, or configured in an L-shape. And you can choose from six designs, depending on which colors best suit your space. 29 Some throw pillows that warm up your space with texture “Lately I'm loving natural textures like rattan or linen that add coziness to a space,” says , an interior designer, home stager, licensed realtor, and a senior contributor at Momooze.
These are a quick and easy way to warm up a room with texture, and these are made from a striped cotton-linen material with a cozy fringe around the edges. 30 This peel-and-stick blacksplash that comes in modern subway tile designs “There are several affordable gems on Amazon that I frequently use,” says Hall. “One favorite is the set of stick-on subway tiles, which can be used for a quick and easy backsplash upgrade.
” comes in your choice of three colors — white with black grout, green, or black — and they have a flexible design that’s easy to cut to size for quick installation. 31 These Velcro cable clips that “make a world of difference” “I can't tell you how many times I've walked into a space and my eye goes straight to a tangle of cords behind the TV,” says Hinds, but cheap upgrades like these “make a world of difference.” They come in a set of 150 and their varying sizes help you organize everything from thick wires to small charging cables.
32 These storage baskets that make it much easier to speed-clean “For keeping tidy, baskets are my best friend,” says Hinds, who recommends these to make remotes and random clutter look more intentional. Place them around the house and they make it so “easy to stash clutter when the doorbell rings. A 10-minute speed clean before bed does wonders too,” according to Hinds.
33 Some adhesive hooks that create visual interest while keeping surfaces clear “My favorite tidying hack is using decorative hooks to keep things off surfaces. They create visual interest while keeping spaces clean,” says , who has a B.Arch in architecture from The Academy of Art University and is the in-house interior design expert at .
One idea are these are made from stainless steel, and they install in seconds with a strong adhesive that can support up to 23 pounds each. 34 These reusable cord straps with built-in labels Reviewers also “ ” these , which are a “great way to organize all of the cords lying around.” The reusable hook-and-loop design not only comes in various lengths to fit most cord bundles (from charging cables to vacuum hoses), but each one has a built-in tab so you can label all of your stuff.
35 These textured throw pillow covers that come in nearly a dozen colors “Another great find [on Amazon] is the variety of decorative throw pillow covers, which allow for seasonal updates without the cost of new pillows,” Hall says. These small touches can make a big difference in the look and feel of a room.” These corduroy add visual interest and coziness through their textured design, and they come in a range of colors to work with your existing palette.
36 This peel-and-stick wallpaper that’s easy to DIY “One of my favorite renter-friendly hacks is using removable wallpaper,” Hall says. “It's an easy way to add personality and style to a space without causing any damage.” For an option that’s easy to work with, this comes in several soothing colors and has a textured look that can add a bold pop.
When you’re ready to remove it, it won’t leave any sticky residue behind, according to the brand. 37 An under-sink organizer with a roll-out drawer To make sure things go flawlessly when installing peel-and-stick wallpaper, opt for a kit , which comes with all the tools you need for pain-free application. It includes items like squeegees to remove air bubbles and a knife with replaceable blades for precise cuts.
38 A chic turntable tray that’s an aesthetic way to keep things in reach According to Bellajdel, “Often overlooked spots like [...
] bathroom counters can make a huge difference when styled thoughtfully,” and you can “declutter bathroom counters with chic trays.” This is sleek, modern, and has an unexpected feature that boosts its functionality: It’s actually a lazy Susan turntable, so you can more easily access your toiletries and perfume. 39 Or this vanity tray made from genuine marble Another way to update your counters? You can also opt for this , which is made from genuine marble to elevate your soaps, cosmetics, cleaning supplies, and decor.
It’s also dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup and reviewers wrote that it’s “ ” — especially for the price. 40 A stylish storage stool that disguises your clutter “Multipurpose ottomans with storage are also great for reducing clutter,” says Bellajdel, and this is more stylish than most. Its tapered metal legs and pleated velvet upholstery give it a high-end feel, while its high-resilience foam is comfortable when used as a seat or footstool — and it can support up to 220 pounds while giving you a place to stash your stuff.
41 A modern metal side table that folds away when you don’t need it “I believe in mixing organic and modern elements to add depth and character to a space,” Hall says. “For example, pairing a sleek metal coffee table with a plush, textured rug can create a harmonious blend of styles.” This is the perfect accent if you want to add a minimalist metal touch as a counterbalance to more textured elements.
It has a lightweight design with a small footprint, yet it can support up to 88 pounds — and the top can be removed to use as a tray. 42 This faux fur area rug that adds a cozy touch For a piece that adds an organic feel to contrast with modern touches, this is a simple yet impactful addition. It comes in an assortment of dimensions and is also available in more vibrant colors, if you want to add a bright pop to a room.
43 Some new cabinet pulls for an easy, elegant update “Old cabinet knobs or pulls that have seen better days are an easy update. Swapping them for sleek black hardware sold in mixed packs won't break the bank,” says Aumann, who (if you prefer color) also recommends these . They come in an assortment of different shades that give them an elegant, handpainted feel, and your order includes all the necessary hardware for installation.
44 These mirror tiles that add light & glamour on the cheap “Mirrors, especially dramatic statement pieces, open space visually and add glamour," says Aumann — all while remaining surprisingly cheap. These come in tons of shapes, sizes, and multipacks, so you can get creative with your design. They’re also easy to install with the included foam adhesive stickers, and the frosted edge makes them more durable.
45 These unique brass pulls that look like flowers “One of my favorite, easy upgrades is changing hardware,” says Taylor Lewis-Costa, owner of . “Whether that be on cabinets, drawers, or doors, changing hardware makes an immense impact.” Lewis-Costa recently worked with these in the shape of a flower, which are both pretty and practical at the same time.
46 A plant stand that adds welcoming warmth to an empty corner “Another simple, beautifying hack is utilizing plants in corners near windows,” says Lewis-Costa. “Plants instantly elevate a room while also adding a welcome dose of comfort.” To help smaller plants fit the space and stand on their own (literally), try a .
This bamboo option makes a statement with its mid-century-modern design and is adjustable to accommodate most pots between 8 and 12 inches in diameter. 47 A 3-piece vase set in tiered heights “I often follow the rule of three, which helps create balanced and visually appealing designs,” Hall says. “This involves grouping items in sets of three to create a cohesive look.
” This is an easy way to employ this design principle. It features a modern mix of bamboo and white ceramic and includes three vases in staggered heights for a varied yet unified look. 48 A modern shower head with a luxurious rainfall-style flow “New cabinet hardware, light fixtures or [shower heads] can refresh spaces without high cost,” notes Nick Chatzigeorgakis, interior designer, renovator, and founder of NYC-based design-build firm .
Swapping out an old shower head for a modern rainfall option like can make a big impact. It combines an adjustable angle with high-pressure for a spa like experience, and it comes in six attractive finishes. 49 These decorative farmhouse book stacks with cute phrases “Some of my favorite items are these ‘ ,” says Bech.
Made from cedarwood and available in a few farmhouse-inspired designs, they’re “great for filling empty shelves or accenting side tables,” plus “they provide personality and visual interest through colors, fonts, and motifs." 50 Some abstract art prints for an incredible price are one of Bech’s “favorite contemporary trends,” and this set of four (available framed or unframed) helps you achieve the mid-century modern look for a great price. They come in various coordinating patterns in all different sizes, but they’re all printed on semi-gloss paper using UV-resistant ink and shipped with chipboard to prevent creasing.
51 “Under $35, natural fiber baskets and trays keep things tidy,” says Chatzigeorgakis. This decorative tray comes in a generous 12-inch size and is the perfect spot to add decorative accents on a countertop, entryway piece, or dining table. It’s made of beautiful acacia wood and features felt pads on the base to help protect your surfaces.
52 Or a rustic basket woven from seagrass If you like an earthy vibe, too, this is another great option, whether you use it for a potted plant or as a place to stash mail. This rustic pick has an irregular shape with handles on each side. Made from seagrass, it measures just 8 inches tall, so it’ll fit easily into a variety of spots.
53 Some neutral throw pillow covers in the same color family Courtney Wollersheim, interior designer with , recommends looking for “ with a texture and mix of neutral, nature-inspired shades like beige, gray, brown, cream, terra-cotta or olive.” She advises choosing a mix of shades, explaining, “The key is for the pillows to be different colors but in the same color family.” This set of four throw pillow covers fits the bill.
They have a soft, chenille-like texture that not only feels soft to the touch, but adds dimension to your bed or sofa, as well. 54 This wall sconce with a design-forward aesthetic Wollersheim says, “You can also find small sconces or flush-mount light fixtures on Amazon that are affordable, functional and design focused. These are easy to swap out yourself and can be changed as your tastes do.
” This has chic matte black hardware and a clear glass shade that’s perfect for showing off an Edison bulb. Uniquely, you can install the sconce so the shade opening is facing either up or down — your choice. Try it next to your bed, in the bathroom, or above your favorite reading chair.
55 The floating shelves that help you bring in natural design elements “Bringing in some type of natural element into any space is so crucial to a room feeling finished and pulled together and a rule I like to implement in any home. This can be done with floating wood shelves filled with green houseplants, a wood slat wall in a dining room, to a wool area rug in your primary bedroom,” Wollersheim explains. To achieve Wollersheim’s advice, install these in any space that needs storage or decor, say — the kitchen, living room, or bathroom.
Made from wood, they come in a range of sizes and wood finish shades, so it’s easy to find a set that blends in with your existing design scheme. 56 The faux potted plants for displaying on those aforementioned shelves To complete Wollersheim’s recommendation, pick up this set of . Boasting a 4.
7-star overall rating after 14,000 reviews, they have a true-to-life look that adds a natural, green touch wherever you place them — to follow Wollersheim’s advice, try using floating shelves as a display. 57 A rug that softens & personalizes any space instantly “Area rugs are a design hero for renters (and homeowners) to personalize, warm, and soften their spaces without breaking rules of their lease,” Wollersheim says. In fact, she advises placing multiples around your home: “Use a runner for the entry and kitchen, then place one in your living room and bedroom too.
” This is an ideal pick because it’s easy to launder (just throw it in the wash) if it gets dirty. It has medallion-print design with a faded, distressed look for a vintage aesthetic. Choose from a range of colors.
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